Teachers agree to raise bar, close gap
By Kelly Crawford
SUDBURY – Debbie Debassige used her skills as a conference energizer to get a room full of teachers on their feet and agreeing that: “Ezhi-Maamosowin (We are ALL in this Together); we must Raise the Bar to our standards; and Close the Gap in many forms (language and culture, funding, educational outcomes, parental and community planning) to ensure Student Success For All.”
Debassige, director of school services, organized the 2014 Principals & Educators conference presented by Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute that drew some 120 participants in late January.
“We all have a vested interest and passion to ensure our students are both academically proficient and firmly grounded in our language, culture, and traditions,” said KTEI executive director Stephanie Roy. “Only then can each student truly reach their potential and value as individuals and be successful based on their chosen career pathways.”
The event showcases best educational practices and student successes.
Amy Debassige, Kenjgewin Teg Secondary School, M’Chigeeng First Nation, was awarded the New Teacher Excellence Award, which recognizes a new teacher who demonstrates enthusiasm, commitment and innovation in teaching while consistently inspiring students.
“More than ever, I feel motivated and excited to enter the teaching profession,” said Debassige.
I appreciate the support of my colleagues and all that I have learned from the students so far this year. The workshop facilitators did an excellent job and the topics covered were relevant and useful for both the classroom and for informing educators’ perspectives.”
Teacher Excellence Awards for three-plus years of teaching were awarded to: Pamela Solomon, Biidaaban Kinomaagegamig, Sagamok Anishnawbek and Theresa King, Laura McKenzie Learning Centre, Bear Island Education Authority, Temagami First Nation.
The conference brought together educational experts from all over Turtle Island. Each speaker engaged and inspired participants in their own unique way. Guest and keynote speakers included Kahontakwas Diane Longboat and Dr. Martin Brokenleg respectively.
A total of 14 workshops were offered on topics including Indigenous pedagogy, Indigenous identity, creating a bully-free classroom, early learning kindergarten immersion, talking circles as spiritual tools, cultural inclusion, language learning and the importance of historical and treaty education.
“Whatever position individual communities take, it is clear, collectively we all want each and every one of our students – who are precious gifts from the Creator – to be productive, proud and prosperous citizens of the world,” said Stephanie Roy.
Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of eight First Nation community representatives in the Manitoulin-North Shore area and is centrally located on Manitoulin Island – Mnidoo Mnising in M’Chigeeng First Nation in Northern Ontario. KTEI provides community based-approaches to education, training and business support services and opportunities. In the Ojibwe language, “Kenjgewin Teg” means “a place of knowledge”.
For more information please contact: Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute, Principal/Educators Conference Coordinators, Box 374, M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0 or call 705-377-4342