‘It means a lot’: EMSB honours eight teachers with annual appreciation award

MONTREAL (CityNews) — Eight Montreal teachers were honoured by their school board on Friday for their ongoing dedication to their students.

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) highlighted the work of these teachers with their seventh annual teacher appreciation award.

Vicki Theophilopoulos, a kindergarten teacher from Sinclair Laird Elementary School, was one of the eight teachers who received the award and some prizes.

“It’s been a challenging year so it means a lot to me,” said Theophilopoulos. “And knowing that the parents are the ones that nominated, it means a lot.

“For me the best part is the relationships I have with my students. Seeing them learn, grow, progress everyday is very gratifying.

“My mom was an administrator and teacher for the English Montreal School Board for many, many years, so growing up seeing how much she loved this profession and how gratifying it was for her made me decide that I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

The parents who nominated Theophilopoulos for the award said she was a calm and caring teacher, even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. That praise was echoed by her students.

“I’m happy because ever since kindergarten she’s been nice to everyone,” said third grader Ahmed. “When I was in kindergarten, and still up to now. We played lots of games, we had opportunities to do lots of fun stuff.”

Added Zoe, another of Theophilopoulos’ students: “She was really nice, she was really honest. I think she deserved this award.”

Another winner was Joseph Romano, an elementary school teacher at John Caboto Academy. Romano, who has taught at EMSB schools since 2013, was described as a passionate teacher, coach and mentor.

“Where can I find better company than being with students who are eager to learn and improve and are always happy and smiling?” said Romano.

The other six teachers were all from the math department of the John F. Kennedy Adult Education Centre: Silvia Bilotto, Lea Zuravlyov, Mauro Corneli, Itzhak Raz, Patrick Bramm and Galina Gatsko.

“A lot of the struggles we’ve had are dealing with students who are dealing with self-regulation issues,” said Corneli. “We’re working on a hybrid model, so a lot of our learners do enjoy coming in but we have to find a way to motivate them when they are at home as well.”

Added Bramm: “I just love working with people who maybe for one reason or another, the traditional educational structure just hasn’t been a fit for them.”