Randy Hetherington, EdD Assistant Professor, School of Education

For Randy Hetherington, his passion for teaching began in third grade. “A lot of people have that teacher who makes an impression on them, and for me it was Mrs. Petri,” he says. “She was so kind, and at that early age, I knew that was what I wanted to do—I thought, ‘if I could make people this happy, that would be a good job for me.’ It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Between teaching grades 3-12, heading a special education department, and serving as a vice principal and principal for 17 years, Dr. Hetherington has had 58 first days of school. His pivot from classroom teaching to administrative work was borne out of a desire to help his colleagues thrive in the workplace. “I thought I could really help my colleagues by getting into an administrative role because I could help make some changes that could make their lives easier so that they could make life better for kids,” he says. “The focus has never changed. I’ve always wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of students. What has changed is where I thought I could have the most impact.” During this time, he received his Doctor of Education from the University of Alberta and was given the Distinguished Leadership in Education award in 2013. He joined UP in 2016, after learning about the university through colleagues who had been a part of UP’s Edmonton master’s program. When a position opened for a professor with experience as a principal, he answered the call.

“I got to a point where I thought, ‘Where else could I make a difference?’ Maybe if people think I’m doing a good job as a principal, I could teach other principals, or people who want to be principals,” he says. “I saw an opportunity to give back to my profession by coming here.”

In his time at UP, he has seen countless teachers-in-training through their first steps into the education world, as well as working with postgraduate teachers and education professionals who are making the move to the administrative world. “Teachers make the biggest difference for kids during the hours of the school day. But when school is over, outside those hours, who makes teachers’ lives easier? That’s why I went into administration,” he says. “There’s not much point in all my accomplishments if I’m not willing to share that with people.”

In retirement, he plans to return to Canada to be closer to family, including his daughter Kyra, a student at the University of Victoria whom he calls his “greatest accomplishment of all.” While there, he hopes to continue his volunteer work with the Rotary club and plans to continue his work in education by serving as a clinical supervisor for classroom teachers.

“I don’t want to lose my connection to teaching and students,” he says. “I think there’s still a fair bit that I can give back.”