Posted on 04/17/2009, 7:30 am, by mySteinbach

Teachers who inspired their students to, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “be the change you want to see in the world” are among the winners of this year’s Excellence in Teaching Awards, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced.
 
“The dreams of students often begin with teachers who believe in them,” Bjornson said.  “And these awards are a tribute to the achievements of all teachers who are helping to build better communities through their devotion to the development of our students.”
 
A total of 42 nominations were received for the four award categories:  three teaching excellence awards, an outstanding new teacher award, a team collaboration award and an outstanding school leader award.
 
In the teaching excellence category, Patricia Goosen of Robert Smith School received the award for early years, Sylvia Marshall of Lord Wolseley School received the award for middle years and Brian Martel of École communautaire Réal-Bérard received the award for senior years.
 
The award for outstanding new teacher went to Vanessa Rigaux of Holland Elementary School.
 
The award for team collaboration went to Laurie Bachewich, Susan Davar and Pamela Ryznar of Onanole Elementary.  The award for outstanding school leader went to Dan Giesbrecht of Garden Valley Collegiate.
 
Award recipients received a certificate of recognition and a $500 cash award at a luncheon held at the Legislative Building.  The award recipients’ schools will also receive $500 for school projects or equipment.  Partners in this endeavour included the Manitoba School Boards Association, the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools and the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils.