Celebrating Years of Service: Joanne Congo’s 35 Years as an Education Assistant

For 35 years, Joanne Congo has helped students learn, grow and succeed as an Education Assistant, including 30 years at Chief Dan George Middle School.

Throughout her career, Joanne has provided the individualized support that can make an important difference for students, whether through extra help with reading and math, one-on-one learning or simply being a consistent and encouraging presence in their school day.

What drew you to becoming an Education Assistant?

I’ve always wanted to help kids learn, and being an EA gave me the opportunity to do that in a really direct way.

You’re able to work alongside students, support their learning and give them some of that extra help they may need.

What has kept you at Chief Dan George for so many years?

It’s an actual community.

I’ve been here for 30 of my 35 years. When Chief Dan George was an elementary school, I worked in the resource room, and when it became a middle school, I came back as a general EA in the classroom.

You make connections not just with the students, but with the staff and even with the building sometimes. It becomes part of your life, and it’s enjoyable.

I’ve just loved being here.

What have you appreciated about the role over the years?

One of the things I’ve appreciated is the schedule. I work from 8:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., and when the day is done, I’m able to leave work at work.

That flexibility has worked really well for me and has supported my family life over the years.

I’ve really appreciated all the workshops I’ve been able to attend through professional development and the opportunity to learn more about the job, including from teachers and other EAs.

It’s been a really good learning experience.

What are some of your favourite memories?

Some of my favourite memories are the days when we’ve been able to do activities with the kids and go on field trips. It gives you an opportunity to get to know them in a different way.

I’ve enjoyed nature walks, including trips out to Stave Lake, and going to Playland with the Grade 8 students.

Celebrating cultural days at the school has also been fun. I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about other cultures because of being at the school and being in the position that I have.

How do you think your work has impacted student success?

I’ve had a lot of students come back and thank me for helping them in an area where they needed some extra support.

Sometimes that means extra reading or math help, and for some students, that one-on-one support can be really beneficial.

Seeing students succeed because they had that little bit of extra help has been really rewarding.

What do you hope your legacy will be?

I hope that I was able and present to help the kids who really needed that extra little bit of help or that extra push.

I’ve also been here for a long time, and I hope that shows kids that you can stay somewhere, be successful and be happy doing what you’re doing.

Want the opportunity to make a difference for students alongside dedicated staff like Joanne? Apply today.