Glyn Hughes was awarded for his innovative and respected learning style at Alberta Education’s 23rd Excellence in Teaching Awards, May 28.
The George McDougall High School social studies head was honoured at a gala banquet along with the 23 other award winners.
Hughes, originally from Chatham, Ont., is actively involved in student groups including Students 4 Change, a social justice group involved in global issues, human rights, education, women’s rights, poverty and hunger.
“I want the kids to understand there’s more to learning than the four corners of the classroom,” said Hughes, a teacher of 27 years.
After being nominated by an English teacher, Hughes was caught off guard.
“It was a bit of a surprise actually,” said Hughes. “I’m just doing my job. Some people are noticing, which is quite gratifying.”
Hughes has reinvented his teaching style multiple times and said he currently is using the Internet, YouTube clips and film to help bring his lessons to life.
“If you’re like me at all, after 20 minutes I’m in la-la land,” he said. “I’ve been really aware of that for a longtime. If you’re going to try and teach, make it stimulating and motivating.”
Also an avid traveller, Hughes has injected his trips into class to help students get a grasp on the countries they studied.
“The recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Awards are a passionate group of educators committed to the success of their students and their school communities,” said Dave Hancock, Alberta’s education minister. “These teachers are an example of the quality of leadership that will allow us to move forward with transformational change in Alberta’s education system.
Twenty educators, including Hughes, received $4,000 to use for professional development.
Three teachers who took home an award from SMART received a large technology package including the company’s interactive white boards.
