Series contains records related to Bernard and Jean’s teaching certifications and UBC degrees, and respective careers in education, starting in positions in rural schools.
Bernard’s records relate to his first teaching positions before serving in politics. Records relate to his work as a fruit grower and accountant for his father-in-law’s fruit and vegetable packing business while engaged in politics from 1941 to 1949. Bernard’s records related to his early teaching and administrative positions at the high school level through the 1940s and 50s includes his organization of local dramatic festivals and support of amateur Indigenous productions. Many records relate to Bernard’s career advancement by 1965 into full-time educational administrator in the school districts of Vernon, Kitimat, and the South Okanagan and Keremeos. Records relate to his position in the Ministry of Education in Victoria from 1977-1979 before retiring, and his role as executive director of the Association of BC School Superintendents in retirement.
Jeans’ records relate to her first teaching positions before starting a family and political career with Bernard. Records relate to her return to teaching in part-time and contract positions, including as a teaching assistant at UBC. Records relate to her professional service with the Universities Council of B.C. and organization of university extension courses.
Records in the series reflect the development of the education system in B.C., especially rural education and the experience of one-room schools, the development of Indigenous education and curriculum, the philosophy and practice of province-wide testing, special education and the debate over mainstreaming in the 1970s, the development of alternative schools, the assessment and accreditation of schools, and the growth of the college sector. Records also reflect employment challenges faced by married women.
Record types in this series include school records and transcripts, diplomas and certificates, employment contracts, business correspondence, reports, newsletters, theatre programmes, and Indigenous education materials.