THUNDER BAY — A Lakehead District School Board teacher was caught completely off guard when she learned she'd been chosen for an award from the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario.
Jennifer Hanna-Gardiner is the recipient of the ETFO's 2024 Local Humanitarian Award.
It recognizes an active member who's given outstanding service in supporting children in the local community.
"I was honoured and humbled at the same time. I'm completely flabbergasted," Hanna-Gardiner said in an interview. "I was so surprised when I first heard about it. I actually thought it was kind of a mistake."
In an announcement Tuesday, the federation said the Grade 5 and 6 teacher at Ogden Community Public School shows care and concern for her students while inspiring them to get actively involved to better their community.
She's contacted community organizations and partnered with her class to address local and global issues. She's worked with the Westfort Kiwanis Club on various humanitarian projects, and her class has raised funds and made dog toys for two pet adoption agencies.
In the last school year, Hanna-Gardiner's class made Christmas crafts and performed holiday songs for long-term care home residents, and made Valentine's Day cards for seniors.
In addition, her students have been involved in the Community Arts and Heritage Education Project, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's Youth & Mental Health Action Plan, and Eleanor Drury Children's Theatre acting workshops.
According to ETFO, Hanna-Gardiner inspires a love of learning by providing "engaging and real-world issues" for her class to address, encourages her students to be involved in all steps and to take on leadership roles.
She also ensures their projects have multiple entry points so that each child gets a chance to make a contribution.
Hanna-Gardiner, who's taught for 25 years, was nominated for the award by her colleagues at Ogden Community School.
She told TBnewswatch she tries to make her students feel valued and important, and wants them to know that even though they may struggle and have difficulties in their lives, things can get better.
"So I encourage them to do what they can do, and take one day at a time, and let's make small changes that they feel good about."
