TEACHER/ STAFF
APPRECIATION WEEK February 12–18, 2017
Sharing in student success
Teachers, staff and parents vital to student engagement
Patrick Maze, President, Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. ST F
b y Pat r i c k M a z e
When one talks about engagement in ‘public’ education it is important not to overlook the very word public because as has often been stated it does take a village to raise a child. As we take time to recognize Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week, it is worth contemplating how the whole experience of nurturing our young citizens has arguably never been truer than in today’s complex world. Everyone has a key role to play in an endeavour that most assuredly has a common interest for all involved. Teachers and fellow school staffs tend to be quite humble, unassuming sorts so sharing their “week” with members of the community would seem only natural. Students supported by interested, engaged parents complete the circle and serves as a timely reminder of what can be achieved by working together rather than in isolation. Gone are the days when schools were pretty much off limits to parents outside those few parent-teacher interview exchanges for example. If you were to walk into a school in our province now – particularly at the elementary level – you would in all likelihood be struck by two unmistakable images: the presence of parents and care givers as well as an incredibly diverse student population (particularly in the urban centres, but increasingly more so in rural settings as well as the population of Saskatchewan continues to grow and is fuelled largely by newcomers to Canada). Much has been made in recent years about the success of students in Finland in particular. If you talk to people who live there and are involved, the level of respect of teachers and the teaching profession is invariably cited as being an integral factor. Some would suggest that’s not always the case in Canada but at the same time there is an undeniable appreciation for the diligent work carried out by teachers and school staff. That might be in an extra-curricular activity or in less visible time spent in conversation at the school about the progress or perhaps challenges that students face on a daily basis. Ask most teachers and it’s often not the honours student that they will speak of when it comes to their greatest source of pride. More likely it’s the student who encountered struggles along the journey before finding their respective passion and thereby the all-important confidence boost that we all need from time to time. It’s not uncommon that sometimes this feeling of self-assuredness can be unlocked in seemingly unlikely situations such as participating in a school play or other out-of-class activity. This is a poignant reminder of the importance of the relationship that is developed between teacher and student. Those oft-mentioned “light bulb” moments don’t happen by accident. It requires encouragement and engagement both within the school and ideally at home. So while this might be designated as a week to celebrate teachers and staff, it’s a safe bet that they wouldn’t begrudge sharing the spotlight with the rest of the key players in this education mosaic. Here’s an equally safe wager – if you do stop by to say thanks to your child’s teacher it would be much appreciated and at the same time it would probably be reciprocal for your efforts. After all when a student succeeds there’s never any shortage of credit to be celebrated. - Patrick Maze is President of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week will be celebrated across the province this week. The event recognizes the important professional and personal contributions made by teachers and support staff to students in Saskatchewan. G e t ty I m age s
GREAT TEACHERS/STAFF = ENGAGED STUDENTS Great teachers engage, motivate and influence their students by J e a n n i e A r m st ro n g Postmedia Content Works
The theme for Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week in Saskatchewan for 2017 highlights the formula for student success: “Great Teachers/Staff = Engaged Students.” This will be the 30th year that Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is being celebrated in our province, proclaimed from February 12 to 18 by Saskatchewan Education Minister Don Morgan. The Saskatchewan Association of School Community Councils (SASC), a non-profit volunteer organization that works to bring parental perspective to education issues, has led the way in promoting the designated week. SASC director Joy Bastness says the special week is a time for “parents, students and the wider community to recognize the important contributions, both personal and professional, of teachers and school staff, to the lives of children.” Developing positive teacherstudent relationships is key to engagement, says Bastness. “Students become engaged in learning when teachers and school staff work collectively and individually with students to enhance their learning experience. It’s the leadership and expertise of the teachers and school staff that helps ensure students have an educational foundation that will serve them now and in the future.” The influence that educators have upon their students extends far beyond the school years, she adds. “Teachers and support staff shape how students see themselves, the success they achieve and the kind of persons they will become.” To develop strategies to motivate and engage their students, teachers need to continue their own education and professional development, says Bastness. “Education is constantly changing. Teachers have to continually upgrade and update their own skills and learning strategies to meet, not only the needs of their students, but also the demands of their school divisions and the Ministry of Education. There seems to be less funding for education but the demands are increasing. It puts a lot of stress on our teachers and support staff.” Joining teachers in the spotlight during the special week are educational assistants, teachers’ aides, school librarians, janitors, bus drivers and administration staff, notes Bastness. Larger school divisions also benefit from the expertise of social workers, psychologists, speech pathologists and other professionals. Saskatchewan was the first province in Canada to celebrate Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week 30 years ago. In 1988, the
week began to be observed on a national scale through an initiative of the Canadian Home and School Federation. School community councils take the lead in organizing the week’s festivities. “There are different types of activities in every school. Last year, for example, Rivier Academy in Prince Albert sponsored a free-throw basketball contest where students could win their home room teacher or support staff the prize of a dinner and a movie,” says Bastness. The lunchhour event, held in the school gym, attracted many spectators – including teachers, support staff and students – who joined in cheering on the participants. In many schools, tasty lunches
and treats are brought in by volunteers to thank teachers and staff for their hard work. “At one school, they made chocolate-covered strawberries for the teachers and staff to enjoy,” says Bastness. “At another school, they held a ‘Have you been mugged today?’ contest. Teachers were invited to put their names in a draw to receive mugs of goodies.” A thoughtful gift could include a bag of pens and notepaper, says Bastness, adding that teachers often supplement classroom supplies out of their own pockets. Special assembly programs held during the week give students an opportunity to express their thanks. Scavenger hunts and trivia games are another way to bring
teachers and students together for added fun. Creative ways for students to show their appreciation include making posters, banners and cards to decorate school hallways and classrooms. “At some schools, students have created collages showing teachers and staff at work and at play. Other students have written stories, poems and drawn pictures,” says Bastness. “There are so many ideas! It’s just amazing!” To find out more about upcoming Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week events, get in touch with your local School Community Council (SCC). Contact information can be obtained through your neighbourhood school or parent group.
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