A message from our Minister, Alberta Education

Subject: World Teacher's Day - October 5, 2009

I believe it is important for all of us to take a moment from time to time to reflect on our lives where we are, how we got here and where we are going. During that moment, we should think about the people who have influenced our development as individuals. I think that for most of us, there is likely to be at least one teacher on our list.

Perhaps it was a teacher who spent an extra moment with you when you were struggling with something. Maybe it was a teacher who asked if something was wrong and was more than willing to listen to your answer. Or it could be the teacher who helped you finally get it.

No task we undertake as a society is more important than the education of our children. Alberta s education system is the foundation on which our province s future economic and societal success will be built.

World Teachers Day celebrates the invaluable role teachers play in providing quality education. It acknowledges all the activities teachers undertake to enable children and adults learn to take part in and contribute to their local community and global society.

I am encouraging you to thank a teacher today. Perhaps you can thank the teacher that is encouraging your child to be the best he or she can be. Maybe you can thank the teacher that made a difference to you when you were in school. Or maybe you can just say thanks to the relative, friend or neighbour who is devoting his or her life to the education of our children.

I will start the ball rolling by using this World Teachers Day to thank all Alberta s teachers for their ongoing commitment to our students, our province and our future.

Dave Hancock, Q.C.

Minister
Alberta Education

Adrienne Carlson, who has contributed here before, wrote me to say she has a page on her website called, 55 Awesome Scholarships for Eco-Minded Students. It looks really good. Check it out.

Thanks Adrienne!

Cheers - Mike