Welcome to the C O A T S website

Welcome to the What's New section of the Council on Alberta Teaching Standards web site. This page changes monthly, offering various themes of interest to teachers, administrators, and parents. We hope you find this information valuable.

November's theme celebrates excellent teaching in Alberta by providing highlights of the 2005 Excellence in Teaching Awards, and inviting you to nominate an excellent teacher in your school community.

2006 Excellence in Teaching Awards

Alberta Education - Excellence in Teaching Awards
Alberta Education's Excellence in Teaching Awards Program has recognized the innovative and outstanding teaching that takes place every day in classrooms across Alberta since 1989. This program provides Albertans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many contributions teachers make to successful student learning.

Consider nominating an excellent teacher in your school community. Nomination forms, eligibility and selection criteria, and procedures for the 2006 Awards can be found at
http://education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/teaching/teacherAwards

Highlights of 2005

Last year, twenty teachers received the 2005 Excellence in Teaching Award, and three teachers received the 2005 SMARTer Kids Foundation Innovative Use of Technology Award. Learn more about why these inspiring teachers were recognized for their teaching or leadership excellence through the appreciative comments from colleagues and community members summarized below.

2005 Excellence In Teaching Awards Recipients

Christopher Aylesworth and his enthusiastic Grade 6 students at Sunalta Elementary School in Calgary have co-architected and built everything from vehicles to catapults, structures to universes. Chris combines traditional and innovative teaching methods with a lively sense of humour, clear expectations, genuine compliments, and positive constructive criticism to foster a safe, caring classroom environment where students feel capable and respected. When asked by a parent about his philosophy, Chris confided, "I always find it's better to blow a little sunshine their way. It's more effective than all the ranting and raving in the world." As his teaching partner, Douglas Noakes, states, "He works with and for students in a collegial, encouraging manner, and their respect for and loyalty to him shows their appreciation."

In addition to teaching, Chris is responsible for a myriad of administrative tasks as assistant principal which he performs with effectiveness, leadership and a strong commitment to learning. He serves as chair of the Professional Development Committee and has helped to plan for and implement projects such as buddy teaching, collaborative physical education, and the Environment Club. In the words of Sunalta's principal, Alexander Mckay, "[Chris provides] classroom, school and system leadership. The love of learning he demonstrates in his work and in his life is reflected back by learners, colleagues and parents."

Kevin Bain, a teacher at Alexander Forbes School in Grande Prairie, targets students' interests such as photography, pendulum clocks, furniture construction, music videos, and CO2-powered race cars to reinforce core concepts from science, language arts and math in his Industrial Arts classes. His students produce the only yearbook on CD in the district. In Kevin's "Young Entrepreneurs" module, students create a working company that produces a saleable product. Kevin believes personal feedback is an important part of teacher-student interaction, as are fun and an appreciation of humour. A fellow teacher describes Kevin as "a stellar teacher, an exemplary role model for the newer recruits into our profession."

Kevin shares his in-depth knowledge of the junior high Career and Technology Studies curriculum with teachers throughout the district. His expertise also resulted in valuable contributions towards the CTS-facilities design of a new K-9 school.

Kevin has coached volleyball for 21 years, stating that equal play, good sportsmanship and having fun are at the core of his coaching methods. Whether as colleague, teacher or coach, Kevin "truly exemplifies this award" says Principal Sharron Graham.

Susanne Bechtold, described by colleagues as "energetic" and "dynamic", teaches social studies at the National Sport School in Calgary. She is passionate about inquiry-based learning, incorporating sophisticated technologies, flexibile learning experiences, and intensive evaluation and discussion of ideas and current events among her students. Her students have created photo essays and sovereignty skits, and participated in model parliaments via video links with other schools. Candace Saar, a Galileo Educational Network (http://www.galileo.org/) consultant comments, "I have rarely encountered an individual with Susanne's energy and determination to improve the high school experience of students. She constantly pushes the limits of her practice, resists mediocrity and asks the hard questions." In Susanne's own words, "To live the curriculum in new, innovative and authentic ways on a day-to-day, moment-by-moment basis is the challenging part."

Susanne maintains her teaching edge through continual professional development and willingly shares her learning in the classroom and with other teachers. Susanne's students understand her expectations of strong work and intellectual habits and characterize her classes as "hard fun," which is high praise indeed.

Greg Dewing has quadrupled the music program enrolment in just two years at Edmonton's St. Joseph Catholic High School by offering opportunities that include a concert band and choir, a jazz band, a liturgical choir, guitar classes, a composition and recording studio, and a Friday morning musical hour. Greg's students have performed at the Kiwanis and Alberta Band Association Festivals, Band Share Day, numerous workshops and a Juno Awards event. He involves his students in the use of software packages like Garage Band (http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/explore.html) that encourage individual expression. His students also showcase their developing talents to raise funds for the music program. With a strong belief in the intellectual, social and emotional development possible through the study of music, Greg has brought music into the mainstream at St. Joe's. According to fellow teacher Frank Sdao, "his credo is that all students are musical and creative… He works endlessly to provide all types of opportunities for all types of students to experience all types of music."

Theresa Hryciw, a parent volunteer and accompanist says, "As professional musicians, [my husband and I] are particularly gratified when music education is given the importance it deserves … it is essential to recognize individuals like Greg who strive to make a positive difference." Principal Turcotte sums it up: "The school culture is significantly more positive and alive as a result of Greg being part of our community."

Caroline Giguere, from Gerard Redmond Community Catholic School in Hinton, has imaginatively taught Kindergarten, led the Learning for Life program for grades 7 through 12 (a highly successful program that targets the needs of students at risk of dropping out), and initiated "Café Gerard" (an effective component of her high school foods program where students prepared daily baking and lunch at the school). Caroline's modifications of the "Café Gerard" initiative allowed her Learning for Life students to participate and achieve success as well.

Key to Caroline's success with the Learning for Life program, now in its third year, are the steps she takes to involve students in program design, to communicate regularly with parents, to promote inclusion, to remain up-to-date with the research in the area of special needs, and by debriefing nightly with Learning for Life staff and aides. Caroline invests many hours making connections with parents and contacting local businesses for hands-on work experiences for her students. Her calm, approachable demeanour and willingness to spend time counseling has won the trust of some of the school's most troubled students. Paula McKay, school council chair, puts it well: "It takes a special teacher to touch the hearts of children at any age."

Chris Zarski, principal of Gerard Redmond, describes Caroline's grace and skill as a teacher and as the acting principal, "Her dedication and results are astounding!"

Daniel Haley, principal at St. Justin Catholic School in Edmonton, celebrates and supports the school's rich multiethnic community representing 23 cultural groups. When asked about his philosophy of education, Dan responds, "A well rounded education is needed to meet the needs of the whole child; students need to be seen as active members of our community." In support of this philosophy, Dan actively encourages a multicultural emphasis throughout the school. He introduced the Braided Journeys program to help the school's Aboriginal population learn more about their culture and to foster pride in their heritage. He established the Caring Hands model for behaviour at school. He expanded the school's 'Reading Recovery Program', extended the ESL program, and implemented a daily physical education program called We Do It Daily for Life. An expanded music program incorporates both chimes and hand bells. Dan also coached St. Justin students to a second place finish in the Pythagoras Math Contest and initiated a School Mural Contest that brought an Artist in Residence to the school. St. Justin students also give back to the community through the Terry Fox Run, and a partnership with Sobeys in aid of the Food Bank. From cup-stacking competitions to anti-bullying initiatives to the maintenance of the library's goldfish pond, Dan works with staff and students to nurture a safe and creative environment that showcases student pride and learning.

All of these efforts contributed to St. Justin receiving the 2004 Teaching Award for Support of Inclusive Education. In the words of Superintendent Dale Ripley, "[Dan] is truly an instructional leader who puts the needs of students as the number one priority in his school."

Karen Kahler, a teacher at Father James Whelihan Elementary and Junior High School in Calgary, has an enthusiasm for people, a passion for learning and a deep desire to share her knowledge. Colleagues respect her contributions to their professional development at district, regional and provincial levels, and are delighted by her passion and expertise.

One of Karen's colleagues, Melina Akins, notes that Karen deftly plans "meaningful learning activities that integrate the use of technology." While attending the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy (http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/education/teachers/index.asp) in Ottawa, Karen's students tracked her daily activities on her web site, engaged in simultaneous activities, and communicated by e-mail. Karen recently engaged her students by inviting Evergreen Theatre to enrich their science class. Her students are also actively involved in the annual Heritage Fair and Science Fair. Her confidence that students can develop and execute independent, self-driven projects has been rewarded. Principal Steffan comments that Karen ensures "students take control of their learning, not only in the classroom, but also in life." Rosalie Taylor, a parent of one of Karen's grade 6 students says, "[Ms. Kahler] leaves [her students] with a love of learning and the confidence to take on some responsibility for that learning. This is one of the greatest gifts a teacher can give."

Chris Knebel teaches French-as-a-Second-Language at Tom Baines School in Calgary. Students in this enthusiastic multilingual thespian's classes play games, make videotapes, participate in cultural experiences, go on field trips, play the spoons, and sing with verve. This positive student experience has resulted in the majority of Chris's students continuing their pursuit of French as well as contributing to a growing enrolment.

Chris is also the vocal director for all student presentations and a vocal instructor with The Young Canadians (http://www.theyoungcanadians.com/). Some of her students have gone on to spectacular careers, appearing on stage in London, England, creating paintings that hang in that city's Royal Collection, as well as performing on cruise ships.

Chris bends her energies in many directions, such as preparing students for leadership roles, coaching high jump, piloting new programs, and sharing strategies and resources with colleagues. Jim Langley, principal at Tom Baines, suggests, "Excellence in teaching for Chris Knebel is no accident. It is the product of exceptional ability, commitment to best teaching practice, and a love and concern for every student in her charge."

Tammy Komarniski, teacher and site-based literacy coordinator at St. Alphonsus Catholic Elementary Junior High School in Edmonton, "is leadership bound," says her principal, Kim Brophy. In this inner city K-9 school students are achieving their highest scores in seven years on the provincial Achievement Tests - a result Principal Brophy attributes to Tammy's influence. Her fellow teachers agree, citing her work as a peer coach, religious liaison teacher, and diligent researcher. Tammy continuously initiates new strategies to bring out the best in every student. Some examples include: creating mentorships and pairing between Kindergarten and Grade 7 students; producing a video about reciprocal teaching; organizing a book room for the school's "independent and guided reading" program; setting up a snack program for junior high students during exam week; and organizing lunch-hour dance lessons and a Ukrainian dance troupe.

The "Acts of Service" program Tammy has implemented to sensitize students to consequences and accountability is particularly effective. When their behaviour has "taken something away" from the school, this program gives them an opportunity to "give something back." Tammy's students "view themselves as readers and writers and their overall disposition is one of a learner," says Principal Brophy. "Students are confident because their teacher consistently applauds their efforts and challenges them to risk and learn more." As Lori Morley, past school council president, says, "Indeed, joy is alive in her classroom."

Lisa Kuntz teaches math, physical education and outdoor education at Wellington School in Edmonton. According to her principal, Kathy McCabe, "Lisa's commitment to student achievement and her willingness to take on initiatives highlight her as a teaching professional. She is a model to students and a strong collegial partner with staff." Lisa serves on the Instructional Leadership Team and is enrolled in the Edmonton Public Schools leadership training course. Vanessa Trask, a colleague who participated in Lisa's peer-coaching program describes the experience as "positive, constructive, encouraging and inspiring." Last year Lisa produced a math fair that drew the attention of University of Alberta professors and math consultants from the central office of Edmonton Public Schools. She also was invited to present a session on organizing math fairs at a math conference in Banff. Examples of Lisa's imaginative approach to a logic-based subject are Space Shuttle Math and Kung Fu Math. Math at the Movies and an ingenious use of manipulatives also keep students actively engaged and enhance their learning and retention.

Lisa's outdoor education program includes snow shoeing, ice and in-line skating, canoeing, cross-country skiing, wall climbing, and fire and shelter building. Her annual three-day camping trip (including a legendary cooking competition) is a highlight of the outdoor education year. Wendy Brown, parent of two Wellington students, comments that Lisa "mixes proven teaching techniques with off-the-cuff exuberance," and shows concern for all areas of a student's life.

Warren Lake "eats, lives and breathes science!" says Angela Flynn, principal of Canmore Collegiate High School. His zest for science makes it obvious that Warren subscribes wholeheartedly to the school's vision of "Fostering a Passion for Learning." From developing new opportunities in the community (sustainable energy use with a local restaurant) to utilizing modern technology in exciting ways (forensic applications), Warren continues to stretch the possibilities. He mentors new teachers as math/science department coordinator, and shares teaching success and challenges through open communication with colleagues.

Students see Warren as a gifted storyteller, combining science facts with enthusiasm. Warren appreciates the value of an attention-grabbing opening, often beginning a class with a controversial or thought-provoking picture or article. He seasons his lectures with anecdotes from his army days or illustrations from family life. Warren uses everything from action figures to highly sophisticated machine toys to demonstrate scientific concepts in action. Field trips include such destinations as the SPACE program in Montreal, the Science Olympics, Bamfield Research Station, the Calgary Sustainable Communities Youth Forum, and Buller Pond in Kananaskis Country. One student explains, "He is definitely not an ordinary teacher; he has the heart of a big kid, full of wonder …." Brent Bittner, a fellow teacher, observes, "Students feel appreciated in his space. I have yet to meet someone more curious about life and the world."

Vanessa LeCaine's science classes at Westmount Junior High School in Edmonton build things, dissect things, make things grow, explode things … and they watch things improve including their achievement test scores.

Field trips, clearly linked to the science curriculum, are a frequent experience for Vanessa's students. Students can't help but be intrigued by a teacher who, on the first day in junior high science class, greets them with a toy bulldog dancing to the tune of "Who Let the Dogs Out?" It's the beginning of an adventure that has some students comparing Vanessa to Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. They learn that you're never too old to visit the zoo, that positive science experiences can be preserved on video (based on a "Hogwarts" theme from Harry Potter, and complete with soundtrack, titles and scrolling end credits), and that the inconvenience of renovations can be "re-visioned" with a splashy mural painted on temporary drywall. Vanessa's high expectations, innovative lesson delivery and determination to expose Westmount's inner-city school population to a wide variety of experiences demonstrate a commitment to student excellence.

Vanessa also coaches the girls' wrestling team, and all five members have won medals at the city championships. One team member characterizes her as "a powerful woman in many ways, charismatic, optimistic and supportive." Robert Smilanich, principal at Westmount, concurs. "The students - and the staff! - are hypnotized by Vanessa's enthusiasm," he says.

Angela Lemire, a teacher at Jasper Junior/Senior High School, has "a veteran's eye" combined with "a novice's enthusiasm," a fellow teacher observes. Her thirty-two year passion for teaching and for language and literature is evident everywhere. One former student described it this way: "The words were Frost's, Shakespeare's and Keats', but they belonged to Angie too." Her students' projects (which include videos, CDs, puppet theatres, illustrated books, comic strips, posters and models) are regularly displayed in the school's showcases. Authors and theatre groups come to Jasper to consult with and inspire the English classes.

Angela handles the challenge of teaching all of the senior high English courses in her small school with great skill and talent, and still finds time to take on many other important professional roles. Angela has been on the Alberta Teachers' Association executive for 20 years, and she has been extensively involved with Alberta Education's activities related to curriculum and examinations. She has been the yearbook advisor and head fundraiser for the school for thirty-two years, has been actively involved with the international students. She reaches out to her fellow staff members, as a mentor, as the lead teacher for new English curricula, and as a partner in cross-curricular projects.

Doug Loeffler was hired in 1998 as the principal/teacher of the new Lakeside Outreach School located in a mall in Slave Lake. Assistant superintendent Barry Stangeland says, "No one really knew how tremendously successful it would become." The school has doubled in size and has a strong record of graduates who have gone on to post-secondary learning or entered the workforce. Doug has created a safe place for students to come and discuss their personal problems, which he believes have to be dealt with before they can effectively return to their studies. There are essentially three rules at Lakeside Outreach. Students are asked to "respect yourself, respect others and respect property." Doug has helped to change these students' attitudes. Many now say they would rather come to school than have holidays, and they regard their fellow students and the staff as respected friends or even "family."

Doug meets with the staff every Friday afternoon so they can raise concerns and discuss difficult situations with a view to diffusing them as quickly as possible. He helps the classroom teachers meet students' individual needs, often by working directly with small groups. He sets up projects and activities that recognize and honour the students' cultural backgrounds. He organizes field trips, and ensures that students have the skills they need for success in life and at work. Perhaps most importantly, he cares deeply about the well-being of each of the young people he so ably serves. "These kids have dreams like everyone else." Doug says.

Scott Morrison has set the stage for remarkable things to happen - and they have," says Hans Woehleke, associate superintendent of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools. As principal of Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks, Scott has established a strong "culture of hope" in his school and community. He regularly talks with his staff about their power to defy preconceived notions about what struggling or at-risk students can achieve. He has collected examples of "hope-filled" master teachers on an inspiring CD, which he shares with school staff, the local school board and fellow school administrators. In keeping with his philosophy that "no child at Holy Trinity should ever need a tutor," Scott has set up a student support system that provides skilled teaching assistants to work with students in grades 9 through 11, and teachers to help the grade 12 students. Amazingly, 90 per cent of the students who participate are self-referred. Another of Scott's many activities as an educational leader is to provide extensive inservice training to his own staff, to education students at Red Deer College, and at a recent Western Canadian Educational Administrators' conference. One of the teachers at Holy Trinity sums it all up by describing Scott as "a student of education and a teacher of teachers."

Not many schools can report, as Holy Trinity can, that 99 per cent of parents are satisfied with their children's education, 92 per cent of students are satisfied with the quality of their education and 98 per cent of teachers are satisfied with the way the school is administered.

Jerry Simonsen can be found interacting with students in the hallways and other garthering areas at Eastview Middle School in Red Deer, where he is the principal. He also teaches at least one class per semester, which is "almost unheard of in schools half this size," says Superintendent Don Falk. He coaches one or more extracurricular sports each year. In fact, he has coached volleyball for 30 consecutive years. When the school organizes a field trip, Jerry frequently takes the wheel of the bus as this gives him another opportunity to be a visible, hands-on principal who tries to establish a personal connection with all of the school's 700+ students.

The school is arranged in teams to help teachers and students become "families" that share their learning experiences and celebrate accomplishments together. Parents receive daily information about homework on the school's website. "At Eastview, failure is not acceptable," says Superintendent Falk. There is a social skills opportunity class, a school-wide tutorial program and a "catch-up" program, as well as Individualized Program Plans for about one-quarter of the students.These students also have extensive opportunities to study fine arts, learn about technology or pursue an apprenticeship in the trades. Jerry's "adaptation and application of the middle school philosophy to the needs of students in Red Deer has become a model for middle schools in our province," says Phil Jensen, vice principal at the school.

Dawn Sundell, a Grade 3 teacher at Parkview School in Edmonton, is best known for the Astounding Announcers public speaking program that she launched in 1995. With a view to building her students' literacy, vocabulary and self-esteem as well as their speaking ability, Dawn gives each of her students at least two opportunities each year to introduce an adult speaker at a public event. Run as a business, the Astounding Announcers program books many "gigs" each year including major events such as the Alberta Winter Games and Rotary Club meetings. "A little voice booms over the microphone as the child's eyes sweep the audience," says Scott Millar, principal of Parkview, "and the listeners and special guests are awestruck." This activity gives listening and speaking real purpose, Scott adds. Barbara Neumann, one of Dawn's teaching colleagues, agrees. "Grade 3 students stand before hundreds, even thousands, of people and speak confidently and eloquently," she notes. This program is justly famous: it has been used as a model for Stettler's Spectacular Speakers and Winnipeg's Astounding Announcers.

Dawn is the elementary representative on the Instructional Leadership Team and regularly welcomes teachers from the district to visit her classroom to learn about what her principal describes as "well-researched and very deliberate teaching practice" and "a high-functioning, very focused learning environment." In her warm and friendly classroom, Dawn's students play an active part in their own education and learn to take risks and try new things.

Mike VanLanduyt is "a journeyman carpenter, a teacher and a perfectionist," says Jamie McNamara, principal of Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame High School in Red Deer, where Mike teaches CTS and Building Construction. In order to effectively prepare his students for future careers and employment, Mike stays abreast of current industry standards, codes and regulations, and he tries to incorporate the latest woodworking and fabrication technology into his labs. "Mike takes students that aren't sure about all the opportunities in the trades and shows them the possibilities that are out there in the community," says Edgard Chapeton, parent of one of Mike's students.

Recently, Mike was able to arrange a partnership with a local construction company so that 15 of his students could work beside skilled trades people during every stage of a house construction project. The construction company and its employees were also very pleased with the outcome and have therefore committed to a similar project for next year.

One student's comment about Mike: "He gave us freedom to learn the way that we learn best. If we did it our way, he would show us his way, then let us choose which was best for us." Another student adds, "Mr. V. knows each student's potential and pushes them." A fellow CTS teacher at Notre Dame, Ray Swaleson, says the students' comments make him realize "how much they grew [in Mike's classes], both as beginning trades people and as young adults."

Percy Zalasky, a math teacher at Paul Kane High School in St. Albert, likes to say that math is not a spectator sport. Although his students have won innumerable awards and scholarships, put up a good showing in many math competitions and done well on diploma exams throughout the decades Percy is always modest and unassuming. "Percy prefers to remain out of the limelight, as he transforms lives, creates visions and constantly builds bridges of knowledge while breaking down bridges of hopelessness." say Laurier Bisson and Francoise Ruban, administrators at Paul Kane. Former student Kurt McLeod, says that not one of his post-secondary professors, although he respects them highly, "came even close to Mr. Zalasky, who is the best math teacher in Alberta."

Percy's remarkable teaching in Advanced Placement Math led to the development of the calculator refresher workshops he has delivered to teachers throughout North America. He has marked the Advanced Placement Calculus examinations, and is one of the few Canadians selected to do so. He has also been an active test item writer and trainer of the exam markers for the provincial mathematics diploma examinations. Percy, who is an avid outdoorsman and is involved with the school's environment club and cross country running team, is just as committed to family and community as he is to teaching. He is involved in numerous charitable and church activities, and he and his family were named Citizens of the Year in 1996.

Liane Zutz shows her students that "anything and everything is interesting," says former student Kurt McLeod. She "leaves her fingerprints on every student that walks through her door," he comments. Holly Tibbie, school counselor and Liane's colleague at Paul Kane High School in St. Albert, describes how Liane keeps her students interested and motivated by integrating other disciplines into her science classes. "Can Drama become part of the Biology classroom? Yes. In Chemiosmosis - The Play, Liane's students convert the classroom into a cell with organelles and a phospholipids bilayer. Balls represent electrons and students play the parts of various molecules and enzymes as they dramatize ATP synthesis." Other colleagues note that Liane plans field trips each year to places such as the Kootenay Plains and Elk Island Park, and that she often uses a "discovery" approach to labs. Her excellent rapport with the students is further enhanced through her enthusiastic and skilful coaching of volleyball, basketball, badminton and track teams.

Liane, a master biology teacher, is well known for her professional leadership. She is the author of the locally developed Advanced Placement Biology 35 course, and she served as the lead teacher in the development of Advanced Placement courses in Science 10 and Biology 20 and 30. Working with an environmental education society, she developed a study program that requires students to research and role play a scenario for a forest management plan. In her role as science department head, Liane has established Science Learning teams.

SMARTer Kids Foundation Innovative Use of Technology Award

In addition to teaching computer programming at Jasper Place High School in Edmonton (http://www.jasperplace.ca/), Brenda Frisk has developed a Hypermedia Technology Program that guides students' use of industry-standard software to create multimedia productions. Her program engages students as effective change agents in projects where they must find a solution to a client's problem that the client finds acceptable. Her students have also offered a one-on-one "Hypermedia Camp" to a Grade 6 class. "The computer lab, Mrs. Frisk's domain, has proven to be a place where students are drawn like0 magnets," says Edna Bell, a parent of one of Brenda's students.

Brenda also sponsors the extracurricular Jasper Place DevWeb Team, a group of students who pursue multimedia technologies. This group creates two- and three-dimensional animations, creates websites for community and non-profit groups, and contributes to the school in various ways such as creating a virtual tour of Jasper Place (http://www.jasperplace.ca/virtualtour/1024_768/Home.htm). The DevWeb team won first place (high school level) in the 2000 International Multimedia Mania competition in Chicago with their interactive CD on the human heart (now used by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation). They have won medals every year since at this competition. Brenda was also recently selected to take part in the Macromedia Education Leaders Program, which recognizes education technology innovators.

Alison Marshall teaches video editing and graphic arts at Hunting Hills High School in Red Deer (http://www.rdpsd.ab.ca/hhhs/hhhs_flash_site.html#home). Alison and her students use Final Cut Pro 4 (a high-end video editing tool), Photoshop 6 (an image creation and editing tool) and many other graphics software programs in an innovative Video Technology program that Alison helped to establish. She has developed student study guides that support an individualized instructional approach in her courses. She provides flexible video editing lab hours for her students and offers evening and weekend help sessions. David MacLean, Principal at Hunting Hills says, "I am always amazed by the quality and quantity of the projects that Mrs. Marshall's class generates."

Alison integrates activities from other subjects and extracurricular events into student CTS projects. "Alison and her students create video and still photo records of athletics, fine arts and Student Union activities," says Bill Jacobsen, fellow teacher of fine arts and modern languages. Recently, her students supported the school's musical production of Peter Pan by producing posters, programs, T-shirts, and audio and video ads. A biweekly video news program that is broadcast in the school on Mondays is produced entirely by Alison's students.

Furthermore, Alison helps her colleagues "get maximum use out of our investment in computer technology and related software," says Principal MacLean. And, says Penny LeBreton, a highly satisfied parent, "Mrs. Marshall has all of the qualities that I feel a teacher should have - integrity, kindness and diversity, and most of all, understanding."

Heather Pawliuk "truly models selfless devotion to her profession," says Principal Gerald Thiell. A technology specialist, and gifted and talented lead teacher for grades 3 to 6 at St. Dominic School in Edmonton (http://www.stdominic.ecsd.net/), Heather works collaboratively with her colleagues in the school to integrate technology into all subject areas. She also supports fellow teachers in the use of a web-based report card, in developing Individualized Program Plans, and in leadnig professional development sessions on computers, assessment, educating the gifted and talented. She offers in-service training beyond the school as a member of the Telus2Learn team.

Heather has developed many computer-based activities that allow for differentiated skill levels and stimulate critical thinking. In Heather's classes, you will find students using online encyclopedias and search engines to do research. Her students regularly use word processing, publishing and other software programs to write and publish reports, stories, newspapers, posters and plays (staged electronically using a program called Hollywood High). The students create electronic portfolios , play math games, create graphs on Excel, and build geometric shapes with Logo software. They have even organized a math fair, where they have proudly displayed their math projects to the rest of the school and to teachers from other schools.

Lynda Clark, parent of one of Heather's students, praises this outstanding teacher having "a unique ability when it comes to assisting students."