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Best Elementary Teacher: Stacy Ward

Sep 16, 2015 | 2:44 PM

Great teachers know how to bring out the best in their students. For most that is the goal they strive towards.

Stacy Ward a Grade 5 teacher at Red Wing Public School in Prince Albert, always has her students’ best interests in mind. paNOW reader’s agree and  recently voted Ms. Ward as Prince Albert’s Best Elementary Teacher for paNOW’s Best of the Best 2015.

Ward who has worked within the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division (SRPSD) for approximately three years said she feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to secure a teaching position at Red Wing Public School. She said she was lucky enough to have originally obtained an internship at Red Wing straight after University and she enjoyed it so much she never left.

Ward said she is dedicated to students’ learning and is typically at school around 6 a.m. every morning and usually doesn’t leave until 5 p.m.  Over the years Ward said she has come to realize that she enjoys sharing and learning from her students the most.

“I tell the kids that I love what I do and I love where I work and it is because of them, they allow me to feel that way,” said Ward. “I tell them that I am not the only teacher in the classroom, that I learn from them too.”

Ward who is originally from La Ronge said she knew at a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher. She said she obtained her teaching degree at NORTEP (Northern Teacher Education Program) where she took a special interest in inquiry and experiential learning and as a result has incorporated both of those methods within her classroom today.

“I value the perceptions of my students and believe we can all learn from one another which is why I utilize group discussion whenever possible,” she said.

“I love seeing the light bulbs pop up on the kids, that facial expression when they know they got it. Even if it is just one student I get through to that is why I do what I do.”

Ward said she was very shocked when one of her students approached her one morning to inform her she had been nominated for this year’s Best of the Best.

“It was heartwarming to know that someone appreciated my dedication, but I never thought I would actually win this award,” she said. 

Ward said it was originally her dad who informed her of the win but when the school day began that day and the same student that originally notified her of her nomination rushed into her classroom with such excitement to let her know the great news she said she almost cried with satisfaction and joy.

“Knowing I had made a difference in one student’s life, I reminded myself that this is why I do what I do; positive difference in the lives of our future generation,” said Ward.

To learn more about the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division (SRPSD) click here.

Website

Phone: 306-764-1571

Address:
Saskatchewan Rivers School Division
545 11 St E
Prince Albert, SK
S6V 1B1