Year: 2017 – Province: Alberta
Certificate of Achievement Recipient
Crescent Heights High School
1201 Division Avenue
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 5Y9
Principal: Pat Grisonich
School telephone: 403-527-6641
School website: www.chhsweb.ca
http://chhsmultimedia.wixsite.com/chhs-multimedia
Subjects and grades taught: Grades 7 and 9 Multimedia and Grades 10 to 12 Media, Design and Communication Arts
Trust, respect and performance form the three pillars of Donna Armstrong's classroom – where students are not just studying communications technology, but also applying it in real and relevant contexts.
Teaching approach
Armstrong initiates creative, project-based opportunities for students to explore, create and learn through local and international partnerships. She continuously capitalizes on evolving technology and involves all levels through an approach that is hands-on and interdisciplinary.
Outstanding achievements
- Students demonstrated skills acquired in her classes by competing and winning medals for TV/video production in regional and provincial skills competitions. Her students have also won monetary awards for animation, photography and film festivals.
- Works in collaboration with international partners like the Children's Global Arts Foundation to exchange and share works, ideas, and promote understanding and social responsibility with classrooms overseas.
- Coordinated six different grades of students in the design, production and distribution of the school's award-winning yearbook. Students in senior classes mentored younger students in photography, design and use of software.
- Chosen by the Canadian Teachers' Federation to provide professional development for teachers in Africa, the Caribbean and South America.
Rave reviews
"Ms. Armstrong is an exemplary teacher, cultivating students' talents and encouraging their exploration of media careers. She is the kind of teacher you hope your own children will encounter during their time in the education system."
"Donna is a lifelong learner, a creative and critical thinker who continues to contribute to education both locally and abroad. I have great respect for Donna's accomplishments and I am honoured to have been part of her journey."