Personal struggle for teacher-to-be reinforces importance of reading, writing

When Cindy Lee Auger learned she had been recognized for her exemplary contribution to education, she was shocked and pleased.

The former Northland School Division teacher’s aide won the Alberta School Board Association’s President’s Award.

Auger is in now in her last year of courses which will see her earn her teaching degree through the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program. The award, she says, is adding to the excitement of reaching her dream of becoming a teacher.

When Auger began her studies, she struggled with the assignments and writing.

“The stroke I had some years ago affected my writing skills and my academic knowledge. But with hard work and with the support of the other students I overcame many barriers,” she said. She acknowledges the help of many who assisted her and encouraged her along the way, including her peers and administrators in the ATEP program, specifically advisor Lucinda Jenkins.

Many of the courses are online, delivered to students nearby in a satellite campus setting, so it was only a short distance to travel and she did not have to leave her home community.

Auger also credits her family with helping her to succeed through the long months of studies.

“I have six children between the ages of seven and 21, and being able to take the program at home meant I could go to school and still be a mom,” she added. “If it wasn’t for that, most of us wouldn’t even be in the program.”

Auger is anxious to get into the classroom as a teacher in her home town of Wasbasca-Desmarais this fall.

“What I want to do is help children read and write, because I feel it is the background to education and if they don’t know how, they are going to struggle in all subjects,” she said.

Auger has enjoyed all her courses but the computer instruction that was taken in the first couple of years she found especially valuable.

ASBA’s President Jacquie Hansen gives the award to someone who has dedicated themselves to education and demonstrated an ability to persevere and overcome challenges to make a contribution, says Donna Engel, director of corporate services with ASBA.

“Cindy’s name came to me and she is an example of the kind of dedication of an individual who wants to make a difference to his or her community,” said Engel.

The award is a result of a partnership with the Alberta government’s Workforce Planning department, Northern Lakes College, the University of Alberta and Northlands School Division which fosters the education of potential Aboriginal teachers.

Besides being committed, Auger also shows an understanding of who the children are, what their strengths are and what their potential is, and to build on that to overcome any barriers, Engel says.

 “The best way to help people succeed in life is to share positive words of wisdom,” said Auger. “Making people or children feel good about themselves will not only help them to want to be like you but will pass on that same positive attitude. What is the use of keeping wisdom locked up when it can be shared for everyone to enjoy?”