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.