KATE DUBINSKI, EDMONTON SUN

The day Joyce Pirnak was diagnosed with a fatal neuromuscular disease, she left her doctor's office and went straight back to a school board meeting. The devoted former English teacher, now in a wheelchair because of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease - smiles when she recalls students from more than 30 years ago, when she began her teaching career in 1971.

"One of my very important philosophies has always been ... (that) fair is not always equal. Fair is each student getting what he or she needs in order to succeed," Pirnak, 57, said in her Sherwood Park home, former students by her side.

Now her former students from the various city secondary schools she taught at want to give something back. They're planning a reunion and setting up a bursary in her name.

"With ALS, I draw a lot of strength and a lot of courage from the lessons that I learn from my students, because I saw students who have had difficulties, and I saw them persist, and I saw them adapt and try different techniques in order to be successful," Pirnak said.

Since her diagnosis in June 2002, Pirnak has lost function in her arms and legs. But the disease hasn't stopped her from teaching. She now speaks to nursing and occupational therapy students about ALS.

And just as Pirnak draws strength from the more than 5,000 students she's taught in her career, her former students say "Mrs. P" is still an inspiration.

"She still imparts wisdom. She is the quintessential teacher, still teaching us and inspiring us, even at this time in her life, only the lessons of today are a lot more compelling," said Deborah Johnston, 41, a communications manager and one of Pirnak's students in 1975.

"When you're in her class, you're ready to take on the world," said Edmonton Police Service Sgt. Lance Lilles, 45, a student in one of the first classes Pirnak taught.

"There's a lot of good teachers out there, but the spectacular teachers, the ones that are superstars, know how to encourage the youth. Joyce Pirnak was like that all the time."

Pirnak also pioneered a learning strategies program for students. Sandi Middleton was in that class.

"Thank God I ran into her when I did," Middleton said.

"I love her. I don't think I've ever said I love you to a teacher before."

The reunion is scheduled for March 19 in the Lister banquet hall at the University of Alberta.

The U of A is also collecting donations for a bursary that will be set up in Pirnak's name at the faculty of education, her alma mater.