Prime Minister's Awards for teaching Excellence

ARCHIVED—Community Builders

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Today, many children do not have a sense of community. Particularly in large cities, the sense of belonging that comes from interacting with family, neighbours and others in the community is lacking.

As a result, it becomes very important for teachers to model the community so students learn the importance of reaching out and being part of something bigger than themselves.

  • Building community involves a collaborative effort: interaction and joint projects between a school, local people, and organizations to foster good will, support and understanding.
  • Building community involves bridging distance using technology, bringing the world in close, and sharing expertise and knowledge.
  • Building community involves collegiality, understanding the concept of "we": teachers as a community of learners working together, and teachers working together with students in the broader school community.

Below are examples of how some of the Prime Minister's Award recipients build community around their schools.