Drumheller Valley Secondary School’s math instructor Dan Hird was announced to be the recipient of Golden Hill School Division’s Excellence in Teaching Award on Thursday.
“It is an honour to have been nominated,” Mr. Hird said. “The fact that I was selected as a a finalist is a tribute to the many wonderful teachers and students that I have worked with over the years. I love to work with students and I truly believe learning something new is fun. I try each day to pass this passion on to my students.”
As a result of Dan’s teaching styles and ability to motivate students by utilizing many different teaching techniques in mathematics, the students at the school traditionally score higher in Pure Math 30, Applied Math 30 and Math 31.
“It has been said that one of his greatest strengths as a teacher is in making math fun.” a release from Golden Hills School Division said. “Whether coaching volleyball or golf, supervising school dances, participating in the Terry Fox Run or helping with student council, Dan recognizes the need to reach ‘the whole child’.”
“His graduating students express that ‘Mr. Hird’s classes were the highlight of their school careers’.”
Golden Hills superintendant Dianne McBeth adds, “Mr. Hird is an exemplary teacher who inspires students and colleagues to strive for excellence. He is a quiet, unassuming, masterful teacher who makes a positive difference every day. Golden Hills is honored, too, by the provincial recognition of Mr. Hird as a finalist in the Excellence in Teaching Awards.”
DVSS principal Curtis LaPierre said the school is honoured to have Mr. Hird on staff.
“Mr. Hird has been teaching at the Drumheller Valley Secondary School, formerly Drumheller Composite High School, for the past 27 years. During this time Mr. Hird has taught and inspired thousands of students and has always strived in the perfection of the art of teaching,” LaPierre was quoted as saying.
