Teacher recognized for exciting students in science, math.

Big Horn First Nation

Kaleena Hanoski doesn't consider herself a teacher with a solid background in math and science. She merely volunteered for the position when no other teacher at Ta-Otha Community School on the Big Horn Reservation stepped up to fill the spot.

But the tasks of introducing complex algebraic equations and conducting experiments with Bunsen burners have enhanced her reputation for getting students excited over the subject matter. And she was richly recognized in June when the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta awarded her a $2,000 cash prize as part of the organization's 2009 Teacher Awards campaign.

"It feels amazing, especially since I wasn't even aware that people even nominated me," said Hanoski, who also teaches law at the school on the reserve, located roughly 100 km west of Rocky Mountain House.

"It blew me out of the water to know that someone or that my students and community felt that way."

Jeanne Keaschuk, supervisor of APEGGA's Outreach Program, said that the accolades in Hanoski's nominations certainly fit the criteria and guidelines of the campaign.

"We had one comment that said, 'Mrs. Hanoski has opened our eyes to science and the outside world,'" said Keaschuk. "A statement like that certainly speaks volumes about the type of teacher we're looking for."

Hanoski was one of 16 provincial recipients of the APEGGA 2009 Teacher Awards, which gives recognition to educators for their excellence in conducting and demonstrating the development of elementary, junior high and senior high school students. An added criterion includes efforts to "make school cool."

Apparently, Hanoski has done exactly that and more, judging by the package of comments that was sent back to her once she won the award. The APEGGA nomination form encouraged people to explain in a paragraph how an eligible teacher makes math or science an interesting challenge. Some nominators went a step further.

"What happened was that the students and some of the staff in the school and several members of the community wrote letters--and even some of the children drew pictures--just to say that I was a great teacher who encouraged them in science," said Hanoski, who teaches both junior and senior high school students.

"They all basically said that I made science and math fun and interesting and that I inspired them to keep going further ahead with taking math and science."

Hanoski opted not to use any of the cash money for her own classes but divvied it up with the staff instead.

"I decided to split it up among the teachers in the school and I gave it to them to spend on math and science resources," said Hanoski, who hopes the school, which currently teaches general science, will expand to courses like biology and chemistry next school year.

"Because we just opened the new school last year we actually have a fully functioning science lab, and I already set up the science lab with math and science materials. But I felt that the younger groups needed science and math resources as well. So we just split it up and I'm letting the teachers decide what areas need supplies."

BY GENE KOSOWAN

Sweetgrass Writer