Alice McQuade, a longtime Delta teacher and former president of the B.C. Teachers' Federation, has passed away after a long battle with cancer.
A tireless advocate for public education, McQuade retired in 2012 after teaching for many years in the Delta school system, including at North Delta Secondary.
Her 35 years in education also saw her serve as president of the Delta Teachers' Association and on the council of the B.C. College of Teachers.
Early in her teaching years, McQuade became involved with the DTA, eventually serving as president from 1987 to 1992. She served nine years on the BCTF's executive committee, including three as president, where she was involved in negotiations for important provisions for teachers.
It's been said that she felt her most significant achievement for teachers and students was the signing of the first provincial collective agreement.
When he announced McQuade's retirement, current DTA president Paul Steer stated on his Facebook page, "Alice is a teachers' teacher, whose dedication to, and support of, the union has been unstinting. Her support of the Delta Teachers' Association and the British Columbia Teachers' Federation has only been exceeded by her absolute dedication to her many, many students over the years."
McQuade was the only recent past president of the BCTF to return to the classroom, working with students as well as volunteering with the union until retirement.
The Delta school district described her as "a mentor to teachers, young and old. She embraced many student teachers and promoted the notion of professionalism and service to others. She had no difficulty establishing high standards, and encouraged others to attain those same standards. She spent countless hours helping her teacher colleagues with teaching, personal and union issues."
At last year's BCTF annual general meeting, McQuade received the G.A Fergusson Memorial Award, given to teachers who have made an outstanding contribution to education. Steer said McQuade initiated the North Delta Secondary student leadership program, the Focus Group, which has, over the years, supported and encouraged students to reach their full potential.
"It has always been important to Alice that students learn the power of choosing to become engaged and involved, not only in pursuit of their own education, but also in society," he said.
A memorial service will be held at the North Delta Secondary theatre on Sunday, June 22 at 1 p.m.
