Teachers play a critical role in our children’s lives, and yet, we rarely get the chance to let them know just how much we appreciate them. Ottawa residents have a chance to show their gratitude and make a teacher’s day (or year!) by nominating them for a 2015 Capital Educators’ Award.
The Ottawa Network for Education will recognize the achievements of outstanding educators and celebrate public education at the 14th annual Capital Educators’ Awards on May 21, 2015. Award recipients are announced at a special gala dinner called EduGala.
The Capital Educators’ Awards recognize the achievements of outstanding educators and celebrates public education in our community – across the entire spectrum from kindergarten to PhD. All educators who have classroom teaching responsibilities at one of 10 partner institutions in Ottawa are eligible to be nominated. Partner institutions include Algonquin College, La Cité Collégiale, Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Saint Paul University, Dominican College University, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.
Anyone can submit a nomination form.
Last year 18 educators were awarded Capital Educators’ Awards at EduGala, including Sherri Billowits, a teacher at St. George School. When presented with a challenge, Sherri is not one to shy away. With no prior experience teaching non-verbal children, she jumped in with both feet, asking questions of parents and visiting a therapy centre to learn more. (You can read more about Sherri Billowits, as well as another Kitchissippi-area winner, André Roberge – an education resource teacher at St-François-d’Assise – right here.)
Sherry Poirer was also a winner at last year’s awards. Poirer teaches at Algonquin College and has worked in various nursing specialty areas. Her primary area of interest and passion is Community Health Nursing, specifically working with vulnerable or marginalized populations. In keeping with her Progressive Adult Education philosophy, Sherry sees education “as life itself.” She believes that when education develops the person (as well as the mandated professional skills), the learning experience is enhanced and society, as a whole, benefits. Strategies that encourage active participation, connection to real-life situations and personal reflection are commonly used in her classes.
To nominate your favourite educator, visit edugala.ca. The deadline is Feb. 27.