River Heights teacher nationally acknowledged

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This article was published 10/12/2021 (1437 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A River Heights teacher has received the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

Karlin Mann, an early childhood educator and nursery school director, was nominated by parents and board members.

Mann, whose been teaching at Oak Street Nursery School for 27 years, said receiving the award was a “huge honour.”

“It feels like a huge achievement,” she added. “Even though it’s my name on the award, our field in Manitoba is super tight-knit and supportive. I feel like this award belongs to everybody because we all help each other out so much.”

Mann said she was in tears when she read the nomination package, which included an introduction, highlights of her career and community involvement, letters of support from former families and a summary outlining why her nominees thought she was deserving.

“It was overwhelming and humbling, but also motivating,” Mann said. “Every industry is struggling these days and child-care is no exception to that.

“To read someone else’s perspective on your career was amazing, and an award that recognizes how much you’re putting into it motivates you to keep going and giving your all.”

Mann currently sits on a committee for inclusion, is part of various online education groups and does a lot of professional development, including reading articles and taking webinars. She has also volunteered at Ronald McDonald House and taken part in various festivals for kids.

“I try to expose them to a lot in the hopes of building interest and tolerances,” Mann said. “Our theory is, ‘Let’s learn about it so we understand our differences.’”

Mann makes bannock with the kids every year and her classroom has Indigenous toys and other traditional items.

“We focus on the child and what their needs are,” Mann said. “My main philosophy is to build their confidence and self-esteem by giving them opportunities for success in the classroom so when they’re faced with something that’s challenging, they aren’t afraid to try.”

Right now, the students are also learning about the various religious holidays.

Mann will receive a letter and certificate from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Oak Street Nursery School also gets a certificate to proudly display.

Usually, the national recipients would have the opportunity to fly to Ottawa to meet the prime minister, but that isn’t happening this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every program is striving for excellence all the time,” Mann said. “We’re always looking to be better, to support children and evolve to meet the needs of the community.

“There are so many amazing ECEs in Manitoba. I could nominate hundreds that are deserving. When you’ve been in the field for this long and all your efforts are recognized, that is a huge honour.”

Read more about Mann and the award at www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmaece-ppmepe.nsf/eng/wy00752.html