A Yellowknife principal has been named one of the best in her profession.
Courteney Lizotte, principal of Range Lake North School, is one of 40 educators from across the country to be recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals this year.
The annual awards are presented by the Learning Partnership, a Toronto-based group that supports publicly funded education in Canada.
Each year for the past 12 years, 40 of Canada’s best principals are nominated by parents, staff and community members. Lizotte was the only principal from the NWT to be recognized this year.
“I was very honoured, it was very emotional,” she told Moose FM, after realizing she’d been selected. “I love my job and I don’t necessarily do it for the recognition but it is still nice to be recognized.
“To know that parents and the school community is happy with what I’m doing, it makes this even more special.
“I’ve always loved working with children and there’s nothing more rewarding than watching a child grow and learn. I love coming to work every day.”
Lizotte has been teaching at Range Lake North School for the past five years, serving as principal for the last two.
Before coming to Range Lake North School, she taught at NJ Macpherson School and K’alemi Dene School. Lizotte has spent her entire teaching career with Yellowknife Education District No. 1.
Lizotte will collect her award at a ceremony alongside other recipients in Toronto on February 23.
Top principals also have the chance to take part in a five-day leadership program, where they’ll learn management practices presented by business, government other education leaders.
“I’m hoping to make new contacts and connections with other schools,” said Lizotte of the gala and leadership conference. “I always love to hear what other people are doing and how things are working.
“We’re kind of a remote community but we do try to stay in touch with everything that’s going on around Canada as much as possible.”
Previous award winners from the NWT include:
- 2010 Janette Vlanich, Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, Inuvik
- 2011 Paul Bennett, Ecole JH Sissons School, Yellowknife
- 2012 Al Karasiuk, Paul W Kaeser School, Fort Smith
- 2013 Dan Summers, Deninu School, Fort Resolution & Lois Philipp, Deh Gah School, Fort Providence
- 2014 Simone Gessler, Weledeh Catholic School, Yellowknife
- 2015 Lea Lamoureux, Kaw Tay Whee School, Dettah
