Don Iveson’s favourite teacher
Don Iveson is known as the charismatic, approachable city councillor representing southwest Edmonton. Iveson’s two terms on city council have helped define Edmonton as a place of civic-minded, creative and ambitious residents. Whether it’s been taking strong positions on controversial issues such as LRT expansion or serving as a vocal ally for youth and creative professionals, Iveson’s many achievements have made him one to watch. Next on the list is his candidacy for mayor of Edmonton.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Iveson attended Strathcona Composite High School, where his Grade 12 social studies teacher Craig Wallace made a lasting impression on the student who would become a big-city councillor at the age of 28.
“Mr. Wallace is one of those teachers who made citizenship cool, who made civics interesting and who fostered a classroom environment of genuine curiosity leading to discovery,” Iveson says.
Mr. Wallace’s teaching style was what inspired students. Iveson explains: “He led with short lectures and a lot of discussion and dialogue on the subject matter. Twentieth-century history was particularly memorable because he brought it alive and connected historical events together very richly with reference back to themes and trends that ran through history.”
Iveson admits he was a good student, but reflects that it helped build his confidence to have a teacher who pushed him to always strive for more.
“I could easily have coasted and got good marks, but Mr. Wallace knew I could do better and pushed me even harder. And he’d put me in my place if I was wrong. He wanted me to excel in a way that made me want it too,” he says.
Mr. Wallace is still a presence in Iveson’s life today and is currently volunteering for his mayoralty election campaign, going door to door talking to Edmontonians about why they should vote for the relatively young Ward 10 councillor, and his former student.
When asked what characteristics Iveson believes make a teacher successful, he replies that humility is important. “Mr. Wallace never took himself too seriously, and this made him approachable and human.”
Iveson adds that he believes approachability is a key quality for teachers to have in their tool kit; approachability is also a quality of a good leader.