July 2007 Issue
BEYOND THE BENCHMARKS
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TEACHERS AND ENGINEERS |
APEGGA Names Top Teachers
BY JEANNE KEASCHUK
Supervisor, Outreach Program
Imagine teaching for more than 30 years С all at the same school С and receiving the comments that follow upon your retirement.
“Just seeing Mr. Williamson makes my day. I can’t wait until math class in the morning. Mr. Williamson has the ability to make everyone appreciate math. He is creative and explains everything so clearly. He made math fun and coming to class enjoyable. He helped me to realize that math is like life: as soon as you work on your problem, solve it and fully understand it, life gets better. He has been a great inspiration to me.”
“Mr. Williamson is a man full of humour and patience. He has a lot
of energy and never fails to have motivational sayings on the board. He cares
for each of his students and their success. He is very friendly. He gives us
goals and the tools to achieve those goals. He respects us and we respect him.”
“Mr. Williamson is more than just a teacher, he is a great friend and
an amazing human being.”
These are the comments from students who nominated Dale Williamson, a math teacher at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, for a 2007 APEGGA Teacher Award. The comments describe an educator who excels in his profession, who strives for excellence every teaching day, and makes a lasting and profound impression on the education and lives of his students.
“I was very surprised to say the least,” said an overwhelmed Mr. Williamson, after receiving the award at the school’s year-end celebration assembly. “I am so proud to receive the APEGGA award. It means a lot to me.”
It turns out that Dale Williamson is not just familiar with APEGGA because of its awards program. Dale and his wife, Heather, have raised a practicing engineer and an engineer-in-training.
As one of 14 provincial award recipients, Dale receives a certificate, $1,000 to enhance science education, math education or both in his school, and a copy of his nomination package. Each award recipient is also honoured at an event hosted by APEGGA and its branches.
Mr. Williamson and his wife, also a teacher, were guests of APEGGA in Lloydminster. Council was in the city in late June to hold its regular meeting.
There are 110 elementary, junior and senior high school teachers nominated by more than 600 parents, students, teaching colleagues, principals and superintendents who will know their fine teaching efforts are valued and appreciated because of the APEGGA Teacher Awards program. These teachers will receive a letter of thanks from APEGGA President John McLeod, P.Eng., a certificate of nomination and a copy of their nomination package.
Congratulations and thank you to these educators for their enthusiasm, excellence in teaching and their inspiration to Alberta youth, particularly in studies of science and mathematics.
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View the list of 2007 APEGGA Teacher Award Recipients ... here.