Traci Upshaw

I am thrilled to be joining the Carstairs Elementary School community as Principal for the 2023-24 school year! I have heard about all of the amazing things happening at the school and in the community and I can’t wait to join the fun and excitement. 

I feel fortunate to have had wonderful opportunities over the last 20 years that have helped me develop skills in teaching and school leadership. Prior to joining Chinook’s Edge School Division, I taught Jr. and Sr. High School and have been a Vice Principal and Principal in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 9 schools. I was also fortunate to work for three years with the Career and Technology Studies Branch at Alberta Education. Elementary school students have captured my heart and are now my favourite age group of students to work with. Their excitement is infectious and every day is an adventure! 

Over the years, I have continually grown as a school leader and value relationships as central to the success of students. My passion lies in working alongside students, teachers, parents, and the community to provide meaningful and engaging learning opportunities and a positive school climate. I have a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta and a Master’s of Education Degree from the University of Lethbridge. I am a lifelong learner and welcome new challenges to expand my repertoire of skills. 

I grew up in Airdrie and have two adult boys, Cole and Reed; and two dogs, Lily and Bella. While my education and career have taken me back and forth between Northern and Southern Alberta, I recently moved to Carstairs and have enjoyed settling into the community and feeling like I’m back home. Outside of school I enjoy kayaking, reading, and doing crafts or home projects. 

I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you and your children over this school year. We are going to do great things together this year at CES where we Care, Explore and Succeed!

Ms. Upshaw

Principal

Carstairs Elementary School