Allion Elementary School teacher awarded Excellence in Teaching Award
by Chloë Ranaldi
Kathryn Acton at Allion Elementary School was awarded the 2024 APEQ Phys. Ed. Teaching Excellence Award on November 14th.
This prestigious recognition was awarded to outstanding teachers at a conference held at Champlain College — more than twenty of our LBPSB Physical and Health Education teachers were in attendance.
Ms. Acton has taught at LBPSB for 18 years, 16 of which have been at Allion Elementary school in LaSalle.
“Being recognized by my peers was really humbling,” said Ms. Acton “It meant a lot to me that we’re recognizing that [Physical and Health Education] is a place for success —maybe a different kind of success—but where all the students can find success for themselves.”
Ms. Acton teaches students from K4 to grade 6, where over the 8 years, she is able to help students build their locomotor skills, all the way through to playing team sports.
“When you can throw, catch, and move your body, you can find success in different activities, whether it be a team sport, lifelong passion, or hobby, I want them to find their passion,” she says.
“I want them to find something, it doesn’t mean one activity is for everyone, there is something for everyone and I try to expose them to as many different activities as possible,” said Ms. Acton.
In her class, she has introduced a variety of different sports such as: rock climbing, judo, golf, tennis, and break dancing.
Ms. Acton says she wants students to learn to respect everyone for their abilities, and that not everyone will have the same abilities, but that everyone feels included nonetheless.
She says the gymnasium is a space where students can be themselves, they can be respected, and listened to.
Allion Elementary School Principal, Josie D’Adamo, congratulated Ms. Acton for her award and all of her hard work over the years.
“Ms. Acton has distinguished herself for fostering a positive learning environment and promoting the values of physical activity, teamwork and lifelong wellness with the students.”
“Her dedication and creativity have set a benchmark for excellence within the educational community and her impact has resonated beyond the gymnasium,” said Ms. D’Adamo
For Ms. Acton her three rules will always be:
Kind words.
Kind actions.
And try your best.
One Response
Very well deserved! Congrats Kathryn!