Over the past six weeks, we’ve spoken with numerous people about the role of school teachers and the positive impact they have in our communities.
Through a series of stories published in Black Press’ community newspapers, we’ve prompted readers to think about the excellent educators in their schools and nominate them for recognition through our Great Teachers campaign.
Co-presented by Staples’ School Tools and supported by Thrifty Foods, Great Teachers is a way of honouring individuals who are making a difference with their work inside and outside the classroom.
“We are in the final days of the campaign and we’d like to encourage parents and others to nominate a special teacher,” said Black Press group publisher Penny Sakamoto. “It’s not too late. It’s a great way to end the school year and concentrate on the positive impact of teachers and how schools are the core of community life.”
Readers nominating teachers at vicnews.com/contests have used such words as “positive relationship,” “significant impact,” “patient and kind,” “leader” and “above and beyond” to describe nominees. The submissions are inspiring and indicate the high regard in which teachers are held.
Ralf Mundel, senior director of marketing and communications for Thrifty Foods, says teachers are “vital to the fabric of our communities” and help kids become rounded individuals.
“Think back on your childhood, or ask your kids about their most impactful memories and generally something about a teacher ranks high on that list. That’s powerful,” he says.
For Thrifty’s, which frequently supports community groups at the grassroots level, being part of initiatives such as Great Teachers is something “interwoven into our DNA since 1977,” Mundel adds.
Staples is familiar with the extra work teachers do to make their lessons special, says School Tools (staplesschooltools.ca) co-ordinator Harmen Berghuis.
“I think they deserve all the recognition we can give,” he says.
ddescoteau@vicnews.com
How to nominate your great teachers
• Black Press, Staples and Thrifty Foods encourage you to nominate a grade school teacher you feel is making a difference in the community. From all nominations, one teacher each from the elementary, middle school and secondary levels will be honoured at a gala in June. To nominate, visit vicnews.com/contests/ and click on Great Teachers. All nominators are entered to win a $50 Thrifty’s gift certificate.
Previous stories in this series:
Special teachers make a difference around Greater Victoria
GREAT TEACHERS PT. 2: Parents appreciate excellence in teaching
GREAT TEACHERS PART 3: Community leaders share their favourite teacher stories
GREAT TEACHERS PART 4: Teaching evolves through technology, flexible approach
GREAT TEACHERS PART 5: Great teachers have an impact: students
GREAT TEACHERS PT. 6: What do you think makes a great teacher?