Yellowknife (June 23/03) - Teacher Sue Franklin will receive the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence on Tuesday.

It's been a long time coming. Twenty-four years in fact, the same length of time the literacy support teacher has worked for Yellowknife Catholic Schools.

Yellowknifelife: What made you decide to be a teacher?

Sue Franklin: I always had a love of working with children. I wanted to be a teacher or a nurse when I was younger.

Yellowknifelife: Any regrets?

SF: No regrets at all. In fact, I am lucky I have a job that I love to go to every day. I don't think many people have that and get paid for it.

Yellowknifelife: Have you had any mentors over the years?

SF: Many, many mentors. When I started at St. Pat's Elementary in 1979, Elsie Maracusa was one of my biggest mentors. Gordon Walls, my principal, was a very big support to me.

Yellowknifelife: Have you mentored others in your career?

SF: I am involved with the official mentorship program. But I have been an unofficial mentor for years too. I really like working with new teachers. It's exciting for me because they are so vibrant, they have lots of new ideas. Their energy gets me going. They give me their new perspective on things, and I get to give them my way of doing things.

Yellowknifelife: Do you think the mentorship program is successful?

SF: I think it's an excellent program. I am very glad that it's working in the Territories. It's a big support. The three mentors I have worked with over the last few years have said it made a world of difference to them.

Yellowknifelife: How do you keep motivated, and retain your energy in this job?

SF: I get daily rewards. Because the kids that I work with are so excited about learning. They are enthusiastic about coming to school and that rubs off. I find it really exciting to learn new things. Not a day goes by that I don't learn something new.

Yellowknifelife: Have you had any frustrating times teaching?

SF: Not too many. Of course there are days that have been frustrating, mainly because you are trying to get help for students, and there are roadblocks to it. You can't help the children like you want to. You want more time with them, and sometimes that's just not available.

Yellowknifelife: Would you say teachers are over or under-valued in our society?

SF: I don't know if they are over- or under-valued. But I think teachers are valued. Ninety per cent of parents want the best for their children, they know that teachers put the best effort forward. You always get some parents that feel that we are overpaid and get lots of holidays.

But I work so many long hours, every weekend, every night. School is always on my mind. It's not a job you can leave every night at 5:30. Most parents do value that, but some don't see that.

Yellowknifelife: How do you come up with fresh ideas for teaching?

SF: I read a lot. I like to keep up on my professional reading. I never go into a room where I don't look around and pick up one idea. Talking to teachers, sharing information, that helps me to provide for my students.

Yellowknifelife: What are your best memories about Yellowknife Catholic Schools?

SF: There are so many. Every one of my jobs that I've had, I've loved. I've been a support, classroom, and resource teacher. Each of my jobs has had special memories.

Yellowknifelife: What was your reaction upon learning of your nomination and wining the Prime Minister's Award?

SF: I was a little embarrassed about it. I had absolutely no confidence that I would win. I felt proud, but I also felt that a lot of other people deserved to be nominated and I shouldn't be singled out. I am hoping that in years to come they will have their chance.

Yellowknifelife: What are your plans for the future?

SF: I plan to teach until I get too grouchy, or I don't like coming to work. Then I have plans for all kinds of volunteer work. I'd like to pursue some things that I have never had a chance to do.

Maybe some travel and teaching. It will give me a chance to do all my volunteer work that I don't have a chance to do because I am always teaching.

Yellowknifelife: Would you recommend a teaching career for the 2003 graduates of Yellowknife schools?

SF: If you have a commitment to helping others, if you are willing to work very, very hard. If you love working with students and children, then I say yes, for sure, it's awesome. If you are going into it because of the salary, don't bother.