Thanks MANACE

6/04/2008 11:11:00 pm

I've come close a couple of times but this is the first award I've ever received. I was nominated by Andy McKiel. Andy was unanimously voted in as the new President of ManACE tonight. They also honoured Cheryl Prokopanko (provincial coordinator for Literacy with ICT for the Ministry of Education) with a well deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. Cheryl is a passionate educator committed to helping other teachers learn how to weave technology into their teaching practice and create more opportunities for students to become successful, ethical, lifelong learners. Last year John Evans was the recipient of Educator of the Year Award; I'm in some pretty august company.

This was also the ManACE Annual General Meeting. I got to observe some of the inner workings of the organization. I mentioned to John, as we were leaving, how I was struck by the dedication of this group of educators. Brian Metcalfe, who retired last year as the technology consultant for my school division, was also there. It was wonderful to see him again. His presence really underscored the commitment folks have to ManACE; retirement is no obstacle to the work they do together. In my brief acceptance comments I encouraged the membership of ManACE to participate in the upcoming K12 Online 2008 conference.

I'm honoured to receive the Educator of the Year Award and wanted to publicly thank the board of directors and members of MANACE. In particular, I wanted to thank Andy McKiel; for nominating me, for the kind words he shared about me, and his continued efforts in helping make 21st century education accessible to teachers and students across the province. We've already begun talking about Manitoba EduBloggerCon 2008.

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11 comments

  1. Hey Mr. Kuropatwa..... Good on 'ya! Well deserved and well done. Congratulations to someone who has contributed a lot to MB. education.

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  2. Anonymous5/6/08 08:21

    Thanks Clarence. ;-)

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  3. Anonymous5/6/08 10:32

    Hi Darren,

    I'd like to add my congratulations too!!

    It's great to hear that your province recognizes your very special pedagogy and its impact on student learning!!

    Kudos,
    Lani

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  4. Anonymous5/6/08 13:51

    Hey Darren,

    The award that ManACE bestowed upon you last evening was 'small beans' in comparison to the many accolades you've received for your hard work and dedication to your students, and your profession.

    However, as an organization, ManACE wanted to formally recognize some of the work that you are currently doing. The kind words that I had shared with the Board through the nomination letter are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes the the role you're playing in 'innovating' education.

    As Lani said, it's good to see your province recognizing your efforts. You've received far more critical acclaim from abroad than from right here at home. This award goes to show that your province is watching and we take pride in your many accomplishments!

    The work that you are doing with your students in your classroom is just as important as your global collaborations with like-minded educators. While I'm surprised that this is the first formal award that you've been presented with, I trust that you're aware that your efforts are paying huge dividends for all the people with whom you work.

    On behalf of ManACE, we value the work that you are doing on all fronts and we're pleased to be one of the first to honour you with an award.

    I look forward to our next incarnation of the MB Edubloggercon. Already, the wheels are turning :-)

    Regards,
    Andy

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  5. Anonymous5/6/08 15:11

    Félicitations Darren! Tu es un vrai innovateur dans le domaine de l'éducation. J'espère un jour te voir présenter et partager en français l'abondance de tes connaissances! Bravo!

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  6. Congratulations Darren. You deserve it, you've inspired so many of my preservice teachers, and continue to do so. All the best, and it was great that you have been recognized in this formal way.

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  7. Congratulations!

    Thank you for sharing your practices and ideas with us all.

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  8. Anonymous5/6/08 20:49

    Way to go, Darren. A well deserved award.

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  9. Anonymous5/6/08 21:59

    Thank you. Every one. When I was first asked to say a few words when they gave me the certificate I just stood there fumbling over my words ... I feel that same feeling coming on again. ;-)

    It really is wonderful to be recognized in this way by my fellow educators. Sharing it with all of you in my personal learning network makes it that much more meaningful. Thanks again.

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  10. Anonymous18/6/08 15:50

    Congratulations!!!

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  11. Anonymous18/6/08 15:54

    Thanks Neil!

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