News Archives: Rayanne Beby: Classroom Connections
Tuesday, May 28th, 2024
NWP Alumna Rayanne Beby
From a young age, Rayanne Beby found comfort and guidance in the classroom, where her teachers created a nurturing environment that shaped her worldview. This profound influence ignited a desire within her to be that safe haven for others, leading her to a career in education.
Rayanne moved from Vancouver to Sexsmith when she was three. She then moved to Grande Prairie when she was four, quickly establishing a sense of belonging in her new hometown. At the age of five, she started her educational journey at Crystal Park school. It was there that her teachers played a significant role in her success, fueling her passion for education. Rayanne recalls the support they provided, making her feel safe and comfortable.
Today, Rayanne is a proud educator. She cherishes the trust, respect, and community within her classroom and revels in the joy of witnessing her students' potential and growth. "The daily renewal, the possibility of a fresh start, and the thrill of school activities, all add to the overall satisfaction of teaching," she shares.
Rayanne pursued her educational journey close to home, attending Northwestern Polytechnic’s Teacher Education North (T.E.N) program. She recalls, “In my family, we value higher education and chasing our dreams. One of my greatest dreams was to become a teacher so the T.E.N program at NWP was the ideal fit for me."
Like any good student, Rayanne is tenacious. Growing up, she took note of how the lack of representation within her studies cast a shadow of doubt on her dreams. Now employed as a teacher at Riverstone Public School, she aims to break this cycle, inspiring students who might question their potential, to see role models everywhere.
She strives to offer the same support and sense of possibility that her teachers instilled in her decades ago, and more recently while she pursued her qualification at NWP. Rayanne fondly recalls feeling supported and valued during her time on campus. “I had meaningful connections with my instructors, and they genuinely cared about me,” she reminisces.
Her goal is to be a similar beacon of assurance and source of inspiration. Reflecting on her journey so far, Rayanne is deeply grateful for the kindergarten teacher who welcomed her into a new community and carefully cultivated her love for learning. This relationship came full circle when she reunited with her childhood mentor at Riverstone Public School. She was able to express to her kindergarten teacher how impactful she had been in her life. This connection deepened Rayanne's sense of community within her career and her appreciation for the paths that led her to where she is now. Now, they continue their journey in education, working together down the same hall and under the same roof, further strengthening the bond that began when Rayanne was a kindergartener.
This serendipitous reconnection has further confirmed her belief in the transformative power of teaching. But there are other signs pointing to Rayanne’s potential for positive impact, including nomination for the Edwin Parr award. The prestigious Alberta School Boards Association honour recognizes educational excellence in outstanding first-year teachers and will be announced at the Alberta School Boards Association’s general meeting in Fall 2024.
In the meantime, Rayanne is continuing to form bonds with her students and learning community and sharing her acquired knowledge with those considering a similar career path. "In order to be well for their students, educators need to prioritize their own well-being," she says. Central to this advice is maintaining an open mind and a resilient heart, being prepared for unexpected challenges, and prioritizing self-care.
She speaks from experience. From preschool to post-secondary, and back to the grade 5 and 6 classroom, Rayanne is a stellar example of the empowering force of education.
