ARVIAT
Another Kivalliq educator has received the Prime Minister's Award for teaching excellence.

Gord Billard of Arviat is congratulated by Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq after receiving the Prime Minister's Award for teaching excellence from Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa on Oct. 7. - photo courtesy of Jason Ransom

Gord Billard of John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat was presented with the national award by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa on Oct. 7.

It's the third national award in a row given to a Kivalliq teacher, following Kristen Sawyers in 2013 and Lisa Kresky in 2012, both of Rankin Inlet.

A total of 54 teachers across Canada were recognized for their efforts in 2014, with Billard being one of 17 national winners to receive the award directly from Harper.

Billard is an effective and very likeable teacher, who is spoken highly of by the vast majority of his current and former students.

He was nominated for the award by principal Judy Connor, who was the school's vice-principal when she put his name forward.

Billard is described as being holistic in his overall approach to teaching, basing his methods on experiential learning, differentiation of instruction, cultural inclusion, linguistic and language-focused instruction.

Outside of the classroom, he has taken student theatre to new heights, been heavily involved with the Arviat Film Society, and assisted in the creation of the community's TV station, in addition to other endeavours.

Billard said he was flattered when he learned he had been nominated, but really didn't expect things to go much further than that.

He said when he found out he had actually won the award, the whole experience began to feel somewhat surreal.

"To be quite honest, I was a bit uncomfortable with the whole process because I'm not good with this kind of attention focused on me," said Billard. "Usually, I'm the one working on getting attention focused on others.

"It's very humbling, but, at the same time, it's nice to be recognized for all the work I've done."

Billard said the time in Ottawa to accept the award was a fantastic experience.

He said there was a moment when he thought about what the award might mean in terms of setting the bar awfully high in his teaching career.

"There was a part of me that felt I've set some pretty high standards here and now I've got to maintain them. But it wasn't as imposing or fearful as I thought it might be because I do it anyway. Keeping busy with my work and the students is what keeps me going here.

"I'm not going to change anything as a result of this because, if I did, maybe I wouldn't be doing the same things that got me this award in the first place."

Billard said the only reason these awards happen is an administrator, peer or some parents recognize what a teacher has accomplished.

He said the nomination process is rigorous, and he deeply appreciates the work put in on his behalf to win the award.

"Judy (Connor) was the one who took the time to sit down and do this on my behalf.

"I'll always be grateful to her for the award, yes, but also in having that level of confidence in my work."

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