An outstanding new teacher

Photo: Contributed

Marilyn Tegart, Maymie Tegart, Rob Flemming, Minister of Education, Meghan Wade, Chair, SD73 and Alison Sidow, Superintendent SD73

A new teacher in the furthest reaches of School District No.73 was recognized as Outstanding New Teacher by Premier John Horgan on World Teacher Day.
 
Maymie Tegart wholeheartedly took on the responsibility of teaching a multi-grade classroom and connecting to the tiny North Thompson community of Blue River in 2016.

She quickly learned that her charges were an active group, used to dirt biking and snowmobiling, so she took the learning outside and brought nature into the classroom by turning a spare class into a greenhouse. The students started seeds for their garden, raised funds with their plants and learned about life-cycles and pollinators through observation and hands-on-learning.

"The district is extremely proud of the work Ms. Tegart has been doing in Blue River," said Alison Sidow, Superintendent SD73. "Her passion for teaching and community involvement is inspirational and it’s wonderful to see the community come forward to nominate her - it’s clear she is making an incredible difference."
 
And despite her newness to the community, she played a key role in the rural school’s 100th anniversary last year, organizing and creating an event that was a celebration not only of the school, but also of the community. Ms. Tegart, along with the students in her class, came up with all of the plans for the day, created invitations, decorated with incredible historic displays, created a video and wall murals, and provided refreshments and entertainment for all of those in attendance.
 
“When Maymie entered our small community of 250 souls, she brought with her new ideas, new energy, an enthusiasm for teaching and a love of educating children, which is apparent in her day to day activities,” parent Laura Lee Onslow said. “She has the ability to connect with the community in ways that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom.”
 
“Watching Maymie plan, teach and work alongside her students, it is difficult to believe that she is only in her second year of teaching,” said Lori Bradstock Principal, Raft River, Blue River and Vavenby Elementary Schools. “She is always looking for learning opportunities and feedback, and could easily be taken for a much more experienced educator.”
 
Ms. Tegart was among the nine winners of the inaugural Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education who were announced at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on Oct. 5, 2018.

They were narrowed down from 188 nominees, put forward during the April 23 to June 30 nomination period.

Each winner was awarded a commemorative artwork, a $3000 personal bursary for professional learning and $2000 contribution for their school community professional learning.