Winning Teachers 2007
Martin Aller-Stead
Senior Level / Cooperative Education
Monarch Park Collegiate
Toronto
We could introduce Martin Aller-Stead as a Senior Level/Co-operative Education teacher at Monarch Park Collegiate in Toronto. But that wouldn’t begin to describe the man.
Martin Aller-Stead has had several careers. As a teacher, his career has taken him to Oakville; Montreal; Leduc, Alberta; Terrace, BC and Nigeria.
At Monarch Park, he finds innovative and “right fit” co-op placements for all of his students and uses his life experience to illustrate, enhance and punctuate lessons. The Co-operative Education Pre-Employment Sessions can sometimes be an analytical examination of provincial legislation. Not when Martin brings in his banjo to play old union songs. The students discover why unions continue to be relevant today.
A colleague says, “He makes all students--regardless of economic, social or physical ability or disability--successful if they choose to be. He is a constant support and provider of hope for many who never thought they would get a chance.”
That’s inside the classroom. Outside, he has been a teacher-sponsor of Leaders Today; a trainer in international, intercultural exchange dynamics; a staff advisor for student council; a coach for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Program, rugby teams, and rowing teams. He has been staff advisor for the Fitness and Nutrition Club, the Glee Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance. He set up “A very Halal Christmas Dinner”. The annual event sees students host and serve 250 seniors and veterans for a family dinner. He organized the Monarch Institute, a series of university-style lectures on a particular theme for staff and students.
Watch this video and see if you can keep up.
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