St. Mary’s alumni reflect on sustaining hope in the education profession
St. Mary’s University alumni Kevin Legare (BEd ’12) and Iriel Jaroslavsky (BEd ’16) returned to campus to speak candidly about the realities of teaching and the hope required to sustain a career in education. The event marked the second instalment of the Alumni Speaker Series.
Many enter the profession with a desire to shape the next generation and leave their classrooms better than they found them. Yet the demands of teaching continue to intensify. A fall 2025 Pulse Survey by the Alberta Teachers’ Association found nine in 10 teachers reported feeling overwhelmed by their workload. Drawing from their own experience, Legare and Jaroslavsky acknowledged those pressures while offering a message rooted in resilience and community.
“Hope is not looking at a real strain and calling it fine. Hope starts by telling the truth,” Kevin shared. “Hope is not optimism. Hope is enduring with responsible action.”
The presenters encouraged attendees to cultivate hope by listening to colleagues with intention, grounding themselves in community, and recognizing the importance of supportive leadership and affirmation in the workplace.
The lecture drew alumni, current students and education professionals from across Calgary. At the close of the session, guests were invited to reflect on what hope in education means to them. One attendee shared, “Hope is in seeing my students flourish decades later.”
While challenges remain in achieving sustainable work-life balance, the speakers emphasized the enduring impact teachers have in their communities. We hope that the Alumni Speaker Series will continue to provide a forum for graduates to share insight, experience and encouragement with the broader St. Mary’s community.