Minister's Excellence in Teaching Awards 2010

District 2:  Aubrey Kirkpatrick
District 2 office

Aubrey Kirkpatrick is a true leader and innovator in the development of 21st century communications in education. Working from the support services side; he has introduced or increased information and communications technology (ICT) in almost every area of communications within District 2. He has also spearheaded more traditional communications initiatives, including the award-winning Achieve magazine, which features student work while highlighting district goals and successes.

Aubrey's ICT initiatives range from vast improvements in the district's website, to automating the scheduling of facility rentals and staff "away days," to the integration of social media such as podcasting, Facebook and Twitter. These advances have freed up valuable administrative time that can better be directed to the business of instructional leadership. They have also enabled the district to reach more students, more parents and more community members.

Aubrey's efforts have strengthened and improved community engagement and partnerships within the district. What's more, he is a champion for student achievement, often leading the discussions around 21st century learning competencies and developing District 2's new vision statement: Leading Edge Learning. Thanks to Aubrey's unique talents and leadership, the district has experienced amazing transformation.

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District 6:  Deborah Freeze
Literacy Lead (Grades 4 to 8)

Deborah Freeze is a tireless promoter of literacy skills. Working as the Literacy Lead for Grades 4 to 8 in District 6, she has impacted many students through her contributions to the instruction of literacy in the schools.

When she works with teachers, Deborah provides model lessons that are creative, innovative and fun, and that engage students in the learning of literacy skills. In 2009, Deborah received an Innovative Learning Fund grant for a project to create lesson plans to model and stimulate creative writing. Student writing was published and shared among classes on a district Wikispace. Her support empowers teachers with knowledge and motivation to improve student literacy skills. In particular, middle-school teachers who are new to literacy intervention for struggling readers receive her guidance and support.

Deborah has led the development and implementation of genre mapping in middle school and contributed to the development of the district literacy resources portal site. Her own efforts to remain current in her profession are shared with classroom teachers through in-service sessions in subjects such as Atlantic Reading and Writing Achievement Standards and Stepping Out training.

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District 8:  Sue Maloney
Loch Lomond School

Spending time in Sue Maloney's Grade 5 Intensive French classroom has been a welcome experience for students, teachers and co-workers alike. We know this, because that is what they tell us.

A fellow teacher, describing how Sue welcomes colleagues to her room and helps other teachers with their literacy instruction, says: "Sue is always willing to lend a hand when I'm dealing with struggling students. I have found her assistance to be invaluable."

Recalling the PD sessions that Sue offers her colleagues and how she has welcomed countless educators into her classroom to observe, the District Mentor en Litteratie says: "Sue has inspired so many teachers with her enthusiasm and outstanding knowledge for literacy. Quite simply, she has a gift!"

For any teacher, the final test is how he or she relates to students, and Sue's students leave little doubt of how they see her. One of Sue's students describes her this way: "Madame Maloney is an awesome person! She taught our whole class how to speak French. Now I can speak French really, really well. If there was ever a Teacher Olympics, she would win GOLD!"

At Loch Lomond School, every student pays tribute to Sue Maloney when they repeat and follow the school behaviour motto, originated by Sue in a team brainstorming session: "Loch Lomond Lions R.O.A.R — Respect Others and Accept Responsibility!"Armstrong has been recognized for using the latest teaching techniques, including project-based approaches, student work portfolios and critical integration of technology.

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District 10:  Sylvia McConkey
Math Mentor

Sylvia McConkey has been a Math Mentor for District 10 for only five years, but in that time, she has earned the respect of her co-workers for her commitment to quality math instruction. She has contributed to a significant improvement in math instruction in the district through her regular in-service sessions and the book studies she provides teachers.

Sylvia is a dedicated educator and a passionate student of how people learn mathematics and what one should do for those learners who struggle. She is described as an avid reader of anything dealing with mathematics education, and what she learns from her reading and her study, she shares with others. Teachers value her creative ideas and suggestions, and members of the curricular committees she has been part of respect her contributions.

Sylvia regularly assists teachers with what she considers one of the most important skills: to ask the right questions that probe for deeper understanding at a higher cognitive level, while respecting the learner. In this respect, it is obvious that Sylvia practices what she preaches.

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District 14:  Lorelei Purvis
Woodstock Centennial Elementary School

Almost every morning, rain or shine, you will find Lorelei Purvis on bus duty at Woodstock Centennial Elementary School. She greets students and their families by name. You will be able to hear the music she plays to dance along to. Lorelei's upbeat spirit sets the tone for the day for the students. A Grade 1 student who does not like to get up in the morning says this about Lorelei: "Mrs. Purvis is the only good thing about going to school in the morning. Once I see her smiling and dancing at the door, it brings a smile to my face and I'm excited about going to school."

Lorelei does more than set the tone for her students' day. As a physical education teacher, Grade 4-5 teacher and role model, she sets an example of healthy decisions and activities. Not only does Lorelei involve every child in physical education activities at his or her ability level, she does everything in her power to encourage students to be active outside of class and school. This sees Lorelei leading after-school activities such as basketball, badminton and cross-country. But her dedication goes further: you will find Lorelei cheering on her students--past and present--as they participate in extracurricular sports in the community. And students are eager to invite her to watch them, even years after leaving her class.

Lorelei is the real deal, and her students know it. She sees the best in each student and asks each one to do his or her best to lead a healthy life. With Mrs. Purvis as their model—whether dancing to the music as the busses arrive, participating in sports, or eating an apple a day—her students are on their way.

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District 15:  Michael Mortlock
District 15 Education Council

Mike Mortlock's tireless and impassioned commitment to quality education for all is evident in the contribution he has made over the course of a generation to inclusive education in District 15 and the Province of New Brunswick.

A small business owner, Mike has devoted untold hours and personal expense to his volunteer work and leadership in a long list of governance groups and school-related activities. His aim throughout has been the creation of opportunities for all children to participate in quality educational programs, regardless of their talents or abilities. Mike accepts the time away from his family and business as an investment in achieving the goals of inclusive education.

He has worked closely with five district superintendents over the years, served on several inclusive working groups, has been a longstanding member of the Council of DEC Chairs and has chaired the District 15 Education Council. In these and other capacities, Mike has distinguished himself as a man of high ideals and outspoken but respectful action. He is respected and sought out for his detailed knowledge of the issues surrounding inclusion, for his strong voice in keeping these issues on the provincial agenda, and for his positive approach to solving the problems that stand in the way of success.

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District 16:  Pat Lange
Ian Baillie Primary School

There is one brick in the Juno Beach Memorial Wall in France that bears the name of the Ian Baillie Primary School alongside the name of war veteran Pt. Earl Kingston. Students of Ian Baillie Primary School raised funds to pay for that brick, and when the funds were collected; their teacher went to Juno Beach, purchased the brick and returned to share a moving presentation with the school's students and families, and the district's teachers.
That teacher is Pat Lange, and for 33 years, he has shared a similar degree of commitment, engagement and connection to history with the students in his K-3 class and with students, teachers and others throughout the district.

An avid student of history, Pat has traveled and studied extensively so that he can enrich his students' learning with personal experiences and stories that can bring their learning alive. With his experiences as a model, Pat encourages his students to not only study, but live the experience of topics such as the Terry Fox story, Canada’s strong connection to Holland, and Anne Frank and the Holocaust.

One day, a Grade 3 student at Ian Baillie Primary School received a handwritten letter from 93-year-old Miep Gies, one of the people who had hidden Anne Frank from the Nazis. Her letter was in reply to one she received from the boy after he had been inspired by something he studied at school. Can you guess the name of that boy's teacher?

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District 17:
Robin Buchanan, Physical Education Mentor
Susan Allen, Healthy Learner's Nurse

During the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games in Vancouver, students and teachers in District 17 experienced engaging learning experiences that linked cross-curricular outcomes, healthy lifestyles and the Olympic Games. The team that spearheaded the learning activities was Robin Buchanan (Physical Education Mentor) and Susan Allen (Healthy Learner's Nurse), both leaders in the District 17 Health Action Committee.

With dedication and enthusiasm, Susan and Robin engaged students and staff in Olympic-related activities that applied the philosophy of the interdependence of health and education: healthy students are better learners and educated individuals are healthier. They led activities that included an Olympic Quilt project, a Stay Active / Eat Like a Champion project, modified indoor and outdoor Olympic activities and the 7th Annual Healthy Learners Challenge.

The Winter Olympics and the associated learning activities are now over, but for the students and teachers of District 17, memories of the Olympics are intertwined with lessons about healthy activity and eating. Thanks to Robin and Susan's contagious enthusiasm, those lessons are sure to have left an imprint.

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District 18:  Michael J. Smith
Nashwaaksis Middle School

Mike Smith recognizes the importance of providing a safe, secure and well-structured environment in the classroom. From just such an environment, Mike's students develop a passion for learning that is unrivalled in today's classroom.

Whether overseeing a provincial science fair, leading Grade 8 students on a geocache activity during science class, or coaching a soccer game, Mike has the reputation of getting the most out of all his students, regardless of learning and ability levels. This is evident in his advocacy for inclusive, differentiated education.

Mike's involvement in the education system includes experience as a classroom teacher, a mentor to countless intern teachers, a coach, an acting principal, and chair of the District 18 Local Teachers Association. He has been involved with developing science curriculum at the district level, and as school athletic director, he helped direct the school toward an inclusive activity-based program. In all his capacities, Mike is a role model for his students and a respected colleague.

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Developing a Passion for Learning
Barb Buckley

Barb Buckley is a leader in the field of Enrichment. Since the mid-1990s, she has championed the Enrichment Triad Model (ETM) in District 18 and has provided ETM training to hundreds of New Brunswick teachers.

Barb has designed, implemented and co-ordinated numerous enrichment opportunities for students who are high achievers as well as those who struggle. She has offered a wide range of programs to support the learning of high achievers, including an annual writer's workshop with author and playwright, Ann Mitton; Journey into the Arts; and workshops in math, science and theatre arts.

Barb's tireless efforts and exemplary programs have shown teachers how to provide enriching learning opportunities for all learners. Leading by example, she has taught hundreds of teachers how best to reach and teach kids by sparking their interest and passion for learning.

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Numeracy, Literacy & Science
Paul Dunnett

Paul Dunnett's name is synonymous with science education throughout New Brunswick. Since 1985, Paul has taught science at Kennebecasis Valley High School where he became science department head in 1995. During those years, Paul has impacted the lives and learning of thousands of students through his inspired teaching, his contributions to science education in the district and the province, and most of all, his sincere care and concern for every student, regardless of his or her gifts or challenges.

Paul has a gift for making science accessible to all students, whether they plan to continue studies in science or not. He also has a talent for making literacy development a natural part of a science class. As an administrator and mentor, Paul is recognized for his commitment to excellence in teaching, particularly to reaching the hard-to-reach students. Since 1995, he has applied this commitment as a member of the Curriculum Development Advisory Committee, addressing every field of science. From 2005 to 2007, Paul's leadership in professional development at the provincial level has resulted in improvements in PISA scores and the province's showing in the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program.

A brief biography cannot address the many ways that Paul has improved the teaching of science in New Brunswick. There is a good chance, though, that if you ask science teachers anywhere in the province if they know who Paul Dunnett is, you will hear how he has contributed to their effectiveness as teachers. And don't be surprised to hear your physician, your carpenter or your neighbour tell you that, as a student, he or she was engaged and motivated by a patient, optimistic and inspiring science teacher: Mr. Dunnett.

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Lifetime Achievement
Robert Munro

When an educator is recognized for a Lifetime Achievement, you know that time will be insufficient to describe that achievement, and that was never truer than for Bob Munro.

Following years as a dynamic classroom teacher at Hampton Consolidated and Millidgeville North schools, Bob Munro spent two years as vice-principal at Kennebecasis Valley High School before becoming that school's principal in 1989. Under his leadership, Kennebecasis Valley High School has consistently been a distinguished school and has graduated distinguished students. No Kennebecasis Valley High School teacher was surprised when the school was ranked second best in Canada by Maclean’s magazine in August 2005.

Bob's style is to enable individual teachers to shine, and he has always ensured that his teachers have the tools to innovate and lead the way. He first provided computers, then SMART Boards, to his teachers, years before the department issued them. In 1994, Bob led the province in being one of the first schools to introduce Advanced Placement courses, and the school's AV results have been outstanding ever since. But Bob's commitment is not only to advanced learners. He promoted literacy across the curriculum before this term came into vogue, and under his leadership, Kennebecasis Valley High School was recognized as a leader in inclusion, even before the promise of inclusion appeared in When kids come first.

While Bob consistently kept his school at the forefront of learning, he is wise and practical in how he implements change. For example, when Kennebecasis Valley High School met the provincial challenge to teach computer literacy and technology by developing a top-notch computer education program, he did not relinquish his school's trade education courses. One phrase from his nomination for this award sums up Bob's contribution to the many successes he has been part of: "That wasn't by accident. That was by Bob."

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Inclusion
New Brunswick Association for Community Living

Students learn better in an environment where they feel valued and welcome and where all students are able to contribute fully to their school community.  No organization works harder to make this truth a reality than the New Brunswick Association for Community Living (NBACL).
A provincial, non-profit, charitable organization that works with and on behalf of children and adults with an intellectual disability and their families, NBACL holds inclusive education to be a pillar of its Association.

As a result, NBACL has worked tirelessly since its inception in 1957 to ensure that all students, including those with an intellectual disability, can learn and participate in their neighbourhood schools as valued members of their school communities. They have held information sessions and shared information at the school and district levels and continue to be a resource for teachers, parents, administrators and others in the area of inclusive education practices for students with an intellectual disability.

High school students with a disability can receive assistance from NBACL Transition Facilitators to make successful transitions from high school to adult life, and from school to work through a network of support. Through the work of NBACL, students have benefitted greatly. They feel valued, accepted and are able to fully express their true gifts, talents and abilities.

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International Engagement
Doug Prescott

The 23 flags that greet you on entering Riverview High School represent the countries of every international student who has attended the school. The flags say "Welcome, we value you." They also are a reminder of Doug Prescott's 11 years of enthusiastic and committed involvement in the International Exchange Program.

Doug is a champion of inclusion and the benefits of international exchange programs. During his involvement in the program, more than 250 students from China have studied at Riverview High School, and in recent years, the school has welcomed students from Mexico, Japan, Germany, Korea and countries involved in the Rotary International Exchange program. Doug also facilitates Riverview High School student visits to China and Mexico.

Doug personally interacts with visiting students on a daily basis and facilitates cultural and learning opportunities that enable visiting students to experience New Brunswick's welcoming culture as they learn. Not surprisingly, 95 per cent of Chinese exchange students have gone on to attend Canadian universities following their time at Riverview High School.

Doug is a tireless ambassador for the program, collaborating with officials at every level to ensure a successful and enriching learning experience for all students. Whether welcoming Chinese delegates in his own home, or delivering a speech in the Great Hall of the People, Doug has helped build the international reputation Riverview High School enjoys as a welcoming, inclusive and success-oriented school.

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Community Engagement & Partnerships
Sobeys Sussex

Both the management and staff of the Sobeys Sussex store have greatly enriched the students and the learning environment of Sussex Middle School. For years, Sobeys Sussex has been an exceptional community partner to the school, championing fundraising efforts, supporting student services and mentoring the school's future community and business leaders.

When Sussex Middle School suddenly required a new mini bus, Sobeys Sussex store manager Phil Sherwood and other staff joined the school's mini-bus committee and began fundraising. With their help, over $65,000 has already been raised. For years, Sobeys has provided the school with price specials and unlimited free bread for its Breakfast Club program, which provides breakfasts for 40 to 50 students each morning before school starts. Students are reminded of Sobeys' support when they see their school musical advertised in the store, which also happens to be the sole distribution site for tickets to the show. When a social studies teacher organized a community breakfast for Haiti, Sobeys Sussex was there, willing and able to help with both product and time.

The management and staff of the Sussex Sobeys store don't just support the school from a distance—they also volunteer directly in the school. Phil Sherwood is a Junior Achievement Mentor for the school's Grade 8 students, teaching The Economics of Staying in School. Staff from the store also visits the school during its annual Career Fair, representing careers in the grocery industry at a fun, interactive booth.

One of the goals at Sussex Middle School is to promote empathy and volunteerism among its students. Students could not have a better example of these virtues that what they see among the people of the Sobeys Sussex store.

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