Nova Scotia teachers recognized for making a difference

HALIFAX, Nov. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The Nova Scotia Teachers Union is recognizing nine of its members for making an impact in the lives of their students through its third annual Teachers Make a Difference recognition program. The program, which took place from October 6 to November 2, encouraged students and/or their parents to nominate a teacher who has made a big difference in their lives, and contributed to their school and community. It garnered 401 nominations representing 310 teachers. Each recognized recipient of the Teachers Make a Difference program will receive a $300 donation towards their school or campus breakfast or library program, or food bank.

"We're pleased that students and parents continually recognize the value of teachers in Nova Scotia," says NSTU president Shelley Morse. "Our members continue to make a difference for students, their families and their communities. The nine teachers are representative of all our members."

The following NSTU members are being recognized as teachers who make a difference: Carmen Anderson, a math, chemistry and physics teacher at Shelburne Regional High School; Natasha Burke-Morash, a junior high English and social studies teacher at George D. Lewis School in Louisbourg; Joan Carmichael, a Grade 11 and 12 physics and biology teacher at Avon View High School; Reanne Comeau-Shantz, a Grade 2 French Immersion teacher at Tallahassee Community School in Eastern Passage; Kelley d'Entremont a Grade 3 to 6 math teacher École Wedgeport; Lisa Gower Chamberlain, a Business faculty member at the Cumberland Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College; Mike MacDonald, a junior high teacher at Uniacke District School; Anne Swim, a learning strategies, English, and child studies teacher at Liverpool Regional High; and Shawn Whitty, a physical education teacher at Tamarac Education Centre in Port Hawkesbury.

Some of the reasons cited by students in their nominations as to why their teachers make a difference include: empathy, dedication, caring, focusing on the positive, making learning meaningful, kindness, encouraging students to succeed, boosting students' confidence, going the extra mile, being an inspiration, and making learning fun. "Recognizing the hard work teachers/and community college members do above and beyond instruction is important to reflect their passion for students and learning," continues Morse.

From November 10 to 30, a series of four 30-second spots will be broadcast on CTV, CBC and Global focusing on ways teachers make a difference, along with three 15-second spots announcing the selected NSTU members. "We'd like to acknowledge the staff, students and parents of Atlantic View Elementary School who helped us demonstrate how teachers make a difference," adds Morse. These spots will also be 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 10,000 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]