Cape Breton teacher to meet The Dalai Lama - Heather MacIsaac wins World
Teachers' Day design contest

HALIFAX , Oct. 1 /CNW/ - This year's World Teachers' Day theme in Canada Peace. Live it. Teach it. has particular resonance for one Nova Scotian educator-Heather MacIsaac. It's MacIsaac's design concept that graces posters, electronic media and other materials in support of World Teachers' Day, October 5 .

MacIsaac was the winner of the Canadian Teachers' Federation's (CTF) 2009 World Teachers' Day poster contest and because her design was selected, she is travelling to Montreal to attend a public presentation on peace by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at the Bell Centre on October 3-just two days before World Teachers' Day. She will also personally meet His Holiness along with CTF president Mary-Lou Donnelly.

"This is one of the coolest things to ever happen to me, I am thrilled and honoured," says MacIsaac an NSTU Community College faculty member, who teaches graphic design at NSCC's Marconi campus in Sydney. "I've been researching His Holiness, and in doing so, have a greater awareness of his unique presence in the world. I'm thrilled to meet him."

The contest was organized by CTF with financial support from the Green Street Program. MacIsaac's design of two hands reaching out to one another represents humanity as well as doves, symbolizing global peace.

"We are so proud of Heather's design," says NSTU president Alexis Allen . "Her poster idea exemplifies the peaceful environment teachers try to create in their classrooms and schools every day."

"When I think about peace and education, I like to lead by example in the hope of making me a better teacher tomorrow than I was yesterday," adds MacIsaac.

There were 58 entries from across Canada , judged by a selection committee comprised of communications specialists and graphic designers from CTF Member organizations.

World Teachers' Day is an annual celebration of the valuable work of teachers in Canada and around the globe. It was the brainchild of a former Canadian teacher leader, Norman Goble . First recognized in 1994, World Teachers' Day now profiles the work of over 55 million teachers around the world. Since 1995, consecutive Nova Scotia provincial leaders have proclaimed the day. Premier Darrell Dexter has done so for 2009.

The NSTU encourages its members to mark World Teachers' Day by donating a toonie in return for a special edition bookmark that will raise funds to help children in Ghana go to school. "All funds raised will be directed to programs assisting Ghanaian children to get shoes, uniforms and lunches to attend school," says NSTU president Alexis Allen .

To view Heather MacIsaac's design and find out more about her visit the CTF website at www.ctf-fce.ca and click the World Teachers' Day button under the Bulletin Board section.

For further information: Angela Murray, NSTU PR Coordinator, [phone] (cell), [phone] (office), [email protected]