Recipient: Michael Bolton (FYI: ran his first marathon on Sunday)

School: Dickson Public School

Grade: 4 and 5

Inspiration/Motivation for being a Teacher of Excellence:

Michael brings donuts to class every Friday to celebrate the end of a great week, gives out gumballs and takes his students on a camping trip where they are introduced to rope courses and the great outdoors.

Michael realizes the importance of a teacher in kids’ lives.  He remembers teachers that had a positive influence on his life and wants to be that positive influence in the lives of his students.  He realizes that a teacher’s influence goes way beyond the end of a school day…the teacher’s name and words are talked about at dinner tables, in the car and can impact the rest of a student’s life.  Michael wants students to remember him as a teacher who cared for them, challenged them and celebrated them.

One of Michael’s students and her mother nominated Michael for this award.  His grade 4 student wrote:

“I am nominating my teacher Mr. Bolton as the best teacher there is.  Since kindergarten I haven’t liked school that much.  My teachers never took the time with me and when I tried real hard nobody noticed.  Not Mr. Bolton—he was different.  Mr. Bolton is very nice to his students.  He treats us like human beings and not like stupid monkeys.  If we have trouble with something he doesn’t get mad or frustrated, he’ll just help us until we get everything down pat.  He sees the good in everybody so that makes us respect him.”

Her mom wrote:

“On a day to day basis, Mr. Bolton is always the same—approachable, understanding and patient, providing a positive role model to his students and fellow teachers.  All it takes for success is one person to believe in you and the students are fortunate to have this in Mr. Bolton.”