Photo provided by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.
Two Sylvan Lake École Our Lady of the Rosary School teachers have been awarded the Regional Certificate of Achievement for the 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
Grade 1 French Immersion teacher Chantal Moroney, and Grade 3 French Immersion teacher Roderick Rivera received the awards.
Moroney teaches French language arts, math, science, art, music, religion, and social.
In the award submission, a school parent said, "Chantal Moroney leaves a lasting impression, shaping a positive future for our children as she instills confidence, love, and wisdom. With her warm smile and a voice brimming with excitement and joy, she radiates a beautiful light that echoes in the hearts and minds of her students."
Moroney was recognized for celebrating the uniqueness of each student, while creating a positive classroom environment by seamlessly balancing individualized instruction, innovative teaching techniques and behavioural management within the classroom.
"Understanding and recognizing the diverse learning styles of my students is crucial. My goal is to engage and inspire every student, even the most reluctant ones, through positivity and innovative techniques that spark creativity and motivate excellence," said Moroney.
Rivera teaches French language arts, English language arts, science, reading support for Grades 1-3, and Grade 4 French Immersion.
"Roderick Rivera is such a kind and gentle teacher. He gives his students his full attention and expresses true interest in them as people. He inspires them to learn and be their own selves and proud of it," said an École Our Lady of the Rosary School parent in the award application.
Rivera was recognized for tailoring the learning experience to fit each student’s unique needs and goals by allowing them the opportunity to choose the learning approaches that work best for them.
"Creating a supportive and positive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment is essential. It’s important that every student feels valued and heard," said Rivera.
"Both Chantal and Roderick bring unique and creative approaches to teaching that inspire and engage our students. Their ability to tailor learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of their students is truly remarkable," said Andrea Gringhuis, École Our Lady of the Rosary School principal.
**With information provided by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.