A teacher in Huntsville has received a grade of A-plus from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Doug Hogue teaches the 3rd and 4th grade at Huntsville Public School. He was just given the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence Certificate of Achievement.
When he heard he had received the award, it was a humbling moment the thirty-year teaching veteran said.
“It makes me look back on my career,” said Hogue. “There are 25 of us across Canada that received it. It made me look back and say it has been a great career.”
He is a matter of fact about what he does that makes him an award winner.
“You’ve got to like the day and you have got to like what you do,” he offers. “You’ve got to believe in what you are doing and making a difference and you are there for the kids and yeah it is kind of nice to be recognized.”
He notes that with the politically charged atmosphere created by the Ford Government and looming cutbacks, he is glad a bit of good news about teaching is available.
“It’s nice to have some positive feedback,” says Hogue.
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence honour outstanding and innovative elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines. Recipients are recognized for their leadership and exemplary teaching practices as well as for their commitment to help the next generation of Canadians gain the knowledge and skills they need for future success in a world inspired by ideas and driven by innovation.
Among the other things he has been recognized for by his nominator is the ability to use technology to level the playing field for children, explore the link between behaviour and success, and ensure children get plenty of outdoor time.
He will receive a $1000 cash prize with the award, but he is more pleased with the positive reflection it will give the school where he works.
“It’s good recognition for the school,” he says. “If someone looks good we all look good and it is great for Huntsville Public.”
