Rankin teacher recognized for making a difference

Program asked students to nominate teachers who made impact in their lives

IONA — Rankin School of the Narrows teacher Gaye Dixon was one of nine teachers from across the province recognized by the Nova Scotia Teachers Union's Teachers Make a Difference recognition program.

The second-year program asked students to nominate teachers they felt were making an impact in their lives as well as contributions to their school and community.

“Teachers make a difference by not only developing minds and skills, but focusing on students’ hearts, hopes and dreams,” said NSTU president Shelley Morse.

“Teachers care about the needs of their students and are responsive to their varied strengths and needs. These nine teachers are representative of all teachers and community college members in the province.”

Gaye, a physical education and science teacher, was among the 238 teachers who were nominated for an award during the Oct. 15 to Nov. 10 nomination period.

Because he's an award recipient, Rankin School of the Narrows will receive a $300 donation towards their home school, campus breakfast or library program.

Reasons cited by students in their nominations as to why teachers make a difference included demonstrating kindness, patience, warmth and dedication, encouraging self-expression, being an inspiration, instilling passion, and making learning fun.

As part of the program, vignettes will be broadcast on CTV television, focusing on the ways teachers make a difference, along with a 15-second spot announcing the selected NSTU members. The vignettes are also posted on the NSTU’s website at nstu.ca through its YouTube station at youtube.com/nstuwebcast.