SC GEOS teacher Sarah Melanson won the “BEST Teacher Award" in Victoria, Canada
The message from Sara Melanson:
It is a great honour to receive this award two years in a row. My students are important to me. It gives me a lot of pleasure to know that I am making a difference in their lives, and helping them achieve their goals in learning English.
I am passionate about teaching. Even as a child, I knew that I wanted to help people through teaching. I followed my dreams by earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina. In addition to my passion for teaching, I also had an adventurous spirit. I combined my love of teaching with travel and taught English in Japan. This is where my love of ESL started to take root. After returning to Canada, I taught in the public education system for 7 years. I also taught ESL at the University of Regina during this time further growing my love of teaching English.
My family and I had the opportunity to move to Victoria, so we jumped at the chance to live in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. Shortly after we moved, my husband got a job in Saudi Arabia. I was very excited about another opportunity to see the world and teach ESL. After living and teaching in Saudi Arabia for almost five years, I knew that a full-time career in ESL was what I wanted to pursue.
I applied to GEOS in the four week TESL program. I quickly realized that GEOS was a perfect fit for my teaching style and philosophy. I have been teaching at GEOS ever since. I strongly believe in the communicative approach to teaching. However, I also understand that students need grammar structures and vocabulary in order to communicate effectively.
At GEOS, I am able to follow my philosophy, and facilitate activities and lessons that encourage the use of English at all times while still promoting accuracy. I use the framework of a textbook, but have the freedom to supplement with real-life activities, videos, role-plays, presentations, and games. I use pair and small group work daily in my classes; as well, I give students time to practice independently. I promote an environment where all personality types can feel confident and comfortable to participate. One of my best strengths as a teacher is creating an atmosphere where all my students feel welcome and confident to take risks. My students learn and improve their skills while enjoying themselves. I love watching my students grow and improve. It fulfills me to see them try hard and blossom into proficient English speakers.
Another thing that gives me pleasure as an ESL teacher is how much I learn from my students. We have a variety of international students who come to GEOS Victoria to study. I learn something new each day from my students. When I enter my classroom, I know that I will smile and laugh with my students. I know that they will teach me as much as I will teach them! I am grateful to receive this award again, and I’m looking forward to working hard this year and the years to come to make many more students happy.