This year, in honor of our 40th anniversary, the MCRC was please to offer scholarships to not three, but SIX incredibly deserving recipients. The awards were presented as we celebrated not only this special group of educators, but the MCRC’s 40th anniversary as well. We were all so grateful to have the opportunity to gather in person and enjoy an evening of AGM business, delicious food, and great fellowship.
2021-2022 Scholarship Recipients
We remember Barbara fondly as a born educator and leader who inspired both teachers and students alike. We know that in her memory, these awards will support our recipients as they move toward gaining knowledge and understanding to also inspire and support the literacy community. Sincerest congratulations goes to the following recipients:
Jon Sorokowski
Jon Sorokowski has always loved learning and knew he wanted to be a teacher early in life. After several years of teaching elementary, Jon discovered his passion for adolescent literacy when he began working with middle schoolers. Helping striving readers and writers and collaborating with colleagues compelled him to pursue graduate studies in Language and Literacy. He is particularly interested in becoming a reading clinician to support adolescents in French immersion. Jon believes that his studies will help him advocate for and with students so that they can develop flourishing literate lives. He thanks the Koffman family and MCRC for this opportunity.
Tami Berg
Hello! My name is Tami Berg. I am a classroom teacher in the Intermediate Bridges FASD Program at David Livingstone Community School. After earning my Bachelor of Education Degree in 2010, I worked as a classroom teacher for the last 12 years in both early and middle years classrooms. I obtained my Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Special Education at the U of M in the fall of 2019. I am currently enrolled as a student in the WSD Masters Cohort in Language and Literacy, and my course work will be completed by December 2022.
I chose this field of study for the Master of Education program because of my interest and desire in developing the skills and knowledge to support and enhance language and literacy skills for student achievement. I have an interest in learning and researching best practices in this area, particularly for students who struggle with oral language, reading and writing. Since language and literacy are embedded in all content areas, students need to develop these skills for success in academic learning. My goal is to work as a Reading Clinician.
Janice Caplan
My name is Janice Caplan and I have been an educator for almost thirty years. In the classroom, I have taught students in grades 1 through 10. It was during these years as a classroom teacher I became aware of challenges students face when struggling to read. I took a position with The Winnipeg School Division as a Literacy Intervention Support Teacher within the Indigenous Education Team. I supported teachers in the classroom with their literacy programmes as well as Tier 2 intervention. I am currently enrolled in Winnipeg School Division’s Master’s Cohort for Literacy to become a Certified Reading Clinician. It has been an amazing experience so far. In January 2022, I was offered a position with the Winnipeg School Division as a reading clinician associate. I am currently part of the Diagnostic Learning Team and work with students in grades 3-6.
Anna Choy
My name is Anna Choy, and I am currently the Literacy Support Teacher/ Reading Recovery Teacher at King Edward Community School. I have been teaching in the Winnipeg School Division for over 9 years. I am pursuing my Master of Education degree in Language and Literacy to learn about current research, theories, strategies, and resources that can empower me to become a better literacy educator. My goal is for each student I work with to develop the skills, confidence, and agency required to be contributing literate members of society.
Ali Kampen
My name is Ali Kampen and for the past eight years I have taught early years in the Seine River School Division. Throughout this time, I’ve seen how quickly a student’s perception of literacy is formed. As a teacher, my goal is to create positive learning experiences for my students so I can foster a love of literacy. Through student voice and a strength based approach, I believe we have the ability to help students see themselves as both readers and writers. Thank you so much to the MCRC and family of Barbara Koffman. I am honoured!
Becca Meachum
Born – Saskatchewan. Raised – Manitoba. Daughter. Little sister. Thompson girl. Walked Cookie by the Burntwood River. Found peace in the northern woods.
Moved – Winnipeg. Arts degree. Major: English, Minor: Theatre. Found a love for writing poetry. Tall Grass baker. New Zealand traveller. Educational assistant.
Ross’ wife. Auntie. Education degree. Teacher. Tieg, Mac and Ida May’s Mom.
Master’s student. New sense of purpose teaching and writing. Honing my theory. Learning strength-based strategies. Eager to support students’ literacy needs. Walking Dolly to Omand’s Creek. A moment to capture nature by the Assiniboine River. Future reading clinician.
All the best to you moving forward in your studies from the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians!
