Feb 21 - Valedictorian on way to teaching career

Kelly Toth was eight when she first knew she wanted to be a teacher.

"Mrs. Morris from M.B. Sanford Elementary was my teacher for grades two and four," she recalls. "I had a hard time reading, but she never made me feel like I was an outcast or had a ‘problem.' She was there to help me grow and develop. I want to be able to make students feel the way that she made me feel through the same positive and safe learning environment that she was able to create."

Kelly's dream is almost complete. On February 8, she addressed the class of 2011 as valedictorian at Douglas College, graduating with a Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching (BPEC).

She is currently finishing up her Professional Development Program (teacher education) at Simon Fraser University, and hopes to be hired as a teacher on call with the Surrey School District this spring.

When she does get into a classroom, she'll be well prepared. She works as a dance teacher and a sport coach, and during her teenage years was a lifeguard, swimming instructor and gymnastics instructor. In 2004 and 2006 she travelled to Thailand where she taught English.

During her time at Douglas, Kelly maintained a high grade point average, navigating everything from creative dance to cellular biology. She received several Sport Science scholarships, for which she was nominated not just by the instructors in her program, but by teachers in the local elementary schools where she volunteered.

Ken Anderson, coordinator of the BPEC program, couldn't be happier with Kelly's chosen path.

"We have had a number of exceptional graduates, and among this group we now include Kelly," he says. "I repeatedly witnessed Kelly be a role model to her peers. Her mature and dedicated approach to her studies and her support of her fellow students was of inestimable value.

"What often remains unstated is how much we, as faculty members, appreciate our students and the difference that they make in our lives on a daily basis," he continues.

"Kelly was one of those students."