A West Vancouver teacher is a finalist for the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education. Antony Wilson, a teacher at Mulgrave School is among the 30 education professionals who have been nominated for the award.
Launched in 2018, the annual Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education recognize those teachers and education leaders who go above and beyond to make life better for students in the province.
Ten awards will be given this year. Wilson has been nominated in the Social Equity and Diversity Award category. A resident of North Vancouver, Antony has been teaching Upper School (Grades 7-12) students at Mulgrave since 2000, and is the head of global engagement and service learning at the school. He has made an incredible personal commitment to student service and leadership and firmly believes that young people can make a huge difference in the world, said John Wray, head of Mulgrave School.
“Antony mentors students through delicate conversations that not only open their minds and hearts to the struggles of others, but that also result in real action,” Wray said.
Antony created the Global Experiential Learning Project (GEx), which enables students to expand their educational experiences, further develop real-world skills, and engage in authentic and impactful service learning – both locally and globally. For four years, Antony developed and led the learning project within the school, partnering with community organisations locally and globally to expand the horizons of students in Grades 7 to 10.
One shining example of Antony’s long-term impact is the journey of alum Melissa Godin, who graduated from Mulgrave in 2013. Melissa proposed a learning focus on modern slavery and human trafficking, challenging students to understand this complex topic and open their eyes to the dark reality that some are born into. Melissa is now a Rhodes Scholar and she says Wilson was an inspiring presence in her student life.
“Mr. Wilson was an incredible teacher because he gave me the freedom to practice being a leader. Sometimes, when I look back on the SAC or Spirit Week things we organised, I sort of laugh and say ‘I can’t believe he actually let us do that!’ It was really nice to have someone validate our ideas and aspirations at such a young age.”
This year, Antony worked with a Grade 10 student on her initiative to help stop female genital mutilation. The student partnered with a renowned filmmaker to bring a premiere to the school and has established a club to raise funds and further awareness.
Wilson said he likes teaching but giving kids the opportunity to lead is what he finds truly rewarding.
“Nothing compares to knowing that social-emotional consciousness has been raised; when students understand the bigger world and their place in it to make a difference,” Wilson said.
Comments
NOTE: The North Shore Daily Post welcomes your opinions and comments. We do not allow personal attacks, offensive language or unsubstantiated allegations. We reserve the right to edit comments for length, style, legality and taste and reproduce them in print, electronic or otherwise. For further information, please contact the editor or publisher, or see our Terms and Conditions.