Terminally-ill educator receives national award
`Every day here is precious,' says Sundre science teacher at virtual ceremony
On the same day Albertan Ryan Beck learned he had been named teacher of the year, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The cancer forced Beck out of the classroom at Sundre High School, north of Calgary, where he teaches chemistry, astronomy and physics. Doctors told him he had six months to live.
On Wednesday, amid ongoing chemotherapy treatments, Beck accepted a plaque in recognition of his excellence as an educator during a virtual award ceremony with his peers.
He teared up as he spoke, thanking his “huge team of support.”
“I've always had great support from the community of Sundre and from my family. All of that support is essential to achieving at this level. That support continues, as many of you know, with my cancer diagnosis,” he said as his voice shook.
“I just hope I can keep doing this longer, because this is what I want to do.”
Beck is this year's recipient of the Canadian Association of Physicists' award for excellence in teaching high school physics in the Prairies and Northwest Territories.
It is a top honour in Canada and Beck was recognized for engaging students in the subject, achieving grants for educating students and “the effort he has put in getting students into the wider world applying physics.”
Beck, who began teaching at the Sundre school in 2007, has returned to the classroom on a part-time basis, alternating weeks between teaching and undergoing treatment for Stage 4 esophageal cancer.
“It's been wonderful to get back. It's where I want to be, for sure, so every day here is precious,” Beck said after the ceremony. A big reason he returned is for his son.
“My son is in my chemistry class and chemistry is his favourite subject, so I wanted to teach him.”
There's no easy way to explain Beck's circumstances. As he puts it, “dying is hard” but overwhelming support from the community drives his passion to continue teaching for as long as possible.
His effect on students can't be understated.
As Rob Thompson, president of the Canadian Association of Physicists put it, Beck brings physics to life.
“Teachers really offer the intake door for our students to go into science and it's people like Ryan, who are so dedicated to their students, who will really transform our communities both here in Alberta and beyond,” Thompson said during the ceremony, before reading a note from a student.
“Mr. Beck is extremely helpful and knowledgeable and teaches in a way that makes physics easier than it should be.”
Some in the group laugh — physics is rarely praised as easy.
But Beck's influence stretches far beyond the walls of Sundre High School.
“As we all journey through life, we leave footprints, we live some sort of a legacy and, Ryan, yours is one we all admire,” said local school trustee Allan Tarnoczi. “I can't recall how many students and families that I've talked to in this community who have sung your praises, and you have instilled in those children the wonder of science and, in particular, a love of physics.”
Beck's colleague, Kevin Challoner, spoke about his role beyond teaching, as director and producer for the high school drama productions. Others mentioned his role in the local karate club and astronomy club, or as director of the Perimeter Institute's teach network in Alberta.
“What stands out to me about Ryan is his tremendous intelligence and knowledge, his calm, his quirkiness, his outside the box way of approaching problems and, most importantly, unlimited willingness to work with students,” said Challoner.
He added, there's “no more deserving guy.”