“This class is purely about life skills,” says a personal development teacher. “Let’s have a conversation. Let’s look into their eyes.”
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When Erika Rath talks about how her students teach her as much as she teaches them, she is not just referring to the way we all learn from the unique view of the world that children have. It also refers to practical things, like when you don’t understand the newest form of social media.
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“It allows them to teach adults,” says Rath, who teaches a personal development class for grades 7-11 at Sacred Heart School. Rath is one of five Montreal-area teachers who were recently honored with the Prime Minister’s Awards for excellence in teaching.
“Just because we are the teachers, we are standing in front of them, it does not mean that we know everything. If I make a mistake, I say I’m sorry and it is very powerful to let you know that we make mistakes too. Create genuine relationships. “
There are no grades or tests for her personal development class, which is attended by all students at the school. The class is not mandated by the Ministry of Education and she is free to make adjustments according to the needs of the students.
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“This class is purely life skills. Let’s have a conversation. Let’s look into their eyes, ”Rath said. “It is a class that looks to the future, but first I have to look back. I think back to my adolescence and it was a difficult time for me. That moment is not easy for anyone, but now there are additional challenges. I want to help give girls strategies to cope with adversity. “
She invites guest speakers to discuss life after high school, resumes, mental health, sex education, “but sometimes students send me emails to tell me they need a study period or to talk about a current event. I’ll give you that. “
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor educators for their achievements and commitment to their students, especially in a digital and innovation-driven economy.
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The other Montreal residents honored are:
Rachel Primeau, School of the Holy-Martyrs-Canadiens, Grade 2, in recognition of his innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to children’s success in school.
Joseph Romano, John Caboto Academy, grades 1-6, who uses sports to help students reach their potential and to advocate for students with special needs.
Jennifer Cyr, François-La Bernarde School, preschool, whose teaching methods are “focused on inclusion and attention to the individual needs of each child, and its educational publications, which have found a large audience in Canada and abroad.”
Doreen Hogue, La Rose des vents educational nursery, who is committed to helping her children under the age of 5 explore their worlds. Her greatest accomplishment is “helping children make a smooth transition to kindergarten.”
Reference-montrealgazette.com