Education Week 2023 Highlights Active Learning and Engagement

Each year, Nova Scotia’s Education Week is an opportunity to recognize the work of teachers, public school administrators, early childhood educators and student support staff who help ensure the achievement and well-being of students.

With the theme Active Learning = Engagement, Education Week 2023 recognizes how school communities promote active learning in various creative ways, from outdoor activities to hands-on classroom experience. Students gain the authentic learning experience and become more active through these initiatives, which improve their overall well-being.

“Our educators, administrators and staff understand that students thrive when they are active participants in their educational journey,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Becky Druhan. “And today, we celebrate and recognize those who have found exceptional and creative ways to make students feel welcomed, encouraged and engaged.”

Sixty-three award recipients from across Nova Scotia will be honoured at a ceremony in Halifax today, April 17. The list of recipients is at: https://nstu.blob.core.windows.net/nstuwebsite/edweek-2023-winners-web-english.jpg

Education Week 2023 is from April 16 to 22.

Quotes:

“I am delighted to celebrate the achievements of educators, staff and education partners. Every day, they contribute to learning environments where all students see themselves reflected in the learning journey. Because of this work, young people are empowered to achieve their full potential.”

– Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia

“The best way for students to have a deeper understanding of math is to experience it, manipulate it and see it in action. Active learning in math allows students to understand that math is tangible. When we approach teaching math with this in mind, students see learning not only as fun and exciting, but how it fits in their world.”

– Thérèse Forsythe, Educator Award recipient, Horton High School

“As a principal, I am committed to creating supportive and engaging environments that empower all of my students to reach their full potential. I am grateful for the opportunity to help all of my students be the best they can be. Thank you for the recognition.”

– Tanya DeViller, Public School Administrator Award recipient, Port Maitland Consolidated Elementary School

“It has long been a goal of mine, both as an Indigenous support worker and a teacher, to change the way a student experiences a math or science class. I try to do this by looking at the curriculum through a cultural lens that students may not have been exposed to previously. It is exciting that the HRCE also recognizes the importance of this and that there is much more we can do.”

– Derrick Hennessey, Mi’kmaq Educator/Student Support Award recipient, Bedford and Forsyth Education Centres

Quick Facts:

• Education Week is a co-operative project between the following education partners: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Teachers Union, Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority, La Fédération des parents acadiens de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Council on African Canadian Education and Council on Mi’kmaq Education

Additional Resources:

Education Week 2023 – Nova Scotia Teachers Union: https://nstu.ca/the-nstu/communications/education-week-2023

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/education-and-early-childhood-development