Scratch beneath the surface of those who have enjoyed success in their professional lives and there’s a good chance you’ll find a teacher who guided them along their path, inspiring them to strive to reach their potential.
It is our teachers who kindled that interest in a subject that eventually became a rewarding career. It is our teachers who created a love of learning that fostered a desire to expand our horizons throughout our lives. And it is our teachers who helped open our eyes and minds to both people and ideas that we might not otherwise have been exposed.
It is for those reasons, along with others too numerous to mention, that Black Press has partnered with Staples Business Depot, with support from Camosun College, to recognize and honour those passionate individuals who go above and beyond for their students in our annual Great Teachers celebration.
Last year’s honourees – Helena Ewald of Doncaster elementary, Emma Cottier from Royal Oak middle school and Tim Storm who retired in 2016 after 27 years at Stelly’s secondary – reflect the qualities that make up a great teacher, inspiring students past and present along with their parents to nominate them with stories of admiration, respect and genuine affection.
We encourage readers to get involved in this year’s celebration and recognize a teacher who has played an important role in your life or the life on someone you know. You’ll find a link to the Great Teachers nomination form at www.saanichnews.com/contests, where readers can submit stories about the awesome teachers in their lives.
The nomination period closes May 14, and the three honourees for 2017 will be announced in June in a special supplement that will include the nomination letters, offering a chance to get a better sense of how these special individuals make an impact.
We hope you’ll join us in recognizing the achievements of those special teachers who devote so much time and effort to help our children reach their goals.
