Nova Scotia teachers recognized for making a difference

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union is recognizing ten of its members through its Teachers Make a Difference recognition program for making an impact in the lives of their students. The recognition program, which took place during the month of October, encouraged students to nominate a teacher who has made a big difference in their lives, and contributed to their school and community. It garnered 445 nominations representing 263 teachers. Each recognized recipient of the Teachers Make a Difference program will receive a $300 donation towards their home school or campus’ breakfast or library program.

The following NSTU members are being recognized as teachers who make a difference:

• Brenda Burt, a science teacher at Richmond Academy;
• Louise Graham, a Grade 6 teacher at Bridgewater Elementary School;
• Nicole LeBlanc a music teacher from École NDA in Cheticamp;
• Celine Leclerc a Grade 2 teacher at Digby Elementary School;
• Bill Malloy a Grade 5-6 teacher at Shannon Park Elementary School in Dartmouth;
• APSEA (Atlantic Provinces’ Special Education Authority) teacher Kate McCara who works with students who are deaf or hard of hearing in the Halifax Regional School Board;
• Michael McPhee, a drama teacher at Glace Bay High School;
• Joan Porter, an English teacher at North Nova Education Centre in New Glasgow;
• Community College faculty member Trevor Reddick who teaches in the Human Services & School of Access department of the NSCC, Pictou Campus; and
• Steve Wohlmuth, global geography teacher at Central Kings Rural High School.

Some of the reasons cited by students in their nominations as to why their teachers make a difference include:

• demonstrating kindness and dedication,
• encouraging the best out of each and every student,
• being an inspiration,
• instilling passion to drive and succeed, and
• making learning fun.

Throughout the month of November a series of four 60-second vignettes will be broadcast on CTV, which will focus on the ways teachers make a difference and will announce the selected NSTU members. 

The NSTU would like to thank all the students and parents who nominated a teacher and Park West School in Halifax for providing classrooms in which to film the vignettes, including principal Derek Carter and Grade 9 teacher Lorna Bennett, who are featured in the vignettes. NSTU president Shelley Morse and PD executive staff officer Betty-Jean Aucoin are also featured in the vignettes. 

The vignettes are also posted on the NSTU’s website at nstu.ca, through NSTU's YouTube station. Click here to view the vignettes:  http://www.youtube.com/user/nstuwebcast?feature=watch

Click here to view an advertorial published in the November 24th edition of the Chronicle Herald.