Education and Early Childhood Learning

In their Propel (Project, Pursuit, and Exploration Learning) program, the team of Hansen and Patrician have created an interdisciplinary, project-based learning environment for Grades 11 and 12 students at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate. Students in Propel pursue individualized areas of interest while earning three to four credits in areas such as English language arts, physical education, and information and communication technology. Hansen and Patrician, as dedicated and caring educators, thoughtfully respond to the wide variety of student needs and interests, and work together to successfully guide and coach students. Learners design their own projects, immersing themselves into deep inquiry as they spend full days for one semester in this program. They learn to problem solve, make connections with industry, and achieve curricular outcomes while developing strong skills in collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Students achieve academic and real-life success with projects that not only have personal meaning and relevance, but also contribute to the community. The Propel program culminates with the Exhibitions of Learning, where students present their projects to the community and demonstrate their progress in both their area of interest and, most importantly, in their growth as learners and as individuals. Multiple testimonies of former students reveal that, as a result of Hansen’s and Patrician’s innovative program, students are being prepared to be successful outside of the classroom and are gaining invaluable skills for their future schooling and employment.

Bajaj is a science leader in every sense of the term. Through numerous engaging, hands-on learning opportunities in and outside the classroom, she fosters students’ intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development and cultivates their leadership abilities. A Grade 8 teacher, she also coordinates the K to 8 science program. She introduced the Kids’ New Horizons Club to the school, in which students connect Manitoba science curriculum and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education to the real world. She worked with students to establish the Youth Encouraging Sustainability Club, the Science Club, and the Robotics Club; members attend various science symposia and conferences, interacting with researchers at the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre and Cancer Care Manitoba. Serving as leaders and mentors in the school and local community, club members organize the K to 4 Science Expo and Grades 5 to 8 Science Fair. In addition, Bajaj founded and coordinates the nationally accredited annual Grades 4 to 12 Bison Regional Science Fair, offers professional learning for teachers, and provides science curriculum input to national organizations. Having recently received various science teaching awards, Bajaj is recognized by her peers and school community as someone who strives to nurture a great passion for the sciences in the hearts and minds of students.

As a Grades 7 and 8 teacher at Rossburn Elementary School, Knol takes a sincere interest in each student. Through her positive outlook and compassionate nature, she encourages a safe collaborative environment—not only in her classrooms but also at staff and student support meetings. She consistently uses sound pedagogical practices to ensure that all students succeed. Each learning experience is adapted to the students’ needs to help them achieve their best performance. Knol also responds to the interests of her students. When they said they wanted to create a haunted house for the school, she designed a purposeful learning experience based on that interest to foster collaboration, develop persuasive communication, and investigate problem-solving strategies. Outside of the classroom, Knol coaches the Middle Years soccer team, supervises Middle Years track and field, and organizes a gamers club for card game enthusiasts. She also leads the annual Remembrance Day service, co-facilitates the Healthy School Committee and its monthly activities, and co-chairs the school’s “I Love to Read Month” activities. Knol is a dedicated, conscientious, and caring teacher who helps students develop good learning habits and discover a love for learning.

Over the past five years as a vice-principal and principal of Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, Smallwood has created and maintained a significant transformation of high school education. Having researched and visited schools across North America to observe best practices, she was instrumental in the design and implementation of an interdisciplinary, project-based learning model at the collegiate. This model allows students opportunities to discover and explore their interests and passions, learning and demonstrating curriculum outcomes and other life skills in real-life contexts. Smallwood had the drive and ability to focus on the big picture, overcome challenges, inspire innovative teaching practices that support inquiry-based learning, and build capacity within the teaching staff. She carefully plans professional learning opportunities and team planning sessions to allow teachers to discuss, debate, review, and refine their practice. Smallwood also initiated Weeks without Walls, during which Grades 9 to 12 students explore career development opportunities with community partners for a total of three weeks in October, January, and May. Student attendance and academic achievement have increased significantly, and parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Under Smallwood’s leadership, and with the collaboration of staff and the community, students have become engaged independent learners and active, connected citizens.