Celebrating Years of Service: Andrea Wildeman’s 27 Years of Leading with Care
Andrea Wildeman has spent 27 years serving students and staff in the Abbotsford School District, first as a teacher and now as Principal at Dormick Park Elementary School. Over nearly three decades, the relationships she has built and the support she has received along the way have helped shape a career rooted in connection, care and lifelong learning.
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What has kept you in Abbotsford for 27 years?
I think it’s the people, for sure. I’ve made some really great connections, both as a teacher and an administrator. When you know who you can go to for support, who you can ask questions to, and how things work, it makes it a lot easier and more comfortable to stay. I’ve always found there is somebody who can support me.
Can you share a bit about your career journey?
I started my career in Abbotsford as a student teacher in 1998 at Sandy Hill Elementary. After that, I worked as a teacher and had a classroom at Aberdeen Elementary for 20 years, teaching Grades 4 to 7. Around 2020, my principal encouraged me to think about what I might want to do next, and I realized I had always wanted to go back and get my master’s degree. He shared information about a leadership cohort in Abbotsford, and that set me on a new path. Now I’m five years into administration, and I’m really loving it.
What has been your favourite memory in the district?
It isn’t just one thing. For me, it’s always the people and the students you remember over time. One memory that stands out is a student I taught for two years. He was a tricky student, but we built such a strong relationship. In my opinion, all kids are searching for connection. When you take the time to build that relationship, they know they are cared for.
What advice would you give to new staff?
Know who to lean on. There are so many supports in this district, and I would encourage new staff not to be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. I would also encourage them to get involved. There are book studies, after-school professional learning opportunities and many ways to grow. You just have to be willing to reach out.
What do you hope your legacy will be?
I hope my legacy is a feeling of being cared for and listened to. That is what I have always tried to do, whether I was in the classroom or working as an administrator. I hope the students and staff I have worked with feel that I listened, cared about them and supported them.