Recipient: Scott Erskine

School: Preston High School

Subject: Geography

Inspiration/Motivation for being a Teacher of Excellence:

Scott truly loves working with young people who are exploring how they fit into the big picture.  He loves how their eyes light up when they “get it!”.  He is passionate about teaching geography which he sees as a life subject.  One of his students recently placed second in the Great Canadian Geography National competition.

Scott’s philosophy is that if you care about kids there is nothing in curriculum or subject matter that can hurt them because you are looking out for their best interests.  For Scott, the rewards are constant in teaching.

Scott’s nominator, a parent of one of Scott’s students, interviewed 3 of Scott’s former students.  Their fondness of Scott is expressed as follows:

“Mr. Erskine encourages us to participate in his lectures with questions and comments that will often lead to heated debates.  After one of these debates I had a desire to run straight to the library to learn more about the subject we had just discussed.  Mr. Erskine taught me the value of knowing what is going on in the world.”

“It is amazing to have a teacher as open and easy to talk to as Mr. Erskine.  I know he was the favourite teacher of almost everyone in the class.”

“Mr. Erskine has been an excellent teacher for me but more importantly he has become my friend.  He always has been a teacher who I turn to for guidance or advice on school related matters as well as some personal issues.  He has provided thoughtful advice that made me think on my own and recognize my weaknesses and my potential.”