CPF NOVA SCOTIA FSL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO TWO EXCEPTIONAL TEACHERS
Kimberley Messenger and Alannah MacLean named FS Educators of the year
Halifax, Nova Scotia (October 7th, 2022) – Each year, Canadian Parents for French, Nova Scotia recognizes excellence in French Second Language teaching with its FSL Educator of the Year award. Nominations are received from across the province from students, parents and colleagues that testify to teachers who motivate their students to achieve their best and who make a significant contribution to their school and community.
This year, two teachers were honoured, Mme. Kimberley Messenger from Clark’s Harbour Elementary School in Cape Sable Island and Mme. Alannah MacLean from Ash Lee Jefferson Elementary in Fall River. Both have recently graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Master’s in Curriculum Studies in Technology (2022). They have wasted no time using principles learned from the program, as both nominations cited the increased level of technology and engagement each teacher has created!
Mme. Messenger always wanted to be a teacher but didn’t decide she wanted to be a French teacher until high school. Upon graduating from Kingswood University (1993), she became certified to teach in Christian schools. She taught French in Prince Edward Island and then in New-Brunswick for 6 years, before moving to Nova Scotia. Mme. Messenger began a family in this province and then continued her education at Acadia University in 2011 to become certified to teach in Nova Scotia. During her studies she was still motivated to teach in French.
Mme. Messenger is a Core French and Learning Support teacher at her school. She started implementing the use of technology to increase engagement even before she graduated with her master’s degree. She provides welcoming and safe environments for her students, where they can take risks are supported regardless of the consequences. She has created relationships with all students, taking an interest in their personal lives. Within the school, she’s always sharing new technology with other staff, and in fact is the tech support of the school!
In 2016 Mme. MacLean went on a yearlong adventure to South Korea, where she taught English. During that time, she became passionate about teaching a second language. She pursued that passion by completing a Bachelor of Education from the University of New-Brunswick (2018) where she specialized in FSL Education and Early Childhood education. She is presently an Early Immersion teacher for grades 3 & 4.
As a French Immersion graduate from Ontario, Mme. Maclean sees the value and riches of learning an additional language. In the classroom, she connects with every student, regardless of personalities. She knows how to adapt her teaching methods to ensure every student has the potential to succeed. She is kind and patient, yet the students know she has high expectations of them. Her lessons and activities are planned around the students, through their interests and prior knowledge. Her master’s program has allowed her to teach her students in innovative and engaging ways, through music, movement, technology, new apps and more. Students find these learning opportunities quite engaging and fun!
Mme. MacLean is constantly looking for new ways to improve especially through professional development. She’s always supports other teachers and inspires them to take part in professional development as well. She is dedicating her life to the classroom, not only as a teacher but as a lifelong learner!
Both educators have excelled in engaging their students by using technology, and have created a safe learning environment, two fundamental characteristics of an outstanding teacher!
Félicitations to Mme. Messenger and Mme. MacLean, we appreciate your hard work and inspiration to others!
Press release – French Second Language Educators of the Year 2022_final version