Recipient: Kathy Haddock

School: Manchester Public School (presently at WT Townsend Public School)

Number of Years Teaching: 10

Grades: primary

Subject:  Early Literacy and Special Education

Inspiration for being a teacher of excellence:

“What inspires me?” Kathy mused.  “The bottom line is the kids and seeing them succeed.”  Kathy believes that in order for students to succeed they need your time, love, understanding and most of all they need perfection from their teacher.  Kathy smiled when she said this, quickly noting that she is not perfect but strongly believes that students, especially special education students, cannot learn from a book, or as books say they should, so a teacher has to teach in many new and different ways until the student gets it.  Kathy believes that students will get it if you keep giving to them from your heart and with creativity.  When Kathy looks at her students she is blown away by their love of life when, really, they have every reason to hate it.  She says that as long as they are moving forward she will be there with them to give and receive hugs and to work hard to bring success.

Kathy’s letter of nomination came from a colleague who wrote:

Kathy, as our Early Literacy and Early Intervention Representative constantly shares information with staff regarding literacy, assuring we are on top of the latest literacy research and procedures.  Often this role is stressful, not only because of time commitment but also because sometimes change is challenging.

When dealing with students, they know they are never looked down on and Kathy always gives them opportunities for success and to build their confidence.  Kathy always takes time out of her busy schedule to talk with students who are having problems, gives them choices and watches children learn from their mistakes.  Students can’t wait to go with Kathy and often those who don’t work with her are disappointed.  Throughout the year, students who work with Kathy transform into students who love to read, have greater confidence and make great progress.