Winning Teachers 2006
Elaine Ireland
Grade 2 Teacher
Duncan J. Schoular Public School
Smith's Falls
Elaine Ireland teaches Grade 2 at Duncan J. Schoular Public School in Smiths Falls.
Schoular is a “turnaround school” and receives resources and support to improve reading and writing. Mrs. Ireland has taken on the challenge.
She engages students and gets them reading and writing with enthusiasm. She’s done that in large part by introducing the world to her small-town classroom. Her students have e-pals from around the globe. They share stories and journals describing what’s going on in their lives.
A stuffed animal dubbed “Bruce the Moose” plays a big role. Mrs. Ireland’s class packages him up and sends him on travels to other countries. Bruce has been to England, Germany, Japan and many parts of the U.S., carrying the students’ stories with him. In return, other school mascots are welcomed to their classroom.
Mrs. Ireland also uses tools that are closer to home. As a farmer, her knowledge of apples, blueberries, maple syrup, dogs and goats enhance and supplement the curriculum. And there is always a song, a rhythm or some kind of music to help keep the students engaged and the memories working.
Her principal Pat Graveline calls her the epitome of the teacher who teaches the whole child, reaching students through their various learning styles and multiple intelligences.
Mrs. Ireland quite modestly sees herself as part of a team. That team is already seeing results in improved reading and writing.
Here’s how she lights the spark for learning.
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