J.V. Humphries teacher Grace Broadfoot has been named B.C’s Outstanding New Teacher.
Broadfoot was one of three teachers considered for the award, which she was handed by Premier John Horgan at the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education ceremony Friday in Victoria that also marked World Teachers Day.
J.V. Humphries principal Dan Rude said Broadfoot has made a major impact on the school in her short time there.
“She’s a go-to teacher for kids,” said Rude. “She’s willing to get out there and take kids into real experiences. [She’ll] work through the risks but also work beyond the risks as well. She’s done some things that we’re so proud we were able to do in our small school. … All kinds of field trips related to real-world learning.”
Rude said Broadfoot’s project-based, environmentally-conscious approach has fit perfectly into the province’s new curriculum.
“I knew right away when I had a chance to hire her that it was going to be really worthwhile.”
Broadfoot also receives a $3,000 personal bursary for professional learning, a $2,000 contribution to the Kaslo school community for professional learning and a commemorative work of art.
“All British Columbians benefit from the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators and support workers,” said Premier John Horgan in a statement.
“The education professionals honoured through the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education are exemplary in their commitment to student success, making schools safe and welcoming places for all, innovative learning approaches and strong leadership, and having made lasting impacts on peoples’ lives.”