Inspiring colleagues: Part two
We asked BCTF members to tell us about a colleague who inspires them for the September/October edition. We received so many submissions that we extended the feature into the November/December edition. Thank you to everyone who shared stories of their colleagues bringing joy and care into their communities.
Pam Rutten nominated by Sydney Cartwright
“I will be forever grateful for the guidance, care, and intention that Pam shares with those around her…”
Pam is an incredible educator making a difference in her school and community year after year. Pam teaches Grade 6 and works hard to embrace each individual’s strengths and stretches. She collaborates with colleagues to co-create, co-plan, and co-deliver hands-on lessons and activities that allow students to create, design, draft, move their bodies in intentional ways, build, shop, play, cook, enjoy, and reflect, while building community, resilience, compassion, and allyship. She inspires me every day to be a better educator. I will be forever grateful for the guidance, care, and intention that Pam shares with those around her as she works within this craft of education. Thank you for listening!
Tina Cousins nominated by Robin Abra
Tina serves as both a teacher-librarian and Kindergarten teacher, and she is a passionate advocate for literacy and student engagement. Each year, she dedicates countless hours to organizing the Red Cedar Battle of the Books, creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop a love of reading and discover a wide variety of literature.
Tina consistently demonstrates kindness, inclusivity, and creativity in both her library and classroom. She fosters welcoming learning environments where all students feel valued and inspired to learn. In addition, she is a highly supportive colleague who generously shares her knowledge, ideas, and resources, while actively encouraging collaboration among staff.
Kristine Chambers nominated by Melissa Purich
“Her classroom is a place where students feel seen, valued, and successful, and it is clear in the way they thrive under her care and guidance.”
I wanted to take a moment to recognize an incredible educator at our school, Kristine Chambers. She consistently goes above and beyond in the way she supports, teaches, and connects with students. Her classroom is a place where students feel seen, valued, and successful, and it is clear in the way they thrive under her care and guidance.
Kristine brings so much creativity and intentionality to her teaching. She thoughtfully incorporates Indigenous knowledge, outdoor learning, and athletic development into meaningful learning experiences that engage students in authentic and exciting ways. She has a natural ability to build strong relationships with students, while maintaining high expectations and creating a sense of belonging in her classroom community.
Beyond her work with students, Kristine also contributes so much to the culture of our staff community. Whether it is baking cookies, leaving thoughtful treats in the staffroom, or sharing small messages of encouragement during busy times of the year, she consistently finds ways to lift the spirits of those around her. Her kindness, generosity, and positivity do not go unnoticed.
Kristine is truly an amazing educator and colleague, and our school community is incredibly fortunate to have her. She is also a huge advocate for sport, specifically triathlons!
Alex Moore nominated by Cherise Wilson
“Mr. Moore has positively shaped the lives of all three of my children, and I will always be grateful for the care, encouragement, and passion he has brought to their education.”
Living and working in a small northern community means our professional and personal lives often intersect. While I work as a school psychologist in the school district, I am also the parent of three children who have attended schools within the district. Mr. Moore has had the privilege of teaching all three of my children, and I have had the unique opportunity to witness his impact from both a professional and a parent perspective.
What stands out most is the lasting difference he makes in students’ confidence. My daughter previously found math challenging, but something about Mr. Moore’s teaching style simply clicked for her.
Throughout Grade 6, I watched her confidence flourish as her understanding of math grew. She no longer doubted her abilities and began approaching learning with excitement and self-belief. That kind of transformation is a testament to an exceptional educator.
Mr. Moore has an incredible ability to create a classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of succeeding. He brings learning to life with kindness, humor, patience, and genuine enthusiasm. His students know they are cared for, and that sense of belonging allows them to take risks, persevere through challenges, and enjoy coming to school each day.
As a school psychologist, I deeply respect the important work teachers do to support children’s learning and well-being. As a parent, my appreciation for Mr. Moore is even greater. His dedication extends beyond academics: he builds relationships, encourages confidence, and leaves a lasting impression on the children and families he serves.
The influence of a great teacher reaches far beyond a single school year. Mr. Moore has positively shaped the lives of all three of my children, and I will always be grateful for the care, encouragement, and passion he has brought to their education. He is an extraordinary educator and truly deserving of this recognition.
Devon Lawrence nominated by Taylor Hellberg
“Devon is the first to volunteer to help with an event, come up with a creative solution to a challenging situation, or lend an ear to someone who has had a hard day.”
My teaching partner, Devon Lawrence, is one of the most incredible teachers and human beings I’ve ever met. His dedication to students and staff is unwavering, and he is always willing to support those who need it. Devon is the first to volunteer to help with an event, come up with a creative solution to a challenging situation, or lend an ear to someone who has had a hard day. He always acts in the best interests of our learners and is a strong advocate for our most complex students and families. Devon is an incredibly skilled, kind, and passionate leader in our school and community.
Melissa Warren nominated by Jessica Kimpton
Melissa Warren is an incredible teacher, not just to students but also to fellow educators. She is a local Prince Georgian who had training experiences in Perth, Australia, that helped drive her ambition to be an instructional coach. She has brought her knowledge and experience back to northern BC. She is extremely generous in sharing her time and energy to support teachers on the ground. She is unfailing in her commitment to help teachers feel successful and supports them to make small changes to their practice that result in big gains for students. She answers questions constantly throughout her day, takes on extra projects and initiatives, and regularly volunteers to lead professional development. She is always available to students when they need her and no one is more proud of their achievements. She does all of this while simultaneously filling the humble role of an ELL and LA teacher. She is equity in action.
