Every year the York Faculty of Education's Alumni Association presents an "Excellence in Teaching" award to a York graduate who "has made a significant difference to the lives of students, colleagues, schools and/or communities."
This year, the prestigious award goes to Constance Marsh who graduated in 1992 and recently taught at two village schools in Cree territory near James Bay, Northern Quebec. First at Waskaganish, most recently in Eastmain.
Here's part of a nomination letter from Denise Brown, Community Employment Officer of the Cree Nation of Eastmain: "It is very rare indeed that a teacher from the south has shown the interest and dedication to provide her class with knowledge, inspiration, and has influenced so many young minds."
The letter goes on: "Ms. Marsh has ignited a fire in not only the minds of the students, but as a parent, she has made me proud to know that I am Cree, and that means everything."
Dean Alice Pitt interviewed Connie Marsh about her three years teaching in Northern Quebec and— a highlight of her experience— a 15–day field trip to Toronto with 11 children, 4 elders and 2 parents from her Cree community.
But first, the challenge. Can the Dean play the Cree children's bone game?
