High marks for former educator

Sharon Aloian was honoured Wednesday night in Toronto for her years as a teacher as well as being past president of the Niagara chapter of of her elmentary teachers federation.

A lo ian, of St. Ca th arin es, received an Honourary Life Member Award from the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO).

The award is the highest recognition given by the ETFO. It is given to members who have retired from the profession and are seen as outstanding.

Aloian said being acknowledged by her colleagues in this way has meant a great deal to her.

“I’m humbled to receive this award and to be in the company of so many leaders,” she said Friday.

Aloian worked for 27 schools throughout the region during her 18-year career as a special education teacher. After retiring from teaching she became the first president of the Niagara chapter for the ETFO, where she worked for another 18 years.

Aloian retired from the federation three years ago.

During her career, Aloian served on the Federation of Women Teachers’ Association in 1995. She was also elected as president of the Lincoln Women’s Teacher Association in 1995.

ETFO president Sam Hammon said Aloian’s work on the boards of the FWTAO, ETFO and the Ontario Teachers Federation contributed to the “strength and unified voice” of educators.

For teachers starting in their careers, Aloian said they must remember it’s not a job, it’s a vocation. To be a teacher, she said, there needs to be passion.

I’m humbled to receive this award and to be in the company of so many leaders.” Sharon Aloian