École Mother Teresa School’s vice principal Ken Meraw was stunned when he learned he was selected as a semi-finalist for the province’s 2015 Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Three of Meraw’s peers wrote letters to the awards selection committee describing Meraw’s strengths in promoting learning with technology, athletic coaching and prioritizing students' needs.
“It's weird to have somebody write such complimentary things about me. I’m highly flattered,” Meraw said. “To be nominated and thought of in that way and worthy of excellence in teaching is a pretty big deal.”
Meraw has 17 years of educational experience and has been at École Mother Teresa School since February 2014.
He suspects he was selected as a semi-finalist not only because of his teaching abilities, but because of his positive attitude and goal of helping children be the best they can be.
He said he loves his job because he gets to see the gifts that the children have, and feels it's his task to help them discover what their gifts are.
“I love working with my staff and making a bigger impact,” he said. “Instead of being in a class with 25 children, I can work with everybody and work with teachers and be that positive influence to everybody.”
Meraw was one of the semi-finalists narrowed down from 290 nominations received by Alberta Education. In all, 20 finalists were named.
As a semi-finalist, he’ll be recognized at a special ceremony put on by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS), and have access to $1,500 to spend on an approved educational activity.
Four other RDCRS teachers based in Sylvan Lake also received nominations. They include École Mother Teresa School teachers Adam Locke, Cara Belcher and Joanne Michaud, and École Our Lady of the Rosary School teacher Tamara Neilly.