The Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians is pleased to announce the winners of the Barbara Koffman Scholarship Award. We remember Barbara fondly as a born educator and leader who inspired both teachers and students alike. Congratulations to Emily Kipe-Broduer, Nicole Doering and Joan Coppens!

Meet the honourable recipients!

I started my career in Hanover School Division as a grade 2 teacher. I worked at Woodlawn School for nine years as a Grade 3 Teacher. In 2015, I moved to Niverville Elementary and have taught grade 3, grade 4, and a 3/4 split class. In 2000, I started my journey towards becoming a literacy specialist through studies at the University of Manitoba working towards a Master’s degree in Language and Literacy. In 2021-2022 I worked in a half-time position at NES as a literacy support teacher. This turned into full-time this year (2022-2023) and I am now fully immersed in literacy. I graduated this June with my Master of Education degree. I love my job! I enjoy co-planning and co-teaching the most effective literacy pedagogical practices with classroom teachers. I get excited when I see students acquiring new skills that help them progress in reading in the classroom and through literacy intervention. The next step for me is applying for a reading clinician or reading clinician associate position. My desire is to continue to grow as a human, teacher, and future reading clinician. I am very grateful to MCRC and the Barbara Koffman family for this scholarship!

My name is Nicole Doering, and I am currently a middle school English teacher at Meadows West School in Winnipeg School Division. I recently graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Master of Education in Language and Literacy, researching the importance of bringing multiliteracies into the classroom for my students and taking courses to one day work as a reading clinician.
Dancing was a passion of mine growing up, driving me to learn more about how to best support students’ literacy learning in multiple ways. I was a dance instructor for many years, competed in multiple competitions, practiced ballet at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and represented Canada in Germany’s National Tap dance championships in 2007, winning the gold medal with my team.
Multimodality was an essential strategy for my learning, and those skills I acquired as a student have transferred into my classroom. I incorporate what I have learned into my daily practice with my students, focusing on multimodality, mindset, metacognitive strategies, and literacy across the curriculum, using assessment skills I developed throughout my training and learning. As a teacher, my goal is to support the 21st-century skills of our learners through engaging reading and writing, fostering students’ love of literacy. Thank you MCRC and the Barbara Koffman family for this honour!

Hello, my name is Joan Coppens. On May 29, 2023, I had the pleasure of attending the MCRC AGM. It was a great experience being among some of Manitoba’s finest Reading Clinicians and to be presented with the Barbara Koffman Scholarship. Barbara Koffman is remembered as a remarkable Reading Clinician with a great sense of humour.
I hope to one day secure a position as a Reading Clinician myself and to acquire a skill set such as Barbara Koffman. I have just completed my Masters of Language and Literacy at the University of Manitoba where I studied with the Winnipeg School Division Cohort. Our cohort was made up of a group of brilliant teachers with different teaching backgrounds but whom all shared a passion for literacy.
I have been a French-Immersion elementary teacher for 20+ years. My focus was mainly on early years and I have had the privilege of teaching the French version of Reading Recovery for the last few years. It was through this role that I really became impassioned about helping struggling students with their reading.
 I have also had the personal experience of raising a daughter with a reading disability as a single-parent, therefore I can relate to the pain a student suffers when presented with a reading deficit and also the pain a parent suffers alongside their child.
 When the opportunity came along to join the cohort and gain the qualifications to become a reading clinician, it was an easy decision to make as I was eager to deepen my understanding of reading difficulties and better equip myself to hopefully make a difference for the students I work with daily.

Congratulations to our recipients and best of luck in your future endeavors!

On June 8th, 2023, the Winnipeg School Division Master’s cohort walked across the stage at the University of Manitoba to receive their much-earned Master of Education with a major in Curriculum Teaching & Learning in the Language and Literacy Stream. Most of the graduates took the clinical coursework and have indicated and interest in pursuing certification as a Reading Clinician in Manitoba.

In challenging times and unexpected circumstances, this group of teachers began their first class in May of 2020. Through many zoom sessions, hard work, a comprehensive project and ultimately one in-person class, these dedicated learners have emerged from their studies bolder, fresher, more-learned, and ready to take on the world of literacy instruction.

Congratulations!

Barbara Koffman was a distinguished reading clinician and past president of MCRC (1988-1989). She was a mentor to fellow reading clinicians and teachers in Manitoba, sharing her expertise and innovative methods in the field of literacy education. Barbara is remembered as an intelligent, humourous, collaborative, and dedicated clinician.
In her memory, the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians has scholarships available each year for students pursuing certification as reading clinicians. For 2021-2022, in honour of MCRC’s 40th anniversary, up to six $1000.00 scholarships are available. Graduate students studying at the Masters or Doctorate level are eligible and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Applicant Requirements:
• Resident of Manitoba
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education
• Provincially Certified Teacher in Manitoba
• Enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution
• Minimum of 2+ years successful teaching experience (or f/t equivalent)
• Teaching experience must include literacy instruction
• Intention to pursue requirements for certification as a reading clinician
• If certification requirements have already been met, applicants must be pursuing further studies in clinical reading/literacy (e.g. PhD, EdD)
• Applicants must intend to serve in some capacity in the area of clinical reading/literacy in the Province of Manitoba

For more information and to find out how YOU can apply please click here. Deadline APRIL 1st 2022

This past school year, educators were again faced with unprecedented challenges and changes that were often sudden and unpredictable. It proved to be another difficult time that was met with perseverance and determination by teachers all over the globe. Through the Barbara Koffman Scholarship, the MCRC is pleased to recognize and support two teachers, who have not only dedicated themselves to teaching, but also learning. Congratulation to our two scholarship recipients who continue to learn and grow as educators in the Masters of Language and Literacy program through the University of Manitoba. The MCRC wishes you continued success on your journey!

Nadine has always been interested in a career working with, and helping, children. Surrounded by family members in health care professions, she pursued a medical degree with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. While working towards her medical volunteer hours, she worked in a small rural school in Manitoba, in a targeted reading program. This was Nadine’s first exposure to teaching and she was amazed at the diversity in reading levels and abilities of so many different children. Nadine was inspired, intrigued, and discovered that her true passion was teaching! Shortly after, Nadine changed career paths. She applied, and was accepted, to the University of Winnipeg’s After Degree Program and graduated with her Bachelor of Education.

Upon graduating, Nadine received her first term as a Literacy Support Teacher. She supported classroom teachers conducting the Read-to-Me program and was fascinated and obsessed with finding the best methods of instruction to help struggling readers. After this term, she worked as a classroom teacher for a few years and was exposed to more students, with different backgrounds and reading experiences. During this time, she found herself constantly switching her teaching methods and frequently conducting research on how to best teach each student. Encouraged to focus her teaching on reading and literacy, she accepted a resource/support position for the current school year. Her time in resource has allowed her to focus on literacy and expand her knowledge on how and why students struggle with reading.

In 2020, Nadine’s curiosities led her to begin her Master of Education in language and literacy. She is currently working towards completing the required courses which will allow her to obtain her reading clinician certification. Nadine strongly believes that everyone is a reader, and is excited to continue on her learning journey to better serve her students.

My name is Michelle Durand and I am honoured to have been awarded the 2021 MCRC Barbara Koffman Scholarship. My love for literacy started at a young age and has shaped who I am both personally and professionally. Throughout my experiences as an education student, classroom teacher, and support teacher, I have had many opportunities to learn, explore, question and deepen my understanding of literacy learning. One of my most influential experiences occurred very early on in my career, while I was still pursuing my education degree. It was at this time that I had the opportunity to work for the School Age Literacy Links program offered through St. James-Assiniboia School Division. Through this summer employment I not only gained valuable knowledge and skills needed to be an effective teacher, but I also began to realize how complex and multifaceted reading and writing really are! As I moved forward in my career as a middle years classroom teacher, and then as a literacy and numeracy support teacher, I had the opportunity to work with students of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the students struggled with gaining basic literacy skills, while others excelled in reading and writing. While learning how best to support these learners, I had the opportunity to work with a number of reading clinicians who helped shape my understanding and knowledge of effective instructional approaches to support students. The more I learned, the more I continued to be intrigued by the intricacies of language and literacy. This interest is what has guided me in advancing both my career and post-secondary education. I recently began working as a Reading Clinician Associate with the Winnipeg School Division. As well, I have been pursuing my Master of Education degree in Language and Literacy, with the goal of becoming a certified Reading Clinician. Through my combined education and experience I feel I have learned so much about the literacy field, while at the same time realizing that I have so much more to learn. I hope that through my continued studies I will be able to gain the skills needed to allow me to support all learners in reaching their full potential.

Barbara Koffman Scholarship

Barbara Koffman was a distinguished Reading Clinician and past president of MCRC (1988-1989). She was a mentor to her fellow Reading Clinicians and to many teachers in  Manitoba, sharing her expertise, innovative strategies and current research in the field of  literacy. She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humour, her collaboration with  other educators and her dedication to her profession.  

The Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians has graduate scholarships available for  the 2020-2021 academic year for students intending to certify as reading clinicians. Scholarships of up to $1000.00 are available. Graduate students studying at the Masters or  Doctorate level are eligible and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

Applicants must be a resident of Manitoba and meet the following criteria:  
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education
• Enrolled in an accredited institution
• Provincially Certified Teacher in Manitoba
• Minimum of 2+ years successful teaching experience (or f/t equivalent) • Teaching experience should include literacy instruction
• Intention to pursue requirements for Reading Clinician certification
• If certification requirements have already been met, applicants may be pursuing further studies in of Clinical Reading (e.g. PhD)
• Applicants must intend to serve in some capacity in the area of Clinical Reading in the Province of Manitob

For consideration applications packages should include:

• Recent transcript: strong academic standing
• Resume: previous experience in the area of literacy instruction
• References: Names of up to 3 professional/academic contacts
• Brief autobiography (250-500 words)
• Personal Interview (may be required; may be virtual)

Application packages can be e-mailed to Sandra Janzen between  February 1st to April 1st, 2021 at janzen5@shaw.ca

In these unprecedented and often stressful times, The Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians is pleased so share some good news! This year the Barbara Koffman Scholarship was awarded to three incredibly deserving 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:

Lori-Anne Busch

Lori-Anne grew up in a small town in southeastern Manitoba, and knew she wanted to be a teacher ever since Kindergarten.  She went away to university at the age of 18, and studied Elementary Education at McGill University.  Worried that she had chosen the wrong career, as she had found that the job of a classroom teacher was not a good match for someone as introverted and highly sensitive as herself, she returned to Manitoba.  She worked at a coffee shop for a few months, feeling that she had made the wrong choice to be a teacher, and wondering what to do next.

She soon returned to teaching, after having been invited to work at a school in northern Manitoba, by one of the customers at the coffee shop.  This customer came in for coffee everyday, and when she learned that Lori-Anne was a certified teacher, suggested she try a position at Little Grand Rapids School.  Lori-Anne thought that working on a reserve might be a good match, since the style of teaching and learning that honoured the cultural ways of Aboriginal students, was appealing to her. 

One day Lori-Anne found a book written by a reading clinician, who described her work with struggling readers, teaching phonological awareness and phonics, through games, in a one to one therapy setting.  She knew that teaching in that way would be a better match to her skills and personality.  However, she also knew that returning to university at that point in time was impossible, due to student loan debt.

Lori-Anne slowly moved away from classroom teaching toward a more supportive role eventually finding a position as a resource teacher in the Interlake School Division.  She worked at a Grade 8 – 12 school for 10 years, supporting students with special needs and their teachers.  She finally found her niche, working directly with teachers and classes part of the time, writing funding applications and Individual Education Plans, and meeting with people in small groups, the rest.  It was a perfect mix of extroversion and introversion for her, a very rewarding career, that was a good fit!

Nancy Jacobson

Nancy is a current Master of Education student in the department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning with a specialization in Language and Literacy. It is her intention to complete the coursework required for certification as a Reading Clinician in Manitoba.

For as long as she can remember, Nancy has been passionate about literacy. Even as a child, when others were striving to learn how to read, she resolved to take matters into her own hands. Gathering her favourite Frog and Toad books, she would find a cozy spot to read with these children, hoping that before long, they too would able to dive into independent reading and all the wonder and joy that a literate life brings.

Nancy’s life-long passion for the written word led her inevitably to a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on English Literature. She then earned a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education, and a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Educational Psychology. Last year, she completed the course, “Diagnostic and Remedial Techniques in English Language Arts”. As she immersed herself in the study of diagnostic teaching, data collection and analysis, as well as report writing, she revelled in every aspect of the work, which confirmed both her affinity and her passion for her chosen profession.

In her current position, Nancy is a resource teacher serving a grade five to eight middle school in the North End, as well as a kindergarten to grade four school located in Winnipeg’s inner-city. A large part of her work consists of conducting reading assessments and facilitating reading, writing and language remediation with a diverse population, including students with (dis)abilities, students of indigenous heritage, newcomers to Canada, and resilient families living in neighborhoods too often stereotyped by addictions, violence, and low socioeconomic status. 

The important work of advancing power and agency within these communities has provided a sense of urgency and motivation, compelling Nancy to learn and implement research-proven teaching practices to responsively meet her students’ individual needs. Nancy believes that as the threads of literacy are woven into each child’s life, the fabric of the entire community is strengthened. To her, literacy truly is a matter of equity and social justice.

As she continues along this journey, Nancy is grateful for the love and encouragement of her son Nicholas. Nancy also wishes to thank the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians and the Koffman family for their kind support. In addition, Nancy would like to extend sincere appreciation to Tracie McDonald, Carrie Laurenzo and Valdine Bjornson for their inspiring passion and wisdom.

Nicole L Normandeau

Nicole’s love of reading started early. While she certainly had many rich literacy experiences at home, it was at school where the magic of reading took hold. Nicole attended Crane School from Kindergarten to Grade Four, and it was here she learned from so many wonderful teachers that reading was a gift. The creative exploration of language was encouraged, new worlds opened for her, and she was profoundly impacted.

 These transformative experiences with literacy inspired Nicole to become a teacher. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Education in 1993 and began her career teaching Grade One in a small country school.  She has taught many grades in many schools over the years, and a consistent theme, no matter what she is teaching, has been to share her love of language and literacy with her students.

Recently, Nicole’s role as a teacher has been in resource in the Winnipeg School Division. In this role she has had the privilege of working with students who are dealing with multiple challenges both at school and at home, including struggling with reading. Because she knows how empowering being an engaged reader is and because she see so many of our most vulnerable students disengaged, Nicole is inspired to continue to learn more. Her desire to become a Reading Clinician will enable her to better help students become empowered through reading.

The Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians is pleased to announce the winner of the Barbara Koffman Scholarship Award. We remember Barbara fondly as a born educator and leader who inspired both teachers and students alike.

Congratulations to Ailsa Desender! Ailsa has always intended to become a teacher, having loved reading and learning so much as a child.  Since kindergarten, her path has involved as many opportunities to work with children and to teach as possible, including ballet instruction, tutoring, and working in a day care.  She graduated in 2011 from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science (Hon.) in Chemistry, then from the Faculty of Education in 2013 with a degree in Early Years Education with Honours.

She began her teaching career in September 2013 with a position teaching Grade One in River East Transcona School Division.  During this time, I participated in a professional development series with an aim to strengthen literacy instruction skills in Grade One teachers in the division.  This exposure to data driven programming peaked her interest in becoming a literacy specialist.

In September of 2014, she began her permanent position in Louis Riel School Division as a Grade 1/2 teacher.  She spent three years at Frontenac School before transferring to her current position at Dr. D.W. Penner School.  She feels privileged to have encountered many literacy minded colleagues through her career so far and has participated in several professional learning networks regarding topics such as Regie Routman’s Writing Project and Reciprocal Teaching.

She decided to return to the university to begin her post-baccalaureate degree in 2017, and it was here that she discovered the position of Reading Clinician which appealed to her scientific, data driven nature as well as her love of teaching.  With the encouragement of classmates and professors, she switched to the Master’s program in the summer of 2018 with the goal of eventually becoming a Reading Clinician.  For her thesis, she is interested in researching inclusion and Universal Design as it pertains to literacy programming for students with severe auditory or communication deficits.

In her free time, she reads avidly, both professionally and for pleasure, bakes, and crochets.  She feels fortunate to have the support of her husband, Bryce, and her family as she pursues the next phase of her career.

The Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians is pleased to announce the winner of the Barbara Koffman Scholarship Award. We remember Barbara fondly as a born educator and leader who inspired both teachers and students alike.

Congratulations to Shona Kusyk! Shona graduated with an Environmental degree from the University of Manitoba and began working for Manitoba Conservation.  During this time, she began volunteering at the Elmwood Bike Club on her days off.  She fell in love with connecting and working with students and sparked her deep passion for teaching.  Shona returned to University of Manitoba and subsequently received her B.Ed. in 2013. She started out in WSD1 for her first half year, then finished up at RETSD.  The following year she landed a 1 year term at Ecole Landsdowne where she taught a Nursery / Kindergarten morning class, and a Grade 7/8 Language Arts afternoon class.  It was here she fell in love with N / K, and was lucky enough to secure a term position at Norquay school working in a N / K classroom.  Along with the N / K class, Shona spent her other half day as the Leveled Literacy Intervention teacher, through which she decided to pursue her masters studies.

Through the current position of her diverse career, Shona has been extremely honoured to serve in the Point Douglas community through her roles at Norquay School.  The local community is currently seeking growth and change for their children, and a strong literacy foundation can be a critical step to tap into the potential of this new generation.  The desire to serve and help lift up the North End communities has driven Shona to seek excellence in her teaching practice by striving to learn  and implement research proven techniques.

The support provided by the Manitoba Council of Reading clinicians, most notably Kim Siwak, Jaymi Thiessen, Tracie McDonald, and Carrie Lorenzo has been invaluable, especially through some trying family tragedies in recent months.  The Point Douglass Community has also been immensely supportive as families place their trust in the education system.  It is a great honour to serve the community through Norquay School.  Finally, the Koffman family for their gracious support through this scholarship.

 

This year, this Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians is pleased to announce TWO winners of the Barbara Koffman Scholarship Award. We remember Barbara fondly as a born educator and leader who inspired both teachers and students alike.

Congratulations to Valdine Bjornson and Stephanie Kaethler for becoming the 2016-2017 recipients of this special scholarship. The MCRC wishes you continued success on your journey!

Valdine Bjornson received her B.Ed. from the University of Manitoba as well as two Post-Baccalaureates focussing upon Counselling and Early Years Education. She has obtained both her Special Education Certificate as well as C-TESL from the University of Manitoba. She also has completed a Graduate Certificate (M. A. Program) in International Education through the Graduate School for Intercultural Training (SIT) in Vermont, USA.  Valdine is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (Leading Language and Literacy) with the University of Calgary. She began her career with international schools in Japan, Finland and later on, Egypt. She has worked in several Manitoba school divisions in both rural and urban settings. She has taught music (en français), EAL as well as worked in early years classrooms.  Over the last few years, she has had the honour of serving as a Reading Clinician in both public and private practice settings.  She is completing training to become a Certified member with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.  She has served as Secretary for MCRC since 2014 and is a current Board Member for the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba.  She has a loving husband and three incredible daughters who inspire her every day.

 

 

Stephanie Kaethler received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg in 2007 and her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba in 2010. After spending four months as a substitute teacher in both urban and rural school divisions, Stephanie started her teaching career with a term in Winnipeg School Division in January 2011. Two years later, Stephanie moved Fort Rouge School where she continues to teach today.

Stephanie’s interest in language and literacy began when she started teaching Grade 1 in the inner city; she was uncertain how to support students as they moved from oral language to beginning reading and writing. With the help of her Learning Support Teacher and Reading Clinician, she began an earnest journey to become an effective literacy instructor. Stephanie is thankful for the many educational mentors who introduced and modelled effective literacy resources and strategies which has strengthened and shaped her current instructional practices.

In September 2016, Stephanie started her Masters of Education in Language and Literacy. This last year has been filled with many moments of enlightenment, particularly in understanding the connection between diagnostic and intervention strategies. She is looking forward to continuing her studies this summer and preparing for her new role as an Associate Reading Clinician with Winnipeg School Division in the fall where she is eager to both support and learn beside students and colleagues. Stephanie would like to thank the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians and the Koffman family for their support as she works towards obtaining her Reading Clinician Certification.