PREMIER HONOURS OUTSTANDING TEACHERS

VICTORIA – The Province has launched Education Week 2009 by honouring 20 teachers from around the province for their dedication to students and student learning, including beginning and veteran teachers, and those who teach environmental awareness, literacy and healthy living, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

“B.C. teachers are among the best anywhere in the world, and I want to thank them on behalf of all British Columbians for the dedication they bring to educating our students,” said Premier Campbell. “These educators do amazing work in making our students the best educated in the world. This is an occasion for students, parents, teachers and administrators to honour our outstanding teachers.”

The second-annual Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize the efforts of outstanding teachers in British Columbia. The award winners are currently working directly with students within the B.C. K-12 public, independent or band school systems.

“Teachers are in a unique position to influence and inspire our students in positive ways so that they reach their full potential,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “Every time I visit a classroom, I am impressed with the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our B.C. teachers. We want to recognize teachers and thank them for the important work they do.”

The Ministry of Education received more than 100 nominations from principals, teachers, administrators, superintendents, trustees, parents, students and community members across the province. A selection committee consisting of representatives from community and education partners reviewed the nominations and chose winners in the following award categories:

· Aboriginal Learning

· Beginning Teacher (0-5 years)

· Community Engagement

· Distributed Learning

· Environmental Awareness

· Healthy Living and/or Physical Education and Coaching

· Lifetime Achievement (20+ years)

· Literacy

· School Leadership

· Skills Training and Career Preparation.

“Every one of these teachers being awarded today has incredible talent and passion for teaching,” said Premier Campbell. “They are all mentors to our students and this province owes them a debt of gratitude for their work.”

Lt.-Gov. Steven Point and Bond will present the winning teachers with a certificate of achievement during an official ceremony at Government House to honour their commitment to excellence in education. In addition, each award winner will receive $1,500 for professional development.

The Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence fulfil a platform and throne speech commitment to annually recognize and reward excellence in teaching, give teachers financial incentives to reward improvements in student achievement, and promote professional development. The awards also help support the Province’s goal of becoming the best educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent.

-30-

1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Bridgitte Anderson Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177	Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.