Before Oliver Norris can set his sights on his looming University of Calgary academic and football careers, he must first look even further into his future. 

In light of teacher shortages and ongoing strike negotiations, the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) has begun issuing letters they hope will retain and recruit more students to its teacher pool.

Wednesday, the CCSD presented Norris, a graduating high school student, with a letter stating that as long as he goes to university to become a teacher, passes his courses and succeeds at his practicum/student teaching placement, then he will be welcomed to the workforce with the CCSD.

Norris said he was honoured to be recognized as the first letter recipient, and his experience as a student within the CCSD has been a huge reason why he wants to get into education.

“Thank you for continuing to serve this district, and I’m truly honored to be a part of it,” Norris told CCSD trustees. 

The idea for the letter mimics commonly used post-secondary scholarships for things like athletics, fine arts and academics and extends it to a job opportunity.  It was brought to the district by Chief Superintendent Dr. Bryan Szumlas.

“I was reflecting upon the state of education in Alberta and recognizing that there is a teacher shortage (and thought) ‘how are we dealing with a teacher shortage,’” he said.

“Through some professional reading, I came across this article called the VIP treatment. I read about a school jurisdiction in Alabama that is giving out a contract to graduates within a school system, guaranteeing them a job.”

Candidate dependent, the CCSD will look to continue issuing letters of intent moving forward. 

Letter aside, the district is currently 40 teachers short for the upcoming school year. They could not detail the impact of an unfilled shortage, but did mention further hiring and recruitment strategies in a statement. 

“Hiring is an ongoing process. Currently, we have several open permanent and temporary teaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year, and we are working diligently to fill the roles,” the statement read. 

“CCSD advertises and seeks certificated teachers throughout the year through a variety of means, including job fairs, our Careers page and job boards. Anyone interested in being part of our growing school communities and building bright futures is encouraged to visit cssd.ab.ca/careers.”

Non-Catholic teachers may be hired by the district, but are unable to teach religion based classes.

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) declined to comment on the CCSD-issued letter, but said that their recruiting efforts continue throughout the year.

“We maintain strong partnerships with teacher preparation programs at both local and national universities to connect with graduating students and those in early practicum stages,” a CBE statement read. 

“Currently, all new graduates are required to complete our online application and screening interview process. This allows us to better understand their individual skill sets and how they can contribute to our organization.”

Norris inspired to teach by faith, family, and community

When Norris begins his post-secondary schooling this fall, he will be majoring in education with a secondary in social studies. Norris said that around the end of junior high, he knew teaching may be in his future.

“I’ve always loved to help people in some way. I feel like teaching is a great way to do that, because it’s just a great way to help people learn and help people grow in their lives in any way possible,” he said.

“I just love to help people get better at whatever they can get better with, and help them with any questions they have.”

Norris’ father Paul is an architecture instructor at SAIT. Norris said that having an educator in his life has shown that educators have a great impact on other people’s lives.

“I’d love to be able to have an impact on others and shape how they can have a positive benefit to society,” he said.

Faith-based education was a large part of Norris’ decision to pursue a teaching career, stating that it has taught him values like dedication and loyalty.

“Coming back to a district like this is something that just feels right because I’ve grown up in it my whole life, and it’s been something that’s treated me well. I’m hoping that I can contribute back to it any way possible,” he said.