Long-Term Service Spotlight: Dean Fetterly's 33 Years of Building Community at Abbotsford Senior Secondary

For more than three decades, Dean Fetterly has been a familiar and steady presence at Abbotsford Senior Secondary. Now in his 33rd year with the Abbotsford School District, Dean reflects on a career shaped by relationships, opportunity, and a deep sense of belonging.

What has kept you in the district for so long?

What’s kept me here, and specifically at Abbotsford Senior, is the people. This is an incredible school to be in. I’ve had an incredible run working with amazing colleagues, and the district has always been very supportive of the programs and ideas I wanted to pursue. It’s been a place that’s felt like home for 33 years.

Can you share some of the ways you felt supported in your work?

One of the biggest examples is the soccer program. For over 30 years, I had the support I needed to build and maintain a successful program. The same goes for the broadcasting program. When it came time to develop that class, the school and district supported me with the equipment and resources needed to make it successful. Having access to the right tools in the classroom has made a big difference over the years.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Abbotsford Senior?

I have quite a few. We’ve had a lot of success with the soccer teams, including multiple Fraser Valley championships and strong finishes at provincials. With the broadcasting program, we’ve earned several provincial wins through Skills Canada and even had two national championship teams.

One of my favourite memories, though, has been from the past year, being able to work at the same school as my daughter. Seeing her coach and lead in the same environment I did for so many years has been really special.

How has your role changed over the years?

Over my 33 years here, I’ve primarily been a classroom teacher. I’ve taken on some department head work along the way, but teaching has always been at the heart of my role. I’ve had the chance to work with countless students and staff, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding career.

What do you hope your legacy will be?

I hope my legacy is tied to the programs that continue on. The boys’ soccer program is now more than 30 years old and still going strong, even without me coaching it. The broadcasting program is in its 15th year and continues to give students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

On a personal level, seeing my daughter, who now teaches at Abbotsford Senior Secondary as well, understand the importance of school sports and student connection feels like a continuation of that legacy.

What advice would you give to new staff?

What has made this job so enjoyable for me is getting involved with students outside of the classroom. Whether it’s coaching, leadership, or extracurricular programs, those connections matter. My advice to new staff would be to get involved and build relationships with students beyond the classroom. That’s where some of the most meaningful experiences happen.

One short video cannot do justice to the incredible work that Dean has done in the district or the positive impact he has had on generations of students, colleagues, and families. We hope his story inspires you to apply to become a teacher like himself. Apply today.