Fort Providence (Aug 04/06) - Margaret Field's love of education started early.

While in residential school, Field discovered she was a very good reader and an above-average student. Encouraged by her teachers she decided to enter the field of education.

Margaret Field is ready to educate adult students. Field was named a finalist in the Canada Post Literacy Awards.

In 1969, Field was one of the first graduates from the teacher education program offered by Aurora College. She has been involved in teaching ever since.

Field's dedication to education is now receiving attention. She has been named as a finalist in the Canada Post Literacy Awards in the educator category.

"I'm very pleased and I'm very honoured," said Field, about becoming a finalist.

In Fort Providence, Field has worked with Aurora College since 1997 as an adult educator."I really enjoy my work," Field said. "Nothing will keep me away from the doors at 8:30 in the morning."

Every year is interesting because a different group realizes they need to go back to school and sign up for classes, she said. Math and English are Field's two main subjects.

Field said she helps to encourage and support the students in their goals. Throughout the year students often display a change in their attitudes or in life.

"Some show great determination and take giant steps to reach their goals," she said.

Before working with Aurora College, Field spent 15 years at Deh Gah school as an elementary teacher. In the early 1980s, she also worked for a time as a native liaison worker between the Edmonton public school and communities in the city.

Field said she prefers working with adults because they are more willing to learn. The students are there for themselves, she said.

"It brings me tears of joy to see someone who has struggled for so long when their eyes light up when they have made an improvement in reading or writing," said Field.

Despite her encouragement, Field isn't easy on her students. As a native member, Field said she expects a lot from the students. At the beginning of the year she lets the students know about the expectations and what the curriculum covers. She then pushes them to do their utmost.

Winners of the 14th annual Canada Post Literacy Achievement awards will be announced in late August.