Does Your Child Have One of Canada’s Top Teachers?

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 21^st 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

Joel Ralph, Director of Programs at Canada’s History says, “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 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.

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.

On 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.

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 support of TD Bank Group.

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.