Tanya Quaglia

Tanya Quaglia, known to her students as “Ms. Q,” has been a dedicated member of the Fort McMurray Catholic School District for over a decade. Moving to Fort McMurray in 2013 for a teaching position, she quickly found herself at home in this vibrant community. Originally from Tecumseh, Ontario, just outside of Windsor, Tanya carries with her a passion for teaching that was sparked early in life, influenced by the example set by her parents—both retired educators.

Tanya earned degrees in Criminology and Education from the University of Windsor, but it’s in her role as a Grade Three teacher at St. Kateri School that she truly shines. For her, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the opportunity to see children grow, learn, and find joy in their achievements. She describes the delight of witnessing her students experience “aha” moments, embrace new responsibilities, and discover their strengths. For Tanya, every day brings laughter and inspiration, as her students fill her classroom with their stories, enthusiasm, and excitement for learning.

Beyond her work in the classroom, Tanya is deeply committed to her school’s community and the broader Fort McMurray region. She has taken part in a variety of school-based volunteer activities, including leading after-school clubs and helping organize initiatives like the Student Lighthouse Team, which empowers students to plan and execute fun and engaging events. Working alongside her colleagues, she has also played a role in fundraising for local families in need, reflecting her belief that a strong community is built through collective care and support.

Tanya’s motivation to be involved in her community is driven by her desire to see young people develop into compassionate, engaged citizens. She is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for kids to explore their interests and discover new talents. Her goal is to inspire students to see themselves as lifelong learners and leaders, capable of making a positive impact on their world. In her classroom, Tanya emphasizes relationship-building, striving to make her students feel part of a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and find their voice.

Her dedication to inclusivity has shaped her vision for the future, both personally and professionally. Tanya aspires to continue her growth as an educator and hopes to work with students to create more inclusive and adaptive spaces within her school and the community. Inspired by the lessons she has learned from teaching students with diverse needs, she aims to help every child find a place where they feel valued and understood. Her dream is to see her students grow into empathetic leaders who are equipped to shape a brighter future for Fort McMurray.

The support and encouragement of Tanya’s family have been instrumental in her journey. From her parents, who instilled in her a deep respect for others and a commitment to helping those in need, to her colleagues who share her passion for education, Tanya has surrounded herself with people who inspire her to be her best. This support network has been a steady source of strength, guiding her through the challenges of her teaching career and helping her make a meaningful impact in the community.

Reflecting on the challenges facing Fort McMurray today, Tanya acknowledges the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainties that have affected families, businesses, and education. She believes that addressing these challenges requires strong advocacy for students, ensuring they have access to the best educational opportunities possible. Tanya is a firm believer in the power of supporting local businesses and helping young people develop resilience and empathy—qualities she sees as essential for a thriving, connected community.

Outside of the classroom, Tanya is a passionate hockey fan (proudly cheering for the Detroit Red Wings) and loves incorporating the interests of her students into her lessons. Her classroom even features an NHL hockey graph to help students learn data analysis while tracking their favourite teams’ progress. She’s also an avid reader, and one of her greatest joys is helping her students discover their own love of books. For Tanya, education is about more than just teaching curriculum—it’s about building a sense of belonging, where every student feels seen, heard, and encouraged to be their best.

With her unwavering dedication to her students and her community, Tanya Quaglia is helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future for Fort McMurray, one classroom connection at a time.

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