Drama Teacher Hits 30 Years Inspiring Brave Performances

Deanne Bertsch thought her dreams of performing were over when acting jobs dried up three decades ago. Instead, she discovered something better: helping hundreds of students find their spotlight.

The Strathmore High School drama and dance teacher just hit 30 years with Golden Hills School Division in Alberta. Her journey started at Carbon School, where she taught theater for six years before landing at Strathmore High 24 years ago.

Bertsch never planned to follow her parents into education. She earned degrees in fine arts theater and education from the University of Lethbridge, but teaching was her backup plan when steady acting work never materialized.

"I didn't really like going from job to job and not knowing what was next," she said. A friend convinced her to try teaching, and she immediately connected with students.

Now, watching shy students belt out songs or embody characters they never imagined playing has become her greatest reward. "I get to watch them transform and do things that they didn't ever think were possible for themselves," Bertsch said.

Her productions have ranged from Chicago to Romeo and Juliet. But her original show, New Blood, stands out as her career highlight.

The production told stories from her students' Blackfoot grandparents, celebrating Indigenous culture with pride and courage. The show toured across Canada, giving students a platform to share their heritage boldly.

Sunny's Take

After three decades, Bertsch has reached a new milestone: teaching the children of former students. Her very first Strathmore High student recently sent her son to Bertsch's class, with more second-generation students following.

It's a beautiful reminder that great teachers don't just change individual lives. They shape entire families and communities, one brave performance at a time.

Bertsch turned her abandoned acting dreams into something lasting: a 30-year legacy of students who learned to be brave.