Nunavut Arctic College

At Nakasuk School, we are regularly involved in various positive educational mentoring projects that involve Students, Teachers, Elders, Administrators and various community agencies. Highlighted below are the mentoring relationships that were filmed at Nakasuk this week:

1. At the commencement of this academic year, Leeveena Nuyalia, Vice-Principal / Teacher, has served as a mentor to two new Faculty Members: Keith Oqallak, Gr. 1 Teacher; and Mary Akumalik, Kindergarten Teacher. Leeveena has assisted throughout the Planning Process, Lesson Delivery, Scheduling, and, she regularly takes part in Team Teaching. Mentor relationships with new teachers is very beneficial to ensure effective and efficient program delivery in accordance to the goals of the Department of Education.

2. Mentor Morty Alooloo, Gr. 4 Teacher, and Mentee Dwayne Haqpi, entered into the Nunavut Teacher Education Program and the University of Regina Internship process earlier this year. Dwayne is completing his final, 4th year teaching practicum. He was filmed delivering a lesson to the Gr. 4 Students. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship. Dwayne has been exposed to strategies, methodologies and curriculum initiatives that will provide him with the tools to delivery a solid program during his first year teaching. Morty has worked in education for over 30 years! We appreciate her continued willingness to share her expertise and skills as a mechanism to provide a career growth path to future educators. Additionally, Morty expressed how invigorating it was to work with Dwayne as she was able to hone her own skills in the process!

3. Muatee Maatiusi, Language Specialist, and Elder Jeannie Sagiatook, were filmed while they were teaching a Grade 2 Inuktitut Class. We are thankful to have Jeannie working with us! The transference of Elder knowledge assists in the whole development of the child. Students and Teachers have an opportunity to learn traditional skills, values and traditions.

4. Kelly Esford's Gr. 4 Students and Ria McGillivray's Gr. 1 Students were filmed during a "Big Buddy" mentorship activity. Kelly's Grade 4 Students served as mentors and role models during a Language Arts Class. It was a great opportunity for the older students to further develop leadership skills, self-esteem and a sense of responsibility. All students demonstrated pride in their reading skills and enjoyment that came from collaborating with others!

We are very proud of the educators, students, Mentors and Mentees who will be featured in the APTN SIVUMU series! We thank all involved for their time and dedication to this process. Additionally, we thank our Partners In Education for their continued support of educational initiatives at Nakasuk School.

Tracey MacMillan is the principal of Nakasuk School in Iqaluit. We'd like to express our thanks to Tracey, the teachers and students of Nakasuk school for mentoring and supporting our students with the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.