Catholic teachers share their ABCs of a great teacher

Oct. 5 is World Teachers’ Day.

Pope Francis has said “Teaching is a beautiful profession ... it’s beautiful because it allows us to see the people who are entrusted to our care grow day after day. It is a little like being parents, at least spiritually. It is a great responsibility!”

To recognize the dedication and hard work of Catholic educators, we asked local teachers to tell us about the teachers who inspired them. Here is what they told us. (Originally published in February 2020)

Sandra Reis, vice principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, came into my life just over a year ago. We met at Notre Dame Regional Secondary and she is an unbelievably supportive, kind, and dedicated teacher, colleague, mentor, and friend. In a time where I felt I was burning out, she reignited the fire and reminded me why I became a teacher. She pushes me to be better. She encourages me to try. She inspires me to learn. She’s genuine, honest, and just all-around awesome. Praise God for putting her, not only in my life, but also in the lives of her students, staff, and the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

— Lauren Citton, student resource and humanities teacher at Notre Dame Regional Secondary, Vancouver

When someone changes your life forever, you can never forget them. High school was undeniably one of the hardest and most challenging moments for me. Through it all, I owe much gratitude to Mrs. Erika Ullrich at Little Flower Academy. She may not have known at the time, but she was an incredible source of support for me. She had a big heart and always greeted me with a smile whenever I went to class or dropped by for a visit. Her classroom offered me a place of silent refuge. I am thankful for her utmost care and support during my last two years of high school. Her presence always gives me a sense of calm. It was these little pockets of joy that brought me a sense of belonging, a sense of acceptance. I hope I will be able to create that same space for my own students!

— Valerie Sin, Grade 3 teacher at Corpus Christi Elementary, Vancouver

I started Grade 5 at an all-boys Christian Brothers school in Sydney, Australia. It was 45 minutes from home and I did not know anybody. I was called to join the class of a serious looking, bearded man, whose reputation was tougher than the spelling of his last name. Mr. George Chmielewski was just as uncompromising as his reputation suggested. He quickly introduced us to Mr. Black – his barber’s strap – kept threateningly in the cupboard by the door. While I’m sure he never used it, the rumours persisted, and you couldn’t leave or enter his class without reminding yourself of the consequences that might be dealt out by a slighted Mr. C. Starting that year, some older boys from another school began picking on me on the train ride to and from school. They would steal my glasses, stomp on my feet, punch me, and kick me. One morning, following a bout of this unwanted attention, Mr. Chmielewski called me to his desk, as everyone else went out for recess. He knew something was wrong. I broke down and told him everything. That afternoon, Mr. Chmielewski caught the train with me. He had me point out the boys that had been tormenting me and he had a little chat with them. I don’t know what was said (or whether Mr. Black made an appearance), but I was never bothered again. Mr. Chmielewski’s genuine concern for his students has stuck with me, more than his reputation for being tough. I consider him the greatest teacher I have ever had and am sincerely thankful he chose to be an educator.

Brother Desmond Kelly was my Grade 9 English teacher (also in Sydney). He was the first teacher to help me see the inherent joy in learning. His mantra was “don’t just do it for the marks,” as he believed wholeheartedly in the benefits of learning for learning’s sake. This is a belief I try to pass on to my Grade 7 students. Brother Kelly also substituted for many teachers in all subject areas. No matter the subject (and despite the detailed lesson plans left behind by the absent teacher), Brother Kelly would recite from memory The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The rapt stares and respectful silence of his audience of all male students missing their gym period was a testament to the charisma of this exceptional teacher.

— Rob Siddle, vice principal at St. Anthony’s Elementary, West Vancouver

As I sat outside the office of St. Helen’s School waiting for a job interview, I felt uneasiness and worry. The words “you better not embarrass me,” kept drumming through my head. My sister, who was employed there at the time, uttered them to me moments before I was called in. I assured her that I would not. A few minutes later, I was knee deep in an interview with the principal, Waldemar Sambor. The interview was for the position of an educational assistant. Near the end of the interview, he said he would like to hire me as an EA. He also mentioned that he would like to see me get my teaching certificate sometime in the near future. He said he saw potential in me. I left the interview ecstatic for the new hire, however confused as to what “potential” he saw within a 30-minute conversation. 

Four teaching years later, I can honestly say that I am more grateful than ever for him. Due to his fortitude and conviction in my abilities, I was able to develop as a teacher. He believed in me when others did not. He saw abilities and skills that I had yet to notice myself. He brought out my drive and passion for teaching and he encouraged me to take risks, even when I was fearful. To use a quote from an unknown author, Waldemar, “at work you are the answer to all our problems and questions. Thank you for being our very own Google. You gave me your time, the most beautiful gift of all. Your actions inspire others to dream more, do more, and become more.”

— Jadranka Erlic, Grade 3 teacher and librarian at St. Helen’s Elementary, Burnaby(

In a child’s mind, she was an intimidating, vibrant woman who answered to Ms. Primerano at St. Joseph’s Elementary in Vancouver in 1995. Over the next few years, she became my exemplar as she was my coach, choir teacher, and disciplinarian. After I graduated, St. Joseph’s remained my North Star, the place where I always knew I could head to that would lead me home. Now responding to Ms. Capolongo, she watched me become an adult and teacher. She spoke to me like a grown-up, and I could even call her Nadine!

Over a decade since becoming a teacher, I’ve headed in many directions, and although I have felt lost, in hindsight I never truly was because of my North Star and because of Nadine. She understood the hardships in life and regularly expressed her deep faith and trust in God’s plan, while always encouraging me with her positive support in my decisions. Because she was an experienced teacher, she knew she did not need to give me teaching advice; rather, she simply showed her love, acceptance, and faith in me. She is proof that teaching is not only what happens inside the classroom, but that it is a vocation and commitment to your students for the rest of their lives.

In a blink of an eye, 25 years since 1995, we are now partner teachers at St. Joseph’s. I have the privilege of calling her my colleague and friend. We “laugh without fear of the future” (Prov 32:35) … and she no longer disciplines me!

— Nina Pham, Grade 2 teacher at St. Joseph’s Elementary, Vancouver

Over all my years as a student in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, then as an educational aide, and now as a teacher of 12 years, I have had many influences in my life. The first would be Waldemar Sambor, who over 42 years of service in the Catholic Independent Schools Vancouver Archdiocese has left an imprint on any student or teacher he has worked with. I first had the pleasure of having him as my PE teacher from K-5. Now, working with him at St. Helen’s Elementary, he has allowed me and all who have worked with him to learn and grow – as educators and most importantly spiritually. He leads by example and always knows how to look at the positive side of any situation and learn from it. As time has passed, I would run into old classmates or school mates and the first thing they would ask is “how’s Mr. Sambor?” They would continue with a memory or story they have of him. Needless to say, he left a mark on all the students and people he crossed paths with.

The second teacher who has made a difference in lives was Gianfranco Giammaria. I never had the pleasure of being taught by him, but did have the privilege to work in his class as an educational aide. Gianfranco was a pillar in our St. Helen’s community before he passed away suddenly. He had a way with his students and colleagues that would make them feel special and valued. He would always go out of his way to make sure a child would understand a concept or lend an ear and listen to their problems. Gianfranco not only left a mark on his students, but in my brief time working and becoming friends with him he helped me see that being a teacher was my vocation. He was always there for his students, colleagues, friends, and family, and he will never be forgotten. He helped inspire me on the path toward Catholic education and made many of us see what it took to be something special.

— Anthony Canosa, Grade 7 teacher at St. Helen’s Elementary, Burnaby

Throughout my years at Notre Dame Regional Secondary School I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for the teachers that inspired me, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. Some teachers who made an impact on me include Mrs. Jessica Isherwood, Mr. Frank Riccardi, Mr. Bob Corcoron, Mr. John Bevacqua, Mr. Jeffrey Lannan, Mr. Richard Scott, and Mr. Alan Charlton. The teacher who made me want to come to school everyday and gave me direction and purpose was Mr. Simon Isherwood. To this day, I thank him for that. Also, Mr. Mike Cooke, for always giving students a chance to be the best versions of themselves. He is a true leader who I respect. Thank you also to Mr. Dino Alberti for being a mentor and friend all these years. Lastly, my sister Cristina McAllister, who dedicated 15 years to teaching in the CISVA, is someone who I deeply admire. Without her support, love and guidance, I wouldn't be half the teacher or person that I am today. To all CISVA teachers who motivate and inspire and who have personally made an impact on my life, thank you.

—  Carlo DeFazio, Grade 7 teacher at Holy Cross Elementary, Burnaby

In an age when social media and the internet didn’t exist, teachers were people we looked up to. I’d like to recognize the following teachers who influenced me in my formative years at St. Helen’s Elementary. 

Thank you to Mr. Dino Alberti for being the teacher who inspired me to become a teacher. He shared his experiences with us to make learning personal and meaningful. From singing Elvis songs along our hikes at Camp Latona, to coaching his way to championships, the elementary school years were truly memorable for my siblings and me, thanks to his one-of-a-kind personality and dedication to the school. Mr. Alberti always found the best in his students and encouraged us to be our best. He taught us respect, good work ethic in class and on the court, and always made sure to throw in a few jokes to keep us smiling. I am fortunate to now work as a teacher at Holy Cross Elementary where Dino is the principal. He is a firm believer in building a strong community spirit and his commitment to our school and genuine care for his students and staff is what makes him a positive role model to me and so many others.

Thank you also to Mr. Pasquale Baletta for capturing my interest in science and athletics, which led me to pursue a degree in human kinetics; Mrs. Lesya Balsevich (Kaminsky) for casting me in my first role on stage and helping me to overcome my shyness; Mrs. Rosa Natola for recognizing and encouraging my musical abilities when I didn’t yet know my talents; Mr. Waldemor Sambor for opening the doors for me as a teacher’s assistant while pursuing my teaching degree; and Mrs. Diana Silva for teaching me that a simple smile can go a long way.

— Liana Ranallo, fine arts teacher at Holy Cross Elementary School, Vancouver