Winning Teachers 2008
Marc Lalonde
Transportation Technology
École secondaire catholique de Plantagenet
Plantagenet
In the Secondary Teacher category, this year’s award goes to Marc Lalonde.
For many, Marc Lalonde needs no introduction. He has been celebrated by Reader’s Digest, interviewed on radio and in print by outlets from Montreal to Regina and cheered on by thousands. Why? Think stock car racing.
By job description, M. Lalonde teaches transportation technology to students in Grades 9 to 12 at École secondaire catholique de Plantagenet, a rural school in Eastern Ontario. But in reality, he inspires, nurtures and makes dreams come true.
His teaching tool is a hot red race car, coddled by a team of students committed to making the machine go. Even the most reticent learner finds a reason to go to school each day. Math, science and other subjects are much easier to apply when they have a real impact on a real finish line. Students, who may have struggled elsewhere academically, find confidence in his class and rise to the responsibility of ensuring their favourite teacher is safe in the car they’ve prepared.
Last year, with M. Lalonde at the wheel, the team won the championship at the Cornwall Motor Speedway and placed second at the Autodrome Edelweiss. But the real prize is seeing students hanging around after school, in no hurry to leave.
With the support of his spouse, M. Lalonde has given up evenings, weekends and summer vacations to keep the project moving forward. You might think it’s a passion for car racing. But even the teenagers see past that. The first female participant in the class says M. Lalonde is driven by a passion for the success of his students.
She wrote in her letter of support, "Surtout, il est notre champion."
We think you’ll agree.
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