With the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea around the corner, Classroom Champions is looking to leverage the excitement surrounding the games by accepting new applications for outstanding educators to kick off the 2017-2018 school year.
Starting in September 2017, Kindergarten to Grade 8 teachers in Weyburn and southeastern Saskatchewan will have the opportunity to partner with Canadian Olympians and Paralympians thanks to the continued commitment of Crescent Point Energy.
Classroom Champions pairs teachers with Canadian Olympians and Paralympians who use video lessons and live video chats to engage students and encourage them to recognize their potential, set goals, and dream big.
Classroom Champions is the first program of its kind in Canada to bring these elite athletes into schools to provide ongoing mentorship. As part of the program, participating classrooms are equipped with the latest technology tools to help teachers incorporate digital engagement into their curriculum.
“We strongly believe in the Classroom Champions program and appreciate the positive impact it has not only on the students involved, but the athletes and teachers as well. The program teaches kids valuable life lessons, instills confidence and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community,” said Scott Saxberg, President and CEO of Crescent Point Energy. “We’re excited to continue our support in Weyburn and southeast Saskatchewan.”
Kendra Gonczy, a teacher at Assiniboia Park Elementary School, has participated in the Classroom Champions program for several years and knows how much the program offers her and her students. “I have seen Classroom Champions inspire a lot of my students to be their best in all they do,” said Gonczy. “I have had incredible experience with both of our previous mentors. They have been so kind and personable to me and my students. I am forever grateful for this opportunity!”
Canadian Olympian hopeful and Canadian National Champion Sam Effah mentors classes in southeastern Saskatchewan.
“Sharing my story both as a child and as an athlete has helped me build a strong mentor relationship with the classrooms in Weyburn through Classroom Champions,” says Effah. “These classrooms have been extraordinary in their ability to persevere and, as I say at the end of every video, dream big!”
Teachers who are passionate about increasing their students’ social and emotional, academic, and digital literacy skills, and who also want to pursue greater professional development and networking opportunities are invited to apply to Classroom Champions before May 1 through www.classroomchampions.org/apply.
Up to 10 teachers in southeastern Saskatchewan will have the chance to partner with Canada’s best athletes. With the support of Crescent Point, Classroom Champions currently supports classrooms at Assiniboia Park Elementary School and Queen Elizabeth School.
Classroom Champions believes kids have what it takes. Sometimes they just need a champion to help them.Founded by 2010 Olympic gold medalist, Steve Mesler, and Leigh Mesler Parise, Ph.D., Classroom Champions is a registered charity that teams at-risk and underserved students across North America with Olympians and Paralympians through an innovative, year-long mentorship program.
