Head of middle school junior alternate program named Pita Pit Teacher of the Month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Bert Bowes Middle School teacher who runs the school’s junior alternate program has been named September’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month.

Navenda Wright has taught for 27 years, spending the last 17 in Fort St. John, where she runs the junior alternate program supporting 12 to 13 at-risk students each day at Bert Bowes Middle School.

“I’m absolutely floored,” said Wright when she learned she had been chosen. “I feel completely honoured to be recognized.”

Originally from Miramichi, New Brunswick, Wright said her mother inspired her to teach. 

“My mom always wanted to be a teacher, but she had me when she was 18,” she told Energeticcity.ca.

“Her dream ended up being raising me, and she pushed me to be better than what I thought I could be. I’m a teacher because of her.”

Wright described her work as never dull and far more than a nine-to-five role.

 “I’m not just a teacher five days a week, I’m a teacher 24/7,” Wright said. 

“My phone is never turned off. I have 12 sets of parents I work with to help them be better parents so that their children can find success as well. I’m not just working with kids; I’m working with families.”

Wright credited her team of colleagues for making that work possible. 

“I can’t do my job unless the people around me are doing theirs,” she explained 

“I have the best team of people to work with, youth care workers, EAs and an amazing admin team that believes in me. I think it’s awesome to be honoured, but the honour really does go out to all of us.”

Wright also works as the school’s English Language Learner teacher and main support teacher, helping students who struggle in other classes. In addition, she organizes fundraisers to keep her program running, since it receives no direct district funding.

One of those fundraisers, a dog guide calendar sale in partnership with the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, is currently underway until the end of November. 

Proceeds are split between raising and training guide dogs and Wright’s junior alternate program, helping cover costs like food, field trips, school supplies and even sneakers for students in need. 

Wright will be selling the calendars at Canadian Tire on Old Fort Road on October 4th. Calendars can also be purchased on the fundraiser’s website until November 30th.

According to her nomination letter from parent Tamara Wilkinson, Wright’s care goes well beyond the classroom.

“She puts her heart and soul into not just teaching kids who struggle, but also just being there to support and listen when they need emotional support,” Wilkinson wrote.

“If every teacher showed the dedication and kindness that Navenda has, all our children would be better for it.”

Wilkinson went on to say that her oldest son invited Wright to his graduation as a family member, saying he wouldn’t have made it through school without her support.

Congratulations to Navenda Wright, September’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month.

The monthly event is part of Moose Media and Pita Pit Canada’s mission to honour teachers in the community. Each month, the winner receives a $100 gift card and is highlighted in an article on Energeticcity.ca.

Wright plans to share her $100 Pita Pit gift card prize with her colleagues. “I’ll definitely go and spend the money, but I’m bringing all the food back to school for the team,” she said.

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