Parents are well aware of the important role teachers play in the lives of their children. Black Press is teaming up with Staples with support from Camosun College to let parents express their gratitude and support towards some of the best teachers the community has to offer with the Great Teachers program.
Stephanie LongstaffB次元官网网址檚 focus on teachers is coloured by a variety of views seen through a multitude of lenses. She served 19 years with the Parents Advisory Councils at Hans Helgesen and Metchosin elementary schools, as well as Dunsmuir middle school and Belmont secondary.
Although no longer B次元官网网址渙fficiallyB次元官网网址� attached to PACs, Longstaff is heavily involved with the Vancouver Island ParentsB次元官网网址� Conference, which brings together educators and parents from across the province to discuss innovative approaches to the best practices to ensure student success.
B次元官网网址淐ommunication between parents and teachers is a key element in enabling students to reach their full potential,B次元官网网址� Longstaff noted. B次元官网网址淭he conference in particular and PAC meetings in general give everyone an opportunity to get on the same page. Some of the best improvements we see in the classroom evolved from those kind of interactions between parents and teachers.B次元官网网址�
This approach is even more important in todayB次元官网网址檚 changing world of education, where the reality is that both parents work.
Interacting with teachers who work at all levels of primary education through her involvement with PACs has provided Longstaff with a deeper insight into the role teachers play in the development of students. B次元官网网址淚t gives you a greater appreciation of their commitment and dedication to the work they do,B次元官网网址� she said.
Seeing teachers take the time to participate in PAC fundraisers when they werenB次元官网网址檛 obligated to attend and watching how much the students and teachers enjoyed interacting together in a casual environment far removed from the classroom also left a lasting impression that underscored the qualities they bring to their workplace.
Shepherding 10 children through the school system has also given Longstaff a wider perspective, with her youngest son being part of the last class to graduate from the old Belmont secondary, which was torn down this year and replaced with a new school where the old Glen Lake elementary once stood. She remembers how one of her sons struggled with reading all the way to Grade 11 before a teacher took the time to take him to the library and find a book that completely absorbed him in reading. B次元官网网址淭hat extra effort by his teacher changed how my son looked at something as simple, yet as important as reading,B次元官网网址� she explained. B次元官网网址淪omething he had no success with changed into something he enjoys and utilizes in his everyday life.B次元官网网址�
Longstaff said thatB次元官网网址檚 only one of numerous examples she could mention that highlight how every one of her children has benefited from the time their teachers took to engage them in learning.
B次元官网网址淓very one has at least one teacher they talk about fondly years later and credit for their success,B次元官网网址� she added. B次元官网网址淚t takes an amazing person to dedicate their career to improving our future through the students they reach.B次元官网网址�
If you know of a teacher who is making a lasting impression on their students, go to SaanichB次元官网网址.com, click on the Great Teachers icon, and let us know why you would like to nominate them. Those who fill out nominations are eligible to win a $500 grocery gift card. The deadline for nominations is May 29.
