Patricia Fraser
Renfrew County District School Board
PEMBROKE, ONTARIO
WHAT THE NOMINATORS SAID
A numeracy coach for the Renfrew County District School Board in Eastern Ontario, Patricia Fraser helped initiate a board-wide project to train educators in CWF’s Project Wild and Below Zero professional development programs.
While the success is shared by all the teachers, coaches and administrators involved, Fraser is a shining example of the Dalai Lama’s maxim that just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.
This training has been the best professional learning experience in my teaching career. I know I can take this resource to support my students and connect to the curriculum.
IN HER OWN WORDS
I was a town kid. My first real wilderness experience was when I went camping with my [eventual] husband. He worked for an outdoor leadership program. It was during my time with him there, helping gear up students for long trips and receiving them back after, that I could see the transformation.
I have found that educators are too often trapped by the four walls of the classroom. We learn to never let the physical structure you are in determine the limits of your curiosity.
A shout out to the Renfrew County District School Board team I worked with — Shelley Gagne, Jane Good and Jenn Wroe — and of course my husband, Jeff.
WILD Educator Award
Established in 2015, this award honours an exceptional WILD Education facilitator or instructor who has provided innovative and meaningful experiences for youth that focus on wildlife and the building of a conservation ethic.