Three Alberta teachers will be jetting away on vacation after winning the top prizes in the ATA’s My Alberta Teacher Hero contest. The contest, which ran in conjunction with World Teachers’ Day in October, encouraged teachers, students and the public to submit 60-second videos sharing how they were inspired by an Alberta teacher.
The contest drew 80 submissions. These were entered into a draw for three vouchers valued at $3,000 each, to be used either for WestJet travel or the Apple Store.
Edmonton teacher Nicole Watts landed one of the prizes after being nominating by a teaching colleague for her commitment to working late at school and her displays of generosity through sharing gift cards with those in need. Watts described her win as a “wonderful surprise.” She’s hoping to use her prize to travel to New York, where she hopes to take in some theatrical performances.
Prize winner Bill Gordon, a retired teacher from Elk Island Public Schools, was nominated by a former student who is now a school administrator. Heavily involved in student council activities and special events during his career, Gordon is credited with inspiring many students. He said he plans to use his prize to travel to Hawaii.
The other winner is Charlene Brown of Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools. A Grade 5 student nominated her because she is “fun, sporty and loves the students.” He described that, after 30 years of teaching students, Mrs. Brown is in “desperate need of a vacation.” Brown doesn’t know yet where she will travel, but noted that the prize has lifted her spirits and made a real difference. ❚
