Pamela Doerksen, of Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary, is the recipient of the Minister’s Award of Excellence in Teaching for Outstanding New Teacher.
Mrs. Doerksen postponed her dream to become a teacher to raise her family and finish university, but when she began her career, it quickly became evident that this was her calling. Her administrator pointed out that “Pamela possesses the special qualities that take many teachers years to develop”. Even in her first year, she demonstrated the qualities needed to work effectively with young children, to make each one feel special, to connect with parents, to show passion for learning, to be patient and encouraging and to celebrate success. She used her own interests in the visual arts to inspire students with a variety of cross-curricular, multi-sensory projects including papier-mâché, painting, writing and even publishing their own book. The parent of one of her students described Mrs. Doerksen as “a beacon of joy and dedication who inspires young children to explore and take risks, while living a life of service and love for others”.