You could call him a Renaissance man. Brent Kieser has been a landscape artist, a bar keep and worked in road construction. He’s lived the pioneer life in the Yukon, where he homesteaded with his wife and taught in a two-room schoolhouse for several years. Though the Edmonton-native loved the northern life “you never did just one thing in the Yukon.” The desire to be with family and offer broader schooling opportunities for his two young children eventually brought Kieser home to Alberta.
For the past 12 years, Kieser has found a second home at R.S. Fowler Catholic Junior High, where he teaches English language arts, religion and art to grades seven through nine.
“They let me build an art program here, so it’s been a great fit – we tackle everything from black and white drawings, to printmaking to ceramics. I’ve got the nicest art room in the district,” said the 53-year-old, adding he appreciates teaching in a Catholic Christian environment. “I’ve taught in public schools too, so I know the difference it makes to be able to talk about God and prayer with students. The faith community offers context and helps navigate the waters in a sometimes difficult world.”
It’s a good thing Kieser loves his job, the kids and the long hours, because when school’s in, it’s all-consuming. “I love teaching – I feel privileged to get to go to work, and get to know these kids. Junior high has a wonderful energy, and I’m blessed to get to know these 200-plus kids a year, to see the changes that come from ages 12 to 15. Teachers really do change the world – plant seeds – and every year, by the middle of August, I look forward to getting back to this meaningful work.”
That work includes c-oordinating all the religious celebrations and service projects at Fowler, and keeping up with ever-advancing technologies in the classroom. “There were no smart boards when I started teaching. Kids used to pass notes – now they text. I see technology as a tool,” Kieser said. “But I find kids don’t change – they’re curious, they crave discipline, and they want to be heard. It’s still about relationships.”
Kieser said he’ll likely retire from teaching within 10 years, but being less busy isn’t in the cards. He talks about getting back to painting – the talented teacher’s acrylic northern landscapes have been featured in shows in southern Alberta, the Yukon and even London, England, (plus one hanging in the school office) – and maybe coaching his daughter’s hockey team again. Then there’s a continued teaching of Catechism at his church, and playing plenty of hockey with his own extended clan.
“And I’ll probably want to try something new, too,” laughed Kieser. “Teachers are community-oriented people-people. If you’re not, you’re in the wrong job.”
