Three local teachers earn award

If good teachers can make a world of difference in the lives of young people, it stands to reason that good associate teachers, those who provide in-class instruction to student-teachers, can make a universe of difference to young teachers and their future pupils. Nipissing University recently celebrated three Near North District School Board teachers with an Associate Teacher Award.
Helen Gobby from King George Public School, Kim Corbeil from Ferris Glen Public School, and Kirsten Smith of Widdifield Secondary School all received the award. Each recipient was nominated by the student(s) they were mentoring. They received a commemorative plaque and $150.

"Associate Teachers play a vital role in modeling teaching excellence and professionalism, and we want to recognize them for their efforts,” said Carole Richardson, dean of the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University. “While mentoring teacher candidates is a rewarding experience, it is also a tremendous commitment and responsibility and the Schulich School of Education sincerely appreciates the commitment and dedication of all of our Associate Teachers.”

The Associate Teacher Award is a pilot project between the university, the Near North District School Board and the Nipissing-Parry Sound District School Board. This is the first time it has been awarded.