Southridge Academy is seeking a passionate, professional, and student-centered certified teacher to join our organization as the Founding Teacher for our Hockey & Education Program beginning September 2026.
This is a unique opportunity for an educator with hockey experience who is excited to help build and shape an athlete-focused educational environment from the ground up.
The 2026–2027 program is expected to serve a small group of student-athletes born in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The program will combine Alberta curriculum instruction with hockey development, leadership training, executive functioning support, study skills, mentorship, and experiential learning.
The final program location is still being confirmed, with possible sites in the Calgary area, including Indus or a facility near Great Plains Recreation Centre.
About the Role
The Founding Teacher will play a key role in helping Southridge Academy build the foundation of its Hockey & Education Program. This role is ideal for a teacher who enjoys small-group learning, relationship-based education, student mentorship, and the opportunity to help create something meaningful from the beginning.
The successful candidate will deliver Alberta curriculum instruction within a flexible, athlete-focused learning environment and will work closely with Southridge leadership to support the academic, personal, and leadership development of student-athletes.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver Alberta curriculum instruction to elementary-aged student-athletes in a small-group setting.
- Create a positive, structured, and engaging classroom environment.
- Support students with organization, study habits, executive functioning, leadership development, and personal growth.
- Adapt instruction to meet a variety of learning styles, strengths, and needs.
- Build strong, respectful relationships with students, families, and program leadership.
- Collaborate with Southridge leadership as the program develops through its founding year.
- Help shape classroom routines, learning systems, program culture, and student support structures.
- Support the integration of academic learning, athlete development, character development, and experiential education.
- Communicate professionally with families regarding student progress, needs, and program expectations.
- Contribute to the long-term development of Southridge Academy as it grows toward its planned full academy model.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an educator who:
- Holds a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate, or is eligible for Alberta certification.
- Has experience teaching elementary-aged students.
- Has a background in hockey as a player, coach, instructor, or through meaningful involvement in the sport.
- Understands student-centered, relationship-based learning.
- Is organized, positive, self-directed, and professional.
- Enjoys working in a small-group learning environment.
- Is comfortable supporting students with executive functioning, organization, focus, confidence, and personal responsibility.
- Works well in a collaborative environment while also showing initiative and independence.
- Is excited by the opportunity to help build a new academy program from the ground up.
Experience with neurodiverse learners, alternative education models, athlete development environments, leadership programming, or project-based learning would be considered an asset.
Compensation and Structure
Compensation is expected to be in the range of $60,000–$75,000 annually, based on qualifications, experience, and the final structure of the role.
Southridge Academy is open to discussing the best arrangement with the successful candidate. The role may be structured as a contract, third-party contractor, or independent consulting relationship, depending on what works best for both sides.
While Southridge Academy does not currently operate with a traditional large-organization benefits package, we are open to discussing how the overall compensation arrangement can reflect the value, experience, and contribution the successful candidate brings to the program.
Why Join Southridge Academy
This opportunity is ideal for an educator who is looking for:
- Small class sizes
- Meaningful student relationships
- Flexibility, autonomy, and professional creativity
- A positive and collaborative culture
- The opportunity to help shape a new academy program in its foundational stages
- A role where education, hockey, leadership, mentorship, and student development come together
- Long-term growth potential as Southridge Academy continues to develop
We are looking for someone who believes education can be active, engaging, relationship-driven, and connected to student passions and personal growth.
Application Information
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Alberta Teaching Certification information
- Summary of relevant hockey, coaching, or athlete development background
- Professional references
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Southridge Academy
Email: [email protected]
Website: southridgestars.com
Pay: $60,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have a hockey background as a player, coach, instructor, or through meaningful involvement in the sport?
Licence/Certification:
- Alberta Teaching Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person
