Academic and athletic opportunities at RDP helped alum prepare for a career

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) alum Jaycee Bourke is passionate about education.  

Even though she completed her Red Deer Polytechnic program in Winter 2023 Term, Jaycee returned to a classroom in September.  

"I am teaching Grade 4 at Oriole Park which is where I went to school," says Jaycee, who graduated with an RDP Bachelor of Education degree in June. "I found out that I received the job in mid-May. I was very excited."  

Throughout the month of July, Jaycee – along with three mentor teachers from Red Deer Public Schools and four other recent graduates from RDP's Bachelor of Education degree – worked with 69 Grade 2 students to grow their literacy skills at the 12th annual Reading College. 

This dynamic program focuses on advancing reading and writing skills for Grade 2 learners. As an initiative through the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools, Reading College was held at Red Deer Polytechnic, in collaboration with Red Deer Public Schools and several community organizations.  

These elementary school students were not the only ones who benefited from the month-long program.  

"It was a great experience. All the skills that I learned at Reading College will be used in my teaching career," explains Jaycee. "It was incredible to see the growth of these students in such a short period of time. I will remember these children for the rest of my life."  

Jaycee not only appreciated the opportunity to participate in Reading College at RDP, but also the ability to complete her Bachelor of Education degree in her hometown. 

"It was amazing to be able to stay in central Alberta for my schooling," says Jaycee, who graduated from École Secondaire Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in Red Deer. "We had a small cohort class of 37 Education students, so we became a tight-knit group. It is easier to form those close relationships at RDP rather than at a larger post-secondary institution." 

Learning to lead with RDP Queens Curling 

While studying at the Polytechnic, Jaycee was also a member of the Queens Curling team for four years, which also helped to prepare her for a career in education. 

As a student-athlete during competition

"Being a student-athlete at RDP was amazing. As a member of the Queens, I had many opportunities to work with others and volunteer in the community," says Jaycee, who was a 2023 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women's Curling All-Conference selection. "I developed my teamwork and communication skills, which are important when working with students and faculty. In the teaching profession, it is important to be able to collaborate effectively." 

Throughout her time at Red Deer Polytechnic, Jaycee was a leader on the Queens Curling team and within RDP Athletics. During the 2022/2023 season, she was a member of the Student-Athletes Advisory Council, which represents more than 170 Red Deer Polytechnic student-athletes who compete in seven sports.  

This council organizes academic, social and volunteer opportunities in communities for all RDP student-athletes. This past year, the Student-Athletes Advisory Council organized several events, including a Bleed Green Challenge to encourage blood donations and a Food Drive to support the Red Deer Food Bank. 

Even though Jaycee has graduated from the Polytechnic, she plans to share her curling knowledge and leadership skills with current student-athletes.  

"I've been asked to help coach the RDP Curling team this year," she says. "I am very excited to stay connected to the curling program and Red Deer Polytechnic." 

The RDP Curling team will begin the new season at the ACAC Fall Regional from November 24 to 26 at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre.  

2023/2024 Curling season