Evergreen Staff Spotlight

🌟 Celebrating the People Who Make Our Schools Work 🌟

Meet Della Magnusson, Literacy and Numeracy Consultant

Since joining Evergreen School Division in 2006, Della Magnusson has played a key role in supporting student learning across the division. As a Literacy and Numeracy Consultant, she works closely with teachers to strengthen instruction and help ensure all students have the skills they need to succeed.

Della’s path into education was shaped by both admiration and personal experience. As a student, she looked up to her teachers and saw the joy and purpose in their work. At the same time, she understood that learning does not always come easily. “I had to work hard for every mark I earned,” she shares. “That helped me understand how challenging school can be, and it made me want to support students who need encouragement and guidance.”

A unique aspect of Della’s role is the time she spends directly in classrooms. Rather than working primarily behind the scenes, she collaborates alongside teachers to support instruction in real time. “I believe this work should be collaborative and supportive,” she explains. “The goal is to make teaching more manageable and effective while improving outcomes for students.”

Over the years, Della has seen meaningful growth in literacy across the division. One moment that stands out came during a conversation with a Grade 1 student. After complimenting the student’s reading, the child replied confidently, “Of course, I am in Grade 1, so I can read everything now.” Della reflects on this moment as a powerful reminder of the impact of strong instruction and support. “The confidence behind those words was incredible,” she says. “That is why this work matters.”

For Della, Evergreen is more than a workplace. It is a true community. “We are the kind of division where people know and support one another,” she says. “No matter which school I visit, I am always welcomed into classrooms and inspired by the dedication of our teachers.”

She also believes it is important for the public to understand the full picture of public education. While challenges can sometimes draw attention, they do not reflect the everyday reality in schools. “On a daily basis, schools are safe, caring places where educators are working thoughtfully and intentionally to support students,” Della explains. “There is a great deal of important work happening behind the scenes to help every child learn and grow.”

Thank you, Della, for your leadership, your commitment to collaboration, and for helping build strong literacy and numeracy skills across Evergreen.

Interviewed by and photographed with trustee, Dianna Auer