ARCHIVED—Recipient Bios
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Year: 2001 – Province: British Columbia
Certificate of Excellence Recipients
Rod Osiowy
School: Mount Baker Secondary School
1410 Baker Street
Cranbrook, British Columbia V1C 1B2
Principal: Ian Kennedy
School Telephone: 250-426-5241
School Fax: 250-426-6673
School Website: mbaker.com
Grades/Subjects Taught: Grades 10 to 12 - video/TV, acting, stagecraft, theatre.
Teaching Approach:
- To help students to produce a finished product that they can be proud of. My job is to get the group to produce their best possible work. Everyone is allowed an opportunity to critique and students are encouraged to reflect upon and respond to the work.
- To integrate learning by designing projects with other teachers in science, English, music, hospitality and social studies.
- To walk the talk and to lead by example.
Outstanding Achievements:
Under Mr. Osiowy's leadership, the school's drama program has almost doubled in size in 10 years. Nearly 100 percent of participating students successfully complete the program. The career preparation component involves 100 hours of work experience and sees similar student success rates. Many of his graduating theatre and video students receive scholarships for post-secondary education. Graduates have gone on to successful careers with major theatre companies, including those at the Stratford Festival and Circle in the Square in New York.
Mr. Osiowy and his students have raised more than $100 000 through fundraising and grants to develop a digital studio for teaching television and film courses.
Thanks to his construction of a theatrical flying track that allowed actors in a production of Peter Pan to fly on stage, Mr. Osiowy teamed up with two other theatre professionals to co-found the International Association for Flying Effects in the Theatre.
Mr. Osiowy coordinated a social justice media project in Costa Rica for youth, consistent with the goals of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
Rave Reviews:
Having become a drama teacher myself, due much to Rod's impact on my life, I now see how he made teaching difficult skills seem easy. Former student
It is his ability to work with students that sets Rod apart. He is able to build relationships that allow students the freedom to attempt new and difficult activities. Colleague