Teaching excellence

Andrea Roberts
Times Intern

 

Former Strathmore local Justin Silva was recently awarded the Alberta Teachers’ Association William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education upon graduating from the University of Lethbridge on June 3.
The award is given to the student who attains the highest general proficiency during the final two years of a Bachelor of Education program.
A number of things inspired him to go into education including numerous previous teachers and a desire to carry forward the inspiration to the next generation.
“I always wanted to make a positive impact on young peoples’ lives,” said the 27-year-old Silva. “I am very passionate for science and math. I always really enjoyed those subjects and always really wanted to inspire others students to be successful in those areas.”
He plans on returning to Strathmore and bringing his teaching skills to the new Wheatland Crossing School when it opens in the fall, where he will teach high school math and science.
The citation information that went along with the award praised Silva’s hard work, calling him an exceptional teacher who was able to teach physics, chemistry and mathematics in fun and engaging ways.
“Justin’s work was exemplary,” said Sharon Pelech, an assistant professor who taught Silva in his science methods course. “His creativity and detail in planning for providing students with opportunities to experience science as a process as opposed to a lot of times science is typically presented as fact, so Justin is able to connect some higher science concepts to students’ everyday lives.”
Silva was surprised when the dean contacted him to congratulate him on the award, stating it was a combination of outstanding performance in the practicums and academic excellence in the classroom. Silva did three practicums during his years at the university. His first practicum was in De Winton, his second in Medicine Hat and the last one in Taber.
After receiving the medal, Silva said it was one of those moments that will stay with him forever and will help motivate him to be a good teacher.
“It is nice to have that medal now and have the degrees framed,” said Silva. “I guess it symbolizes the time to move on to the next stage in life now it is a little bittersweet in ways but it is great.”