Yorkregion.com - Markham - Unionville teacher is tops
Unionville teacher is tops
Markham
May 10, 2008 09:04 PM
By: Chris Traber
Rummaging through trash isn’t exactly part of our standard high school curriculum, but Grade 12 Unionville High School students relish the task and it’s partially why educator Donna McAdam was named teacher of the year.
Ms McAdam, a grades 9 and 12 geography teacher at the school since 2000, was one of 23 educators and support staff receiving a Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence last week.
A veteran teacher of 16 years, the Vaughan resident was York Region’s sole recipient of the annual honour presented by Education Minister Kathleen Wynne and Premier Dalton McGuinty.
The framed certificate and glass statue were welcome and overwhelming, Ms McAdam said.
“When I learned about it two weeks prior, there was excitement and disbelief,” she said. “It sure makes you feel special. I’m inspired and motivated.”
Nominated by Sheila Hetherington, vice principal of Thornlea Secondary School where Ms McAdam used to teach, she was among 1,000 nominees.
“Donna McAdam’s geography classes extend well beyond the classroom,” read Mr. McGuinty at the awards dinner. “Her students conduct school waste audits. They hike the Niagara Escarpment with Global Positioning System receivers. And they build 3D models of sustainable communities, models that are judged by urban planners to show students their work is realistic and meaningful.
“A leader in her school and community, she inspires students and teachers to become global citizens who respect the environment.”
Ms McAdam’s environment and resource management students rolled up their sleeves and picked through waste generated by the school in a 24-hour period.
“Part of the course is to design a green project,” she said. “The students initiate, plan and execute a composting system. We separated waste into garbage, organics and recycling.
“We learned what could be diverted from landfills.”
Her Grade 9 class toured the biosphere reserve in Niagara, learning GPS and compass skills while gaining insights into the area’s geologic history and environmental issues.
The same class investigated land use by building urban models that were judged by planners. Winning teams received gift cards.
“I try and help students make connections with their lives and the real world,” she said. “An authentic activity helps them want to learn more.”
The Premier’s Award brings honour to the school and the star geography teacher, principal Isabel Schnapp said.
“Donna’s an outstanding teacher and contributor to the culture, climate and character of the school. She keeps all of us on our toes in terms of environmental awareness.”
For information and nomination forms, check out visit www.edu.gov.on.ca/teachingawards or call 1-800-387-5514.