Red seal mechanic who goes ‘above and beyond’ named Pita Pit Teacher of the Month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Red seal mechanic and teacher Andrea Ouellette is Pita Pit’s Teacher of the Month for February.

Ouellette has been teaching at North Peace Secondary School (NPSS) for over two years. 

According to her nomination letter, Ouellette is described as kind, inclusive, caring and compassionate towards staff and students. 

“Andrea goes above and beyond and teaches the students valuable life skills and knowledge for any student, whether they are looking for basic skills for maintaining their own vehicle or wanting to pursue a career in a mechanical field,” the letter reads. 

Ouellette told Energeticcity.ca her nomination came as “quite a surprise,” and the students are the best part of her job. 

“I love teaching and I love teaching it to the kids, they can really shine in here and it’s really fantastic,” says Ouellette.

“They’re so fun and funny, and they really make me feel good about my trade,” Ouellette said.

Ouellette attended the University of Alberta before moving onto the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in its automotive pre-employment program.

She received her red seal in 2016, before returning to the University of Alberta to receive her teaching degree and graduated in 2020. 

She previously taught in Dr. Kearney Middle School’s metal work program for two years before coming to NPSS.  

Ouellette says mechanics is a necessary skill for kids to learn. 

“It’s great for their confidence, I think that’s a really cool and empowering thing that they can do it for themselves,” said Ouellette. 

When asked what advice she would give to anyone interested in teaching, Ouellette said it is all about finding the subject you excel in. 

“Once you’re teaching the thing that you’re most interested in, it’s such a different classroom, the kids feel it and you feel it,” said Ouellette. 

Of the two nominees for teacher of the month in 2025, both have been working at NPSS.

Congratulations to Andrea Ouellette for being named February’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month. 

The monthly event is part of Moose Media and Pita Pit Canada’s mission to honour the teachers in the community.

Each month, the winner will receive a gift card worth up to $100 at Pita Pit and be highlighted in an article on Energeticcity.ca.

Anyone looking to nominate a teacher who deserves recognition can do so here.