ARCHIVED—Transcripts - 2009 Recipient Video Profiles
Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
Casey Brown works to instill pride in the Fort McKay School community. She makes sure students are ready to learn. Ms. Brown also strives to meet students' emotional and physical needs. Her students exchange junk food for healthful options. Outside the classroom, she raises funds for new programs and technology. Whatever she does, her motto is always "kids first!"
Dan Buchanan recently moved to a new school. No matter where he teaches, though, he puts new technology to good use to enhance learning across the curriculum. His students form expert groups to master topics and share their knowledge. The outdoor school he organized covered the full range of elementary-level subjects in a rugged setting in the mountains.
Rob Dougherty believes that no one should feel embarrassed by a passion for Star Wars, volunteering or the arts. He creates and leads school clubs. His students volunteer for local charities. And he organizes elaborate educational and theatrical productions. He also strives to ensure that his students have no doubt they are doing something worthwhile and valuable.
The Poplar Ridge school motto is, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best!" Wayne Phillips's students assess their own work and then improve it. They apply for class jobs and are rewarded for performing well Mr. Phillips creates a real-world environment in his classroom that features hugs and laughter as well as learning.
Marc Pelech looks beyond the school for opportunities to create art. His students have used public spaces and buildings throughout Surrey as their canvas. They have created murals to promote art as an alternative to graffiti. Working together, they have impressed the community and even themselves with their larger-than-life, and award-winning, masterpieces.
Shirley Turner champions science and the value of education at Vancouver's largest inner-city school. She uses a variety of techniques when tutoring single mothers and teaching the school's many non-English speaking students. She also leads an accelerated math and science program. To broaden its curriculum, she introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which focus on service and outdoor activity.
Christopher Koop's goal is to help his students develop skills and become well-rounded individuals. He shows them how to work with real-world clients and meet industry standards. He is very, passionate about everything he does. He wears that passion on the sleeves of the superhero costume he dons to cheer on school teams.
James Kostuchuk's students quickly learn that history is something you do rather than just read about. They learn to handle, analyze and organize historical artifacts Based on this approach, Mr. Kostuchuk created an archives program, the first of its kind in Canada. In this class, students are making an organized collection of all the school's materials and memorabilia.
Ron Blair knows that adaptability, creativity and innovation are keys to teaching. Over his long career teaching in remote communities, he has had to make do with whatever facilities he found. Whether in the gymnasium or in the classroom, he approaches his students with respect. This empowers them to be confident, independent, creative and successful.
Eileen Erasmus worked hard to become a full-fledged member of the Ndilo [Dee-low] community. She strives each day to help her students stay out of local gangs and to find their way in the world. With the help of experts, she and her students learn about the Northern fur industry, trapping, preparing pelts, travelling on the land and preparing food.
Steven Van Zoost lets students direct their own learning. They also learn to work in multiple groupings and use technology to extend those groups beyond the school. With other teachers, Dr. Van Zoost guides students as they create performance pieces. History students might do the research, while English students write the scripts for drama students to perform.
Muriel Sawyer is an energetic, enthusiastic and skilled administrator and leader. She has taught at every level from junior Kindergarten to university in her 35-year career. She is also a valued custodian of the Ojibwe language. Ms. Sawyer integrates vocabulary and culture into the school environment and helps students become fluent in imaginative ways.
Ron Vandecasteele works at a residential treatment centre for teenage boys. His students spend an average of two years with him. During that time, he uses an array of technology, innovative teaching practices and goal-setting to prepare his students for success in school and beyond. He also makes sure these young men know that he is behind them all the way.
At his inner-city school in Montreal, Michael Sweet built an internationally recognized student press from the ground up. His students publish anthologies of essays on contemporary issues. He brings in prominent individuals and community leaders, and connects with international organizations to support the program. He encourages his students to think beyond what simply is, to what could be.
Jean-Pierre Frigon helps his students give concrete shape to what they learn in history. Among other things, he organized a trip to Normandy. Last year, Mr. Frigon received the Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Being a true man of his time, this history lover used the award money to install multi-media state-of-the-art equipment in his classroom.