FINALIST NEWS RELEASES
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Three British Columbia teachers named among Canada’s best history teachers
Three teachers from British Columbia are finalists for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Georgina McMurchy-Barber, a grade 4-7 history teacher from Vancouver, Richard Beardsley, a grade 9 and 11 social studies teacher from Richmond and Diane Rodewoldt, a grade 8-11 social studies teacher from Princeton, were selected from a national pool of teachers. They were nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
McMurchy-Barber, an elementary teacher in Vancouver has developed an unique three-year history program for nine to twelve year old students. The program focuses on experiential learning and integrates science, writing, literature, art and music into Canadian history.
McMurchy-Barber’s students get a sense of life in the past by performing in the historical plays which she has written; The Dirty Thirties, Gold Fever, True Patriot Love and Headlines.
As part of a French Canadian history unit, students host a French Fair where they enact French history skits, learn songs, prepare French food and present elaborate presentations on French Canadian history. This unit culminates in a trip to Quebec City and Montreal, just one of many field trips which her classes participate in. They have also studied the gold rush in Barkerville, Haida culture on the Queen Charlotte Islands, the First Nations in Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump and prehistory in Drumheller.
Richard Beardsley, a grade 9 and 11 social studies teacher in Richmond, is known for his outstanding ability to make history interesting and to engage his students. Not only does he teach the prescribed curriculum in inventive ways, he creates and implements his own teaching units.
In one of the most popular units, students simulate the work of a parliamentary committee assessing the Canadian government’s internment of Japanese Canadians in 1942. They study primary documents, photos and newspaper clippings and participate in role playing, historical interpretation, analysis of bias and critical thinking.
Beardsley’s classes also create a model parliament complete with working committees to debate bills on controversial issues such as conscription, gun control and young offenders. Through this activity students gain a thorough understanding of the workings of parliament, the roles and responsibilities of MPs and have the opportunity to investigate interesting issues.
Diane Rodewoldt, a social studies teacher in Princeton, motivates her students to learn through a variety of projects which use diverse skills. Roldewoldt’s students can be found creating their own government, writing citizenship essays and building model homesteads.
Her students participate in an archaeological dig, sharing and interpreting their findings with another class. Guest speakers are brought in to discuss the importance of the artifacts found with the class. This is used as a spin off for class discussion of First Nations history, oral tradition and the current controversies over land claims and access to natural resources.
McMurchy-Barber, Beardsley and Rodewoldt will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Over the six-year history of the Award there have been 2 recipients and eleven finalists from BC; Tom Morton of Vancouver was the award recipient in 1998 and Charles Hou from Burnaby was the recipient in 1996.
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
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Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact these finalists directly, they can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
Georgina McMurchy-Barber: Vancouver Montessori (604 261 0315) or at home (
604 590 0405).
Richard Beardsley: Cambie Secondary School (604 668 6430) or at home (604 275
2195).
Diane Rodewoldt: Princeton Secondary School (250 295 3218 ) or at home (250 295
7452).
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Richard Beardsley of Richmond, British Columbia named one of Canada’s best history teachers
Richard Beardsley, a teacher from Richmond is a finalist for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Beardsley, a grade 9 and 11 social studies teacher, was selected from a national pool of teachers nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
Beardsley is known for his outstanding ability to make history interesting and to engage his students. Not only does he teach the prescribed curriculum in unique and inventive ways, he has created and implemented his own teaching units.
In one of the most popular units, students simulate the work of a parliamentary committee assessing the Canadian government’s internment of Japanese Canadians in 1942. They gather information by studying primary documents, photos and newspaper clippings. The unit involves the students in role playing, historical interpretation, analysis of bias and critical thinking.
Beardsley’s classes also create a model parliament complete with working committees to debate bills on controversial issues such as conscription, gun control and young offenders. Through this activity students gain a thorough understanding of the workings of parliament, the roles and responsibilities of MPs and have the opportunity to investigate interesting issues.
Outside the classroom, Beardsley has developed many curriculum studies and resource packages which have been widely distributed. He is an active member of the Canadian Studies Foundation, which promotes and distributes resources for Canadian history classes.
Beardsley will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Diane Rodewoldt from Princeton and Georgina McMurchy-Barber from Vancouver are also finalists for this years’ Award. Over the six-year history of the Award there have been 2 recipients and eleven finalists from BC; Tom Morton of Vancouver was the award recipient in 1998 and Charles Hou from Burnaby was the recipient in 1996.
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact Richard Beardsley directly, he can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
Cambie Secondary School (604 668 6430) or at home (604 275 2195).
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Diane Rodewoldt of Princeton, British Columbia named one of Canada’s best history teachers
Diane Rodewoldt, a teacher from Princeton is a finalist for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Rodewoldt, a grade 8-11 social studies teacher, was selected from a national pool of teachers nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
Diane Rodewoldt is a highly effective teacher who motivates her students to learn through a variety of projects which use diverse skills. Roldewoldt’s students can be found creating their own government, writing citizenship essays and building model homesteads. They often investigate the effect of history on geography by conducting primary and secondary research, studying maps and interpreting statistics.
Her students participate in an archaeological dig, sharing and interpreting their findings with another class. Posters reflecting the dig are hung in the library. Guest speakers are brought in to discuss the importance of the artifacts found with the class. This is used as a spin off for class discussion of First Nations history, oral tradition and the current controversies over land claims and access to natural resources.
Roldewoldt’s impact as a teacher goes far beyond the classroom. "Her knowledge of history has instilled, in my children, a keen interest in our country’s history. She has taught them to examine both sides of controversial issues and this has enabled them to look at the whole picture of an issue without forming prejudicial views," writes a parent.
Rodewoldt will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Richard Beardsley from Richmond and Georgina McMurchy-Barber from Vancouver are also finalists for this years’ Award. Over the six-year history of the Award there have been 2 recipients and eleven finalists from BC; Tom Morton of Vancouver was the award recipient in 1998 and Charles Hou from Burnaby was the recipient in 1996.
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact Diane Rodewoldt directly, she can be reached
as follows:On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
Princeton Secondary School (250 295 3218 ) or at home (250 295 7452).
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Four Alberta history teachers named among Canada’s best
Four teachers from Alberta are finalists for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Jackie Underhill and Kathy Farrell, grade 7-9 social sciences and language arts teachers from Edmonton, Rick Homan, a senior social studies teacher from Lethbridge, and Dean Stevens, a grade 7-8 social sciences teacher from Fort McMurray were selected from a national pool of teachers. They were nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
All four teachers use a wide variety of activities and multiple resources to make Canadian history exciting and relevant to their students’ lives. They often integrate the study of history with other disciplines such as language arts and music.
When Edmonton teachers, Jackie Underhill and Kathy Farrell heard Canadian history described as boring and irrelevant by their students, the two teachers went to work to change their perceptions. Integrating social studies with language arts they created a dynamic and meaningful new history course.
Underhill and Farrell’s students create historical newspapers complete with political and editorial cartoons, role play historical figures and develop board games. Historic topics are presented using new technologies. Students created multimedia presentations such as; Native Indian Lifestyle, Long Ago and Potlatch People. The teaching units also incorporate the use of novel studies, textbooks, the Internet and CDROMS.
Underhill and Farrell’s students are expected to demonstrate a high degree of interpretation, analysis and synthesis of all elements in the unit. The two teachers act as facilitators for the learning process; setting standards, providing support and assistance, and serving as a "sage on the stage" during role plays.
Rick Homan, a senior social studies teacher from Lethbridge, has developed a political studies unit that involves students in current local politics. As part of this unit his students research local parliamentary candidates’ positions, organize and conduct an all candidates meeting, and prepare a debriefing document outlining the candidates’ positions. This is an assignment that has an immediate impact on students’ lives. Many have gone on to work on political campaigns and one even ran for parliament as a result of the experience.
Dean Stevens, a grade 7-8 social sciences teacher and principal from Fort McMurray, involves his students in role playing historical figures, producing a newspaper and writing and performing their own songs.
Students organize a Canadian Historical Festival in which they role play well known local and national historical figures. Using costumes, props and a modest set, they present their characters to the community. The festival’s success is demonstrated by the evaluations of those attending. "I can’t wait to be in grade eight and learn more about Canadian history," commented several younger students.
Stevens’ students also create a colonial newspaper complete with articles, political cartoons and interviews that reflect life in Upper and Lower Canada from 1815 - 1838. They demonstrate their understanding of the Loyalists’ experiences by composing and performing songs.
The four Alberta teachers will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Previous finalists from Alberta include Anne Gatha, from Calgary (2000), David M. Smith from Red Deer (2000), Simon Jeynes from Warburg (1999), Donald Holmgren from Ashmont (1997) and the trio of Wally Diefenthaler, Gail Sobat and Kaye Steward from St. Albert in 1996
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30--
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact these finalists directly, they can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
Jackie Underhill: S. Bruce Smith School (403 444 4946), home
(403 430 7952)
Rick Homan: Lethbridge Collegiate (403 328 9606), home (403 328 9979)
Dean Stevens: St. Anne School (780 799 5752) ,home (780 743 8652).
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Rick Homan of Lethbridge, Alberta named one of Canada’s best history teachers
Rick Homan, a teacher from Lethbridge, is a finalist for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Homan, a senior social studies teacher, was selected from a national pool of teachers nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
"Mr. Homan is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher with an ongoing commitment to challenging students to excel," stated his nominating colleagues and students.
Homan uses a variety of teaching strategies to make history relevant to the day to day life of his students. As part of a unit on political studies his students research local parliamentary candidates’ positions, organize and conduct an all candidates meeting, and prepare a debriefing document outlining the candidates’ positions. This is an assignment which has an impact on students’ lives. Many have gone on to work on political campaigns and one even ran for parliament as a result of the experience.
Homan’s lessons often focus on the importance of decision making in shaping Canadian history. He encourages students to form their own opinions on issues and to decide what they might have done in the past and would do in the future. His holistic teaching approach includes efforts to help his students not only understand history but to write their thoughts about it clearly and concisely.
Homan’s teaching extends beyond the classroom to involvement in curriculum and evaluation programs at the provincial level.
Homan will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Dean Stevens from Fort McMurray and Jackie Underhill and Kathy Farrell, an Edmonton teaching team, are also finalists for this years’ award. Previous finalists from Alberta include Anne Gatha, from Calgary (2000), David M. Smith from Red Deer (2000), Simon Jeynes from Warburg (1999), Donald Holmgren from Ashmont (1997) and the trio of Wally Diefenthaler, Gail Sobat and Kaye Steward from St. Albert in 1996.
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact Rick Homan directly, he can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
Lethbridge Collegiate (403 328 9606) or at home (403 328 7927).
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Dean Stevens of Fort McMurray, Alberta named one of Canada’s best history teachers
Dean Stevens, a teacher and principal from Fort McMurray, is a finalist for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Stevens, a grade 7-8 social sciences teacher, was selected from a national pool of teachers nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
Mr. Stevens uses a wide variety of learning strategies, teaching techniques and resources to spark his students’ interest in history. Students in Stevens’ classes role play historical figures, produce a newspaper and write and perform their own songs.
Students organize a Canadian Historical Festival in which they role play well known local and national historical figures. Using costumes, props and a modest set, they present their characters to the community. The festival’s success is demonstrated in the evaluations of those attending. "I can’t wait to be in grade eight and learn more about Canadian history," commented several younger students.
Stevens’ classes also create a colonial newspaper complete with articles, political cartoons and interviews that reflect life in Upper and Lower Canada from 1815 - 1838. They also demonstrate their understanding of the Loyalists’ experiences by composing and performing songs.
Stevens strives to make history relevant and encourages students in class discussions to make connections between today’s issues and history.
Stevens will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Rick Homan from Lethbridge and Jackie Underhill and Kathy Farrell, an Edmonton teaching team, are also finalists for this years’ award. Previous finalists from Alberta include Anne Gatha, from Calgary (2000), David M. Smith from Red Deer (2000), Simon Jeynes from Warburg (1999), Donald Holmgren from Ashmont (1997) and the trio of Wally Diefenthaler, Gail Sobat and Kaye Steward from St. Albert in 1996
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, Canada’s National History Society posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact Dean Stevens directly, he can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
St. Anne School (780 799 5752) or at home (780 743 8652).
| For immediate release |
October 13, 2001 |
Toronto teacher winner of Governor General’s history teaching award
Mel Greif, a Toronto teacher, is the winner of the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Mr. Greif received the Award today from Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, in a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
Greif, a senior history teacher, has made history a visible part of daily life at Humberside Collegiate in west end Toronto. Historically themed murals, created by students, archival photos, and commemorative stained glass panels decorate the halls. Under Greif 's leadership students learn that they can take meaningful action to make changes in the present as a result of learning about their own history. Noting the absence of female figures in history, Greif instigated the study of women in Canadian history. As a result, one corridor of the school is now devoted to female Canadian role models.
Other projects have seen the transformation of the landscape around Humberside Collegiate by students creating a garden of native plant species, and building an amphitheatre on the school’s hillside. Working alongside Greif, who is an expert fundraiser, students not only learn their local history, they learn how to access the money needed to make the changes that they want. Through these activities students develop a strong sense of community stewardship, respect for history, and awareness that today’s actions become tomorrow’s history.
Greif’s classes also participate in debates about Confederation, simulations and murder mysteries based on the Grange, Fort York and Spadina House. They have held an 1812 picnic at the base of the Brock monument.
Greif’s unique approach and dynaminc teaching activites have contributed to the success of the school’s History and Contemporary Studies Department. Many students take elective his elective history courses more than once and continue their studies of history at the university level.
The Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History was established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS) The Award is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually from a national pool of teachers nominated for their ability to make Canadian history exciting and relevant to today’s students. One recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award. All of the finalists were honoured with Mr. Greif at this morning’s Rideau Hall Ceremony under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada
The other 2001 finalists are from: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Their submissions included the creation of teaching units on topics as diverse as; aboriginal history and culture, the internment of Japanese Canadians in 1942, French Canadian History and the workings of parliament. Their innovative teaching techniques have students involved in developing international web sites, writing their own books, forming parliamentary committees, and creating a 52-exhibit historical fair.
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact Mr. Greif directly, he can be reached at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333 until Sunday, October 14.
After returning from Ottawa, he can be reached at 416 393 0000 (Humberside Collegiate) or 416 531 8628 (home).
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Two Toronto history teachers named among Canada’s best
Jan Beaver and Mel Greif, Toronto teachers, are both finalists for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Beaver, a teacher at Forest Valley Outdoor Education Centre, and Greif, a senior history teacher at Humberside Collegiate, were selected from a national pool of teachers. They were nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
Jan Beaver is an enthusiastic, innovative teacher specializing in aboriginal history and culture. As an Ojibwa member of the Alderville First Nation, Beaver brings first hand knowledge of aboriginal traditions and values to the classroom.
She has initiated many teaching projects related to the history of aboriginal people in Canada including Voices of Our Ancestors, a project in which grade 6 students interview an elder and then create a book telling that person’s story. In Our Voices, another teaching unit, students explore cultural values and study media literacy to learn about the issues facing today’s aboriginal people.
"Teachers must be comfortable with their own knowledge and understanding of aboriginal history and culture before they can teach it to their students," states Beaver.
To help achieve this goal Beaver has moved beyond her own classroom to write curriculum and develop and teach workshops on aboriginal history and culture in schools throughout Ontario. Aboriginal Voices - Then and Now, a curriculum document, written by Beaver, won the Anti-Bias Curriculum Development Award from the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.
Mel Greif has made history a part of day to day life at his school in west end Toronto. As a result of projects in Greif’s senior history classes the school is decorated with student created historically themed murals, the hillside has become an amphitheatre, and a corridor of the school is devoted to depicting female Canadian role models. Through these activities students develop a strong sense of community stewardship and respect for history.
Greif also involves students in debates, simulations and murder-mysteries to teach various aspects of history. They have held an 1812 picnic at the base of the Brock monument and travelled to a wide variety of Canadian and American destinations.
Beaver and Greif will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Dalia Naujokaitis from Ottawa is also a finalist for this year’s Award. Over the six-year history of the Award there have been 19 finalists from Ontario. Al Skeoch from Toronto was the 1999 Award winner.
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact the finalists directly, they can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
Jan Beaver 416 395 5110 (Forest
Valley Outdoor Education Centre) 905
884 4933 (home)
Mel Greif 416 393 0000 (Humberside Collegiate) 416
531 8628 (home)
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Dalia Naujokaitis of Ottawa, Ontario named one of Canada’s best history teachers
Dalia Naujokaitis, a teacher from Ottawa is a finalist for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Naujokaitis, a grade 4-6 teacher, was selected from a national pool of teachers nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
Ms. Naujokaitis is an innovative teacher who is pioneering an Internet-based curriculum for grades 4 to 6. This project-based program has students investigating local, national and international issues and applying critical thinking to their findings. Naujokaitis’ students do research on the Internet and gather information from diverse primary sources such as oral histories, diaries, original documents and raw film footage. They also conduct interviews and review historical newspaper accounts of events.
Once their research is complete, Naujokaitis’ students learn about the Internet as a communications tool by creating their own websites. They have created and continue to maintain more than a dozen educational websites including; The Rideau Canal: Ottawa’s Community Waterway, One Spirit, Many Gifts: Leadership in the City of Ottawa and Ottawa - A Capital for All.
With Naujokaitis’ help her students have expanded the scope of their projects to become active on the international level. They have organized and created the following Internet-based learning projects with participants from over twenty countries: One World- Many Rights, Students Against Landmines, and I Have a Dream-Bridging Diversity, Building Peace.
These projects have earned recognition from both international and national organizations such as Cyberfair, Childnet International and the International Society for Technology in Education.
Naujokaitis will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Jan Beaver and Mel Greif, both from Toronto are also finalists for this years’ Award. Over the six-year history of the Award there have been 19 finalists from Ontario.
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact Dalia Naujokaitis directly, she can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
St. Elizabeth School ( 613 728 4744) or at home ( 613 236 6515 ).
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Teaching trio from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec named among Canada’s best history teachers
Yolande Amyot, Isabelle Paquet and Paul André Boudreau, a teaching trio from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu are finalists for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. They were selected from a national pool of teachers nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
The three teachers are igniting a passion for history in their students through l’Exposition de Sciences Humaines, an unique interdisciplinary project. Students, in groups of three or four, select a historic topic for research and presentation. The students spend several months on their project culminating in the creation of elaborate kiosks for the annual exposition held in April.
The students conduct research and submit their findings in extensive thirty to fifty page papers on which they base their exhibit. As part of their exhibits, students dress in appropriate costumes, create an atmosphere typical of the period and present their findings. The exposition is attended by parents and students from their own and neighbouring schools and is judged by senior students who have participated in previous expositions.
Last April’s exposition showcased 54 kiosks with diverse topics such as, Women and feminism in Quebec, The Iroquois, The 1837-1838 Rebellion in Lower Canada, the history of Canadian currency and Les Acadiens.
Through this project students gain a deep appreciation of Canadian history while honing their research skills. In creating the kiosks they explore and apply their intellectual, social, creative and physical talents.
"Cette activité m’a permis de transmettre l’enthousiasme, le goût de la recherche et plus important encore, la curiosité et l’intérêt des élèves pour leur pays. J’ajouterai la fierté du savoir, du travail bien fait, lorsqu’ils atteignent les finales, les honneurs," confie Yolande Amyot.
Amyot, Paquet and Boudreau will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Jean Léger from Deux-Montagnes is also a finalist for this year’s Award. Mario Mimeault, a teacher from Rivière-au-Renard was the Award recipient in 2000. Previous finalists from Quebec include Sylvain Christin and Paul Bennett from Montreal (1999); the teaching trio of Luc Tousignant, Vincent Ruel and Nicole Gobeil from Sherbrooke (1998); Gordon Blackman of Montreal (1997); and, Raymond Duchesne from Loretteville (1996).
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
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Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact the teachers directly, they can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
(450 347 8344) Ecole Beaulieu or at home (450 349 1909), Yolande Amyot.
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Jean Léger of Deux-Montagnes, Québec named one of Canada’s best history teachers
Jean Léger, a Secondary 4 teacher in Deux-Montagnes, is a finalist for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Léger was selected from a national pool of teachers nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
Jean Léger believes that a background in Canadian history is a critical component of citizenship building. "La connaisance de l’histoire permet de déveloper le sentiment d’appartenance à une nation tout en favorisant le sense critique qui mène á une plus grande objectivité dans l’analyse des événements de l’actualité contemporaine."
He uses the Internet extensively to make history more accessible and appealing to his students. Léger has created Jeu-questionnaire Nouvelle-France Canada, an on-line history quiz with ten interactive activities. "The jeu-questionnaire is a remarkable tool that promotes the educational success of our students and even promotes an interest in Canadian history among parents," states Monsieur Antonio Lavigne, school principal.
Léger also coaches students to participate successfully in Concours Histoire croisées, a franco-québécois history web site contest. Léger’s students not only use the Internet as a learning resource, but create their own projects as well. Opération Juno, an adventure story about soldiers landing at Normandie, and Le monarque et le tulipier, which traces the transportation of Canadian flora to France in the 17th century, are examples of Internet projects created by his students.
Outside of the classroom, Léger has developed new approaches to traditional museum visits for the Groupe de recherche en étude muséale de l’université du Québec a Montréal. He is also a frequent contributor to the Musée David M. Stewart and MicroIntel, an educational CD-ROM developer.
Léger will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
The teaching team of Yolande Amyot, Isabelle Pacquet and Paul-André Boudreau from St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu are also finalists for this year’s Award. Mario Mimeault, a teacher from Rivière-au-Renard was the Award recipient in 2000. Previous finalists from Quebec include Sylvain Christin and Paul Bennett from Montreal (1999); the teaching trio of Luc Tousignant, Vincent Ruel and Nicole Gobeil from Sherbrooke (1998); Gordon Blackman of Montreal (1997); and, Raymond Duchesne from Loretteville (1996).
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact Jean Léger directly, he can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
(450 472 3070) Poly. Deux-Montagnes or at home (450 974 0019).
| For immediate release |
October 9, 2001 |
Ken MacDonald of Albert Bridge, Nova Scotia named one of Canada’s best history teachers
Ken MacDonald, a teacher from Albert Bridge is a finalist for the 2001 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. MacDonald, a grade 6 teacher, was selected from a national pool of teachers nominated for their innovative ability to bring Canadian history to life for their students.
The Award program, established in 1996 by Canada's National History Society (CNHS), is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of outstanding Canadian history teachers, and promote the sharing of great history teaching ideas. Twelve finalists are selected annually; one recipient from among the finalists is chosen for the Award.
Mr. MacDonald’s unique approach integrates history with the teaching of language arts, health, geography, science, and comparative music.
MacDonald embraces the use of both the old and new to facilitate his students’ understanding of history. As part of their studies of Louisburg, a local historic site, students conduct research on a variety of topics such as the sieges of the fortress, the role of the Mi’kmaq, and the effect of the society’s social classes on the military. They demonstrate their acquired understanding and knowledge by developing board games on each topic. MacDonald’s students also plan battle strategies for attacking and defending the fort. In addition, field trips to local fish plants, coal mines and museums enable students to compare life in the 18th century to that of today. By the end of this unit, MacDonald’s students have lived and breathed the history of Louisburg.
More recently, MacDonald has focused on using new technologies in the classroom. Students were asked to create a power point presentation on Jost House, a historic building in downtown Sydney. The building staff were so impressed that they requested use of the presentation.
MacDonald is co-authour of Louisburg: An Eighteenth Century Town. He is a member of a Nova Scotia Department of Education Committee that is revising the social studies curriculum for grades four to six. He is also a mentor for staff in the use of technology in the classroom.
MacDonald will be honoured with the other Award finalists at a ceremony on October 13th at Rideau Hall, Ottawa under the auspices of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. At this time the recipient will be announced and the Award presented.
Nova Scotia finalists from previous years include Jean MacDonald (1999) and Gloria Johnson (1998), both from Sydney.
As part of the Award program and to further the sharing of effective history teaching ideas, CNHS posts finalists’ lesson plans and a network of teaching specialists on its web site at www.historysociety.ca. The finalists’ lesson plans are also published in an annual newsletter.
Winnipeg-based CNHS is a non-profit organization with a mandate to popularize Canadian History.
Canada's National History Society acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Hudson's Bay History Foundation, Bell Canada and The Investors Group.
-30-
Editors' Advisory:
For additional information contact us in Toronto:
Deirdre Van-Lane, e-mail: DeirdreV@CommunicationMatters.com
Voice: 416-599-9229, ext 4; Fax: 416-599-0456
If you wish to contact Ken MacDonald directly, he can be reached as follows:
On Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 -- Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, (613) 235-3333. Following this:
Riverside Elementary School (902 563 4535) or at home (902 737 2985).