July 2006 ISSUE
APEGGA Names 2006 Teacher Award Recipients
I Like Math So Much
I Never Want to Stop Adding
BY JEANNE KEASCHUK
Outreach Program Supervisor
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GREAT JOB |
Alberta has exceptional and outstanding science and math teachers. If you want proof, read on, because more than 800 parents, past and present students, teaching colleagues, principals and superintendents wrote to tell us who they are.
Nominated for 2006 APEGGA Teacher Awards were 122 elementary, junior and senior high school teachers.
The impact and benefit of good science and math teachers are powerful and far-reaching. Their good work, talent, skill, innovation and devotion must be recognized and rewarded. This is APEGGA’s belief and why the Teacher Awards Program was implemented 16 years ago.
This year’s nominators confirm the benefits they have received with comments such as:
“I aced the first term of engineering at U of A because of what I learned in Mr. Molesky’s physics class. His teaching style allows me to think outside the box and understand the practical applications of the concepts I learn. He is a role model for our teaching profession as the consummate professional and teacher extraordinaire!”
“It is a teacher like Mr. Moody who made me want to be a teacher.”
“Mr. Borkent’s enthusiasm for teaching science is contagious to students and teachers.”
“Mr. Frank’s teaching abilities and great sense of humour have given me the experience and knowledge to excel in life and in school.”“Because of Mrs. Williams, I like math so much that I never want to stop adding.”
Fourteen award recipients were selected from around the province. They receives a certificate and $1,000 each to enhance science and math education in their schools.
APEGGA and its branches host events to honour each award recipient. All teachers nominated receive a letter of thanks and a certificate of nomination. Award recipients and nominated teachers receive a copy of their nomination package.
APEGGA extends sincere thanks to all nominators for making the 2006 APEGGA Teacher Awards program such a huge success.
Congratulations and thank you to the teachers listed with this article for their outstanding effort — and for sharing their enthusiasm for science and mathematics with Alberta’s youth.
2006 APEGGA TEACHER AWARD RECIPIENTS
Below are winners’ names and comments from their nominations.
Northern Alberta
MAHER AHMED
Westwood Community High School, Fort McMurray
Mr. Ahmed has a clear love of teaching science and is exceptional at creating
a fun environment in the classroom. He goes above and beyond in his endeavour
to ensure his students succeed.
AL BORKENT
F.R. Haythorne Junior High School, Sherwood Park
Mr. Borkent always goes beyond the textbook. We have lots of fun in class and
our grades are fantastic as well. Mr. Borkent is such a fun teacher because he
is excited to teach.
JANESSA CONNOR
Blue Hills Community School, Buffalo Head Prairie
She creates a positive, fun-filled learning experience where students not only
learn math and science with their eyes and ears, but also with their hands. She
is a wonderful teacher who makes our school a better place.
FRED FRANK
Buck Mountain Central School, Buck Lake
Mr. Frank is not only a great science teacher, he is an amazing role model and
a truly good person at heart. He is a respected teacher, colleague and friend
to all in our school.
SYLVIA MALO
Central Elementary School, Lac La Biche
Mrs. Malo has this interesting thing called mental math and it makes your brain
really think. She even helps other teachers with math, that’s how good
she is.
FRED MOODY
Redwater School, Redwater
My love of science began in my first science class with Mr. Moody. He showed
me that a teacher can really change your life.
LINDA WILLIAMS
Aurora Charter School, Edmonton
Before Mrs. Williams’ class, I had no interest in math. Now I never want
to stop adding. My marks are not the only thing rising in Mrs. Williams’ class,
my knowledge is, too.
Southern Alberta
DEREK DUBS
Red Deer Lake School, Calgary
He makes everything about science intriguing. Mr. Dubs is an awesome teacher
and an excellent role model. He is innovative, engaging, dedicated, caring, kind,
friendly and patient.
CHRIS GONSALVEZ
Wilson Middle School, Lethbridge
Mr. Gonsalvez is a passionate math educator who has a heart for learning and
a heart for the learner. He teaches that math is just not another subject but
something to be passionate and excited about.
STEPHEN MOLESKY
École Secondaire Notre Dame High School, Red Deer
Mr. Molesky explains physics concepts and ideas in ways that everyone can understand.
He is a role model for our teaching profession as the consummate professional
and teacher extraordinaire!
JASON NIVEN
Webber Academy, Calgary
The zeal and enthusiasm that he brings to each math class continues to amaze
me. His unique ability to put passion into numbers is only surpassed by his desire
to push us beyond the classroom.
LARRY OGILVIE
Dr. E.W. Coffin School, Calgary
He makes learning come alive for his students. He encouraged me and changed my
attitude, causing me to look forward to school every single day. The gifts of
his knowledge, his passion for life and his wonderful stories are never ending.
SHELLY PRINS
Brooks Composite High School, Brooks
Mrs. Prins realizes that fun and enjoyment are an integral part of education.
Her class is stimulating. Mrs. Prins is a remarkable teacher who has a wonderful
heart. She has left a lifelong impression on my life.