Edger's first teaching position was at Christchurch Girls' High School. She was appointed the founding principal of Nelson College for Girls in 1883. In addition to being the principal she taught English grammar, composition and literature, physical science, Latin, mathematics, singing and geography.[1] After her marriage in 1890[2] she intended to work on however she later resigned.[3] This is thought to be due to her pregnancy with her first child.[3]