Two Barrie teachers have been awarded top honours in their profession.
Barrie North Collegiate's Elizabeth Dewey and Cundles Heights Public School’s Leah Russell have each been awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Certificate of Achievement, one of Canada’s highest honours for teachers and early childhood educators.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence honour outstanding and innovative elementary and secondary school teachers and recipients are recognized for their remarkable educational achievements and for their commitment to preparing their students for a digital and innovation-based economy.
Dewey, who teaches science, biology, learning strategies, English Language Learners and interdisciplinary studies, has been recognized for her commitment to engaging her students and inspiring them to achieve their goals.
With more than 20 years of experience in various capacities in the education system, Dewey is described on the Prime Minister’s Awards website as always being open to modelling the vulnerability and reflectiveness needed as a teacher to change her practice in response to the changing needs of her students, and has created a classroom environment where students are provided with the freedom to make curriculum connections with the things they are interested in.
“I feel extremely grateful to work in a school board, province and country that all strive to better meet the needs of children. I am a naturally curious person and have always felt the drive to improve my skills as an educator,” she told BarrieToday.
Dewey also says she feels lucky to have the support of her principals and colleagues who are always encouraging and sharing knowledge.
“I feel like I am receiving this on behalf of a team. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding profession, but it is also very challenging," she said. "There is a lot that happens outside of the classroom to ensure that students receive the best education possible. I am grateful that the Canadian government recognizes the value of the work done by educators. There are so many others who are also deserving of an award like this.”
Dewey told BarrieToday she noticed very early on in her career that her metrics for success in education were somewhat narrowly defined by her own experience as a student.
“I had a limited way of assessing learning: tests, reports and essays. As I gained experience, I realized that these things failed to adequately capture students' knowledge and abilities. Many things can affect performance in school, and they are not necessarily within the control of the student or inherent to the student," she said.
Dewey also says she wanted to structure her classes in a way that allowed each student to bring their best self to the table.
“If a student has ADHD, for example, they will not be able to do their best learning if I force them to sit for 75 minutes without a break. If a kid is hungry or stressed, they won't be able to focus,” she said. “My experience taught me that punishments and incentives were far less effective than removing the barriers students face. I have never met a kid who did not want to do well in school, but I have met many who didn't believe they could. I am trying to change that. I am proud of every kid I have ever worked with. I feel very, very fortunate to have had the privilege of being their teacher.”
"(Dewey) has always been a very creative teacher and continues to try new approaches in her classes. She allows students to learn and meet curriculum expectations using a variety of methods,” said principal Greg Brucker. “Beth always allows students to reach their full potential by tapping into their interests and true passions, and by making learning a fun and rewarding experience.”
Russell, a senior kindergarten to Grade 7 language, math, social studies, art, physical education and health teacher at Cundles Heights, was selected based on her work that every student can be successful when given the right tools, the right chance and the right adults in their corner supporting them.
"Leah cares about the whole student. Leah, as a great teacher, knows that some students struggle to focus and regulate, as home life and early traumatic childhood experiences often affect school life and learning. By creating a safe, supportive environment inside the classroom, she builds trusting relationships with her students,” said school principal Paula Smith.
Russell, who graduated from Teacher’s College in 2008, told BarrieToday she was inspired to pursue a career in education after having had great teachers of her own over the years..
“I always wanted to give back in some way and I thought (teaching) was a great opportunity to help others. I love children and I have two of my own. I consider every child in my class one of my own and I treat them that way,” she said.
Russell admits she was shocked and honoured when she learned she’d been selected for the award.
“I feel so blessed to be at this school. Our (administration) has really helped me grow as a teacher and the staff here, we’re all like a team. I think this award could be given to any educator at this school because everyone works so hard. We are all committed to giving the children the best education possible," she said.
In the nomination package, Russell is described as being more than an exceptional teacher: “She is the safe haven for many students, and she is the greatest resource for their parents. She has shown that underprivileged students can be successful when given the right tools, the right chance and the right adults in their corner cheering them on.”
Russell added she hopes that when students come to school, they feel like they have a second home.
“They’re not just going to get their education here, but they’re also going to get love, safety, familiarity. If every child feels safe at school, then they are more likely to succeed. I am all about children realizing their full potential, no matter what their background is.”
