UBC Recognizes Local Educator's Outstanding Contributions to Rural Education
By Contributor
Michael Balahura, Principal of Robson Community School, School District 20, has been awarded the UBC Marlane King and Joseph Ranallo Teaching Award for Outstanding Contributions to Rural Education.
In May, 2008, a special teaching award was created by Dean Robert
Tierney in the Faculty of Education at UBC to honour the work of Marlane
King and Joseph Ranallo who were the Site Coordinators for the West
Kootenay Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) from 1990-2008.
This year, Michael Balahura was selected to receive the award. Among
his significant professional achievements as an educator in rural and
small communities, Michael taught the special education course to
appreciative WKTEP students for many years.
*This came as a big surprise to me,* explained Michael. *I became
involved in teaching WKTEP students in the hope that they would become
strong educators, prepared and happy to influence children and young
adults who live outside the lower mainland. Seeing the success of the
students and the growth of the program is a reward in itself. I never
expected anything *external*, but I am certainly appreciative of,
and humbled by, the recognition.*
The award carries the names of Marlane King and Joseph Ranallo so they
will continue to be recognized for their many teaching and leadership
contributions to the success of WKTEP. It includes two plaques (one for
the recipient and one which will be displayed in the faculty of
education at UBC). The award will be presented annually to an educator
who has made outstanding contributions to rural education including the
preparation and/or ongoing development of K-12 teachers.
WKTEP focuses on preparing teachers for K – 12 classrooms in rural and
small school settings in recognition that rural communities offer
exciting educational challenges for teachers. Graduates are found
teaching in BC schools, across Canada, and overseas. Others become
educational leaders in public schools, alternative schools, or informal
education settings such as museums and galleries. For more information
on WKTEP, visit www.teach.educ.ubc.ca/bachelor/wktep.
