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First Atkinson Scholarship recipient named

Claire Button, a teacher education candidate at Queen's University, has been named the first recipient of the Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education.

The annual scholarship, named for the Ontario College of Teachers' second registrar, awards $2,000 to a student enrolled in one of Ontario's faculties of education.

Recipients must demonstrate high academic achievement at the undergraduate level and provide evidence of other achievement and experience that indicates a high level of preparedness for teacher education.

"She's a tribute to the ideals of the award and to Joe Atkinson himself," says Brian McGowan, the College's Deputy Registrar and Executive Director of the Ontario College of Teachers Foundation, which administers the scholarship.

Button is a teacher education candidate in the concurrent BEd program at Queen's University. She received an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in French Studies from Queen's along with the French Consul General's Prize. She expects to graduate in 2004.

Inspired to teach

Button says that her teachers inspired her to become one herself.

"They guided, encouraged and challenged me," she says. "I yearn for the same opportunity to inspire others.

"Teaching is a perfect career choice for me because of the diversity of pursuits available to qualified teachers, including curriculum consultant, mentor and school administrator. I would like to be a teacher who takes the time to profile unique opportunities for students through community service, volunteer work and experiential pursuits that will enhance their learning beyond the classroom."

Button graduated with distinction from Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School in London, having received numerous academic awards.

While serving in a Peer Support Program teaching Grade 9 students, she gained an appreciation for flexibility - adapting lessons to accommodate varied situations and learning styles.

Button was a forum member at the Queen's-Trent Conference on the inclusive classroom and worked this past summer as an English tutor in France.

As a student teacher Button has had placements in Primary French Immersion, Intermediate English, Senior English and Elementary Core French.

During a summer placement as a research assistant at the Centre for Studies in Family Medicine in London, Button planned a training program, designed a web page, edited a book and collected and documented research data. The experience prompted her to set a goal of pursuing a Master of Education degree.

"I want to be a teacher who has a positive impact on school climate and school improvement," she says.

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