Madge Casselman was one of the first female educators that taught and supervised children in Mission British Columbia. At the beginning of her teaching journey, she taught in temporary quarters located near the Mission fairgrounds, one-room schoolhouses such as Matsqui Superior School, and later on in her career at Mission High school. During her educational career, she was a teacher and principal from 1922 to 1954. Due to the strict rules that discouraged female teachers to marry, Madge never married and was dedicated to her career and students. Unlike many of the first female teachers who used teaching as a stepping stone to better opportunities, Mrs. Casselman was committed to supporting her community. Specifically, Mrs. Casselman has been remembered in the past explaining that “I can’t imagine anyone teaching for years and not liking children” (Buss, 1998). Clearly, Madge Casselman was a one-of-a-kind teacher. Especially when compared to others who pursued teaching during the early part of the twentieth century because Madge was actually passionate about her students and their education.
During her time as an educator, Madge Casselman showed her compassion for her students by supporting them and inspiring them to “Work hard for your goal” (Fraser Valley Record, 1936). As an educator, Mrs. Casselman tried to instill in her students that if they worked hard they would be able to reap the benefits. But she also reminded her students that to be happy in life they needed balance. As a role model, she showcased the balance in her life to her students by organizing sports events in Matsqui. These sports events allowed her to take time off of her usual duties as a teacher and have fun with her students and community members. These sports events initially organized by Madge Casselman, grew over the years and “Her effort is responsible for the Fraser Valley track meet we have today” (Fraser Valley Record, 1936). Additionally, Madge Casselman reminded her students that “There are really no failures” (Fraser Valley Record, 1936). This friendly reminder allowed her students to see that to truly learn we need to make mistakes. And that just because you may not succeed at first doesn’t mean it’s the end all be all.
Although Mrs.Casselman was very old-fashioned in her teaching style her progressive educational beliefs had an immense impact on her students. Many of her students remember Madge Casselman and “Her devotion to learning was inspirational. Her joy of living had an even greater influence” (Buss, 1998). Overall, it is clear that Madge Casselman was able to connect with many of her students and imparted her wisdom to them. Throughout her teaching career, she was remembered for her outgoing personality, love of life, and compassion for children. Although she made sacrifices such as staying single to continue her career in education she never regretted a single thing and says “Teaching is a wonderful profession with unlimited rewards” (Fraser Valley Record, 1936). As a female educator, she used her passion for education and life to inspire and support her students.