Jonas James Marchinko
Alberta Innovative Use of Technology Award
St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School, Red Deer, Alberta
Grades 8 & 9, Science and Art

My teaching philosophy
Teaching fills my days and nights, but it also fills my heart. I consider teaching to be a vocation, not just a job. I believe that we should all strive to make a difference in the world by making a positive impact in the lives of all those around us. Being the best educator that I can be helps me strive to meet this philosophical idea.

My philosophy in action
To be effective, I combine my creativity, passion, insight, experience, wisdom, faith, and student interests together with the curriculum to present the curriculum in a variety of exciting ways. This takes a lot of energy!

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Being awarded the 2004 Smarter Kids Foundation Innovative Use of Technology Award.

The most critical issue facing educators today
I’m concerned about the general view that the non-teaching public has about the amount of time and energy that good teachers put into their careers. As teachers, we are required to wear so many different hats and make so many personal sacrifices. Yet teachers are often criticized for having too much holiday time and too high of wages. We’re not credited for the fact that we spend 60-75 hours working each week and that much of that time is endured with aching hearts and feet. We do not just teach a curriculum from a book, but rather we teach a diversity of students, each differing in their learning style and skill level.

Ways to resolve this issue
Teachers need to be proud and advocate for one another. Government support, both financial and legislative, needs to improve. As well, more recognition and incentive programs would be effective ways to honor the teaching profession. Whether through private organizations, government or corporate entities, the mounting effects of public support can make a huge difference in giving teachers the respect that they’ve earned.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
It matters that you teach. It matters that you are. The worlds of hundreds of students are so much better and so much fuller because of you; not just because of what you teach them, but also because of "how" you teach them. That comes from within you.

One lesson every student should learn
There are consequences for all our actions, both positive and negative. Make good choices and then be responsible for the consequences of your choices.

Back to the 2004 Innovative Use of Technology award recipients home page