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Prime Minister's awards recognize excellence in teaching

Often when I’m in Olds, I run into some of the many great teachers who taught me in my elementary and high school days.

Often when I’m in Olds, I run into some of the many great teachers who taught me in my elementary and high school days.

One teacher in particular who stood out for me in high school, and whom I often see as the emcee at community events I attend, is Tom Christensen.

Mr. C, as he is known to his students, taught me a lot.

During one recent meeting he told me, “You know Blake, it’s hard getting used to introducing you as Mr. Richards now.” To which I responded,

“I know what you mean Mr. C – I still can’t bring myself to call you Tom!”

The right teacher can leave a lasting impression on a person. When a talent to teach reaches a young mind that’s eager to learn, the result is an enduring respect on both sides of the teacher-student divide.

I am grateful for the many great teachers like Mr. Christensen that I’ve encountered along the way in life.

They were the ones in many ways who supplied my potential with the tools it needed to realize its goals.

Across Canada, there are teachers who are helping our children to obtain the knowledge and skills they will need to reach their potential.

They are working to prepare the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and educators to carry Canada into the future.

The contributions that good teachers make to our nation’s youth and their achievements are important to society and should be recognized.

Our Conservative Government is doing just that.

This month, Prime Minister Stephen Harper used the occasion of World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5 to launch the nomination process for the 2010 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

The Prime Minister’s Awards for both teaching and early childhood education underscore our government’s commitment to outstanding Canadian educators, from early learning and child care to secondary school.

Award recipients are leaders, developing creative and effective ways to help students learn and excel — ranging from innovative approaches in early childhood development to exceptional use of information and communication technologies in the classroom.

Up to 90 Prime Minister’s Awards will be awarded to educators across Canada, with up to 65 Awards for Teaching Excellence and up to 25 Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education available.

As Member of Parliament for Wild Rose, I urge residents across the riding to think about the exceptional teachers who have contributed to their education, or the education of their children, and consider nominating them for these prestigious awards.

For more information, please contact Blake Richards, MP, at 403-948-5103.

Nominations for both sets of awards close on Nov. 30.

The Prime Minister’s Awards of Excellence will be presented at a ceremony in Ottawa next spring.

Visit pma.gc.ca for details on the awards and for information on how to make a nomination.


Airdrie Today Staff

About the Author: Airdrie Today Staff

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