Nova Scotia teachers recognized for making a difference

HALIFAX, Nov. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Nova Scotia Teachers Union is recognizing ten of its members through its Teachers Make a Difference recognition program for making an impact in the lives of their students. The recognition program, which took place during the month of October, encouraged students to nominate a teacher who has made a big difference in their lives, and contributed to their school and community. It garnered 445 nominations representing 263 teachers. Each recognized recipient of the Teachers Make a Difference program will receive a $300 donation towards their home school or campus' breakfast or library program.

"Teachers make a difference by not only developing minds and skills, but focusing on students' hearts, hopes and dreams," says NSTU president Shelley Morse. "Teachers care about the needs of all children and youth and are responsive to their varied strengths and needs.  These ten teachers represent all teachers in the province."

The following NSTU members are being recognized as teachers who make a difference: Brenda Burt, a science teacher at Richmond Academy; Louise Graham, a Grade 6 teacher at Bridgewater Elementary School; Nicole LeBlanc a music teacher from École NDA in Cheticamp; Celine Leclerc a Grade 2 teacher at Digby Elementary School; Bill Malloy a Grade 5-6 teacher at Shannon Park Elementary School in Dartmouth; APSEA (Atlantic Provinces' Special Education Authority) teacher Kate McCara who works with students who are deaf or hard of hearing in the Halifax Regional School Board; Michael McPhee, a drama teacher at Glace Bay High School; Joan Porter, an English teacher at North Nova Education Centre in New Glasgow; Community College faculty member Trevor Reddick who teaches in the Human Services & School of Access department of the NSCC, Pictou Campus; and Steve Wohlmuth, global geography teacher at Central Kings Rural High School.

Some of the reasons cited by students in their nominations as to why their teachers make a difference include: demonstrating kindness and dedication, encouraging the best out of each and every student, being an inspiration, instilling passion to drive and succeed, and making learning fun. Throughout the month of November a series of four 60-second vignettes will be broadcast on CTV, which will focus on the ways teachers make a difference and will announce the selected NSTU members. The vignettes are also posted on the NSTU's website at nstu.ca through its YouTube station at youtube.com/nstuwebcast.

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union represents more than 10,600 public school teachers, Community College faculty and professional support staff and teachers who work for the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority. Since 1895, it has worked to improve the quality of public education in Nova Scotia.

SOURCE: NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS UNION

Angela Murray, NSTU Public Relations Coordinator
Telephone: [phone], Cell: 902-497-0194, Email: [email protected]