MEET MARK


Mark and Sheree have been married close to thirty years.  Their son Benjamin graduated from Archbishop MacDonald High School in Edmonton and has started studies at the University of Alberta.

Mark and Sheree have a small farm located west of Granum, Alberta that includes Mark’s Grandfather’s homestead.  In 2007 the homestead was designated a Century Farm by the Alberta Government recognizing that the homestead has remained in the Swanson family for more than 100 years.


FAMILY LIFE

FROM A “FAMILY” OF TEACHERS

Mark was born at Claresholm, Alberta and grew up there with a brother and five sisters.  His father was a grain buyer and ran a small cattle operation.  Mark and his brother spent countless hours after school helping their father on the farm.  Mark’s mother was an elementary school teacher. Mark and three of his sisters followed in her footsteps and became teachers.

Mark attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree. He began his teaching career as a substitute teacher with the Willow Creek School Division in Southern Alberta, going on to be a teacher and school leader with the East Central Catholic School Division in Wainwright (Vice-Principal), the Palliser School Division in Lethbridge (Principal), and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Regional Division in Leduc (Principal). In his teaching career Mark taught social studies and religion from grades 5-12. 

During summer breaks Mark earned a Master of Arts in Religious Studies (Gonzaga University) and a Master of Education in Teaching (University Lethbridge). In 1995 he started a Ph. D program in Educational Policy Studies (University of Alberta) and was awarded the doctorate in 1999. 


EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND K to12 TEACHING EXPERIENCE


LEADERSHIP POSITIONS WITH EDUCATIONAL PARNTERS


Mark expanded his contributions to education by taking on executive leadership roles with the Alberta Government’s Department of Education, including serving as Registrar for teachers. In the post-secondary sector he served as Dean of Concordia University of Edmonton’s teacher preparation program. Mark was recruited into an executive position at the Alberta Teachers’ Association and retired in 2023. 

Mark is now ready to share his education and extensive work experience at the Edmonton Catholic School’s Board table as the Trustee of Ward 73.  


COMMITMENT TO CATHOLICISM



Throughout his lifetime, Mark has demonstrated a commitment to the Catholic Church and the growth of his faith. He has provided longstanding service in many lay ministries, including serving as a member and chairperson on two parish councils. Mark is a proud member of the St. John Bosco Council of the Knights of Columbus. Most recently, Mark joined the governance board of Directors at St. Joseph’s College, Edmonton.