Recipient: Cina McArthur

Cina has been teaching for 26 years, 14 of those years she has taught grade 8. Presently she is teaching them history, English, health and phys Ed at Holy Spirit Catholic School. 

Cina’s inspiration to teach comes from four words; “There was this teacher”.  In Cina’s grade 9 year, this teacher recognized in Cina that she could be successful and reach her goals with hard work, commitment and perseverance. 

Cina’s motivation to teach with excellence is her students.  Her motto is “Kids are worth it!” and she tells them that.  She sees her students as gifts that come to her in their grade 8-year as fragile as Junior Kindergartners.  They are at a pivotal moment and need much love and encouragement. 

Shelley wrote this of her daughter’s experience in Cina’s class:

Socially, this year has been so encouraging for my daughter.  Cina communicates respect and caring to each of her students.  She takes time to talk with them, laugh with them, and listen to them, and this positive environment has had a great effect on the students.  They too respect each other and care about each other.  I didn’t think this level of community was possible in a grade 8 class.

Cina has built a relationship with my daughter through her response journal, in addition to classroom teaching and interaction.  This relationship has built my daughter’s self-esteem.  Cina has somehow also inspired my daughter not only to complete all her work, but to set realistic goals, to do more and to work harder to reach her goals. 

It is not unusual to see a high school student in the halls, coming back to visit with Mrs. McArthur.  She gives 150%.