WINNIPEG, Oct. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - While reading, writing and arithmetic are the cornerstone of a child's education, eight educators from across the country are pioneering a new lesson in learning. Students in Ontario are being empowered with 21st century tools as they create digitized "soldierpacks" of school alumni who served in the Second World War. While in British Columbia, students are boarding a train to Jasper following a historical novel study to display their research to tourists and locals along Main Street. And in Quebec, a teacher and his students are reeling in Canada's "Titanic of the North" by researching the lives lost on the Empress of Ireland tragedy.
For their interactive and innovative teaching concepts, Canada's History has selected the following educators as the recipients of the 2014 Governor General's History Awards for Excellence in Teaching.
- Connie Wyatt Anderson – Oscar Lathlin Collegiate – Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB
- Michael Berry – Dr. E. P. Scarlett High School – Calgary, AB
- Laurie Cassie & Sharon Moy – David Livingstone Elementary School – Vancouver, BC
- Gérald Charron – École St. Joseph Pals – Lévis, QC
- Ryan McManaman & David Alexander – Owen Sound Collegiate & Vocational Institute – Owen Sound, ON
- Manon St-Hilaire – Ste-Thérèse-de-l'Enfant-Jésus – St-Jérôme, QC
The Governor General's History Awards for Excellence in Teaching were established in 1996 by Canada's History to encourage innovation in history education. Every year, the award recognizes teachers from elementary and secondary schools who have inspired and challenged students to explore Canadian history in a unique, interactive atmosphere.
Joel Ralph, Director of Programs at Canada's History emphasized, "These teachers have inspired their students to look at the world around them through the lens of history." Ralph added, "The students discover that history can be an exciting and powerful way to connect with their communities, and they feel a sense of responsibility for ensuring that the past is not forgotten."
The recipients will be awarded $2,500 and a gold medal and their respective schools will also benefit from a cash gift of $1,000. The awards prizes and memorable events are made possible through the generous support of TD Bank Group.
"The teachers we are recognizing through this award are bringing history to life for students across Canada and making a tremendous contribution to their education," said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. "By learning more about the past our young people are better prepared to bring us into the future. TD is proud to support the 2014 Governor General's History Awards for Excellence in Teaching."
On Monday, November 3, 2014, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will honour these teachers along with other outstanding Canadians for their achievements and contributions to furthering interest in and understanding of our history and heritage.
In addition, each recipient will have the opportunity to join fellow Canadians on an EF Educational Tours program (valued at $4,500) in the spring of 2015. This tour will take teachers to Europe to commemorate the liberation of Holland and the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe, providing them with first-hand experience they can bring back to the classroom.
The Governor General's History Awards bring together students, teachers, historians, museums and community organizations, writers and media producers to celebrate as well as learn from each other. The day prior to the award ceremonies, recipients will participate in a public history forum at the Canadian War Museum. This year's forum is open to the public to attend onsite or online by registering at CanadasHistory.ca/HistoryForum.
Media are invited to attend the 2014 Governor General's History Awards on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 11:30am at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Please contact [email protected] to confirm attendance.
Detailed biographical information, photos and audio-visual materials for each of the recipients are available at CanadasHistory.ca/Awards/Teaching.
About Canada's History Society
Canada's History Society is a national charitable organization devoted to popularizing Canadian history. In addition to presenting the Governor General's History Awards and publishing Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) magazine, as well as Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids, the Society also produces a number of educational and online programs to encourage more discovery, celebration, and understanding about our rich history and culture. More details can be found at CanadasHistory.ca.
About TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2013, TD donated more than $74.7 million to community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.
About EF Educational Tours
EF Educational Tours is part of EF Education First, the World Leader in International Education. For 50 years, EF has developed the next generation of global citizens by opening the world through education. EF Educational Tours partners with educators to help them enrich what they teach in the classroom through programs that lead students around the globe, preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century and offering the opportunity to "learn it by living it." For more information, visit eftours.ca.
SOURCE: Canada's History
To arrange an interview or for further information, please contact: Nicole Harris, Maverick Media Solutions, Cell: 204-470-4555, [email protected]; Joel Ralph, Director of Programs, Canada's History Society, 1-866-952-3444, ext. 221, [email protected]
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