Scholarships

RCGW Scholarships are awarded each year for students who are enrolled in a Bachelor of Education Degree Program in Manitoba. The scholarships have been established to commemorate the charter of the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg (RCGW) in 1956, and as well to recognize the visionary teachers from Winnipeg who formed the first council in Canada. The award is created to support tuition and material costs. All applications will be given a fair and careful review by a standing committee.

For more information, please see this year's Scholarship Application Information at rcgw.weebly.com/home/category/scholarships.

Previous Winners

2021 – Jessica Neudorf
Jessica completed her final year of the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Manitoba this year. She’s interested in specializing in the early years. Jessica sees teaching literacy as a social justice practice. She sees how literacy empowers students to express their voice and advocate for themselves and others.

In her classroom, Jessica plans to offer students a rich literacy experience through the inclusion of multimodal books, graphic novels, poetry, reading Canadian authors, novellas, song and dance to connect with rhythm, and Indigenous oral-story telling. Jessica plans to create experiences where her students can enter the amazing world of literacy that encourages them to see themselves as readers and writers. Jessica, as an experiential teacher, sees her students immersed in their learning in an environment where all learners can flourish.

In the summer of 2020, Jessica had the opportunity to work as a research assistant where she explored teacher responses to the renewed ELA curriculum. She also worked on creating a 4-week long online Read/Write/Share Club through the CanU program for grades 5-8. Here she saw the value in creating an environment where each student felt comfortable and welcomed for what they had to offer. Her favorite part was when students shared how a book helped them feel empowered and understood. Jessica continued with the CanU program designing an online program for grades 7 -10 and continuing to explore authors from Manitoba and Canada. She volunteered to be the co-ordinator of the winter CanU program and worked with 21 teacher candidates. Jessica has been conducting an inquiry into her own professional growth and learning through the experiences she’s been engaged in while planning for CanU and teaching with others.

Jessica’s references found her to take on challenges, immerse herself in new learning, and to be reflective and thoughtful about her teaching experiences. She is a keen learner who strives to make deep connections with students. She is deeply committed to furthering literacy and language arts with her students.

Jessica’s commitment to creating experiences where students are immersed in their learning and developing a sense of empowerment along with her strong commitment to her own professional development make her a worthy recipient of the RCGW Scholarship Award.

2021 – Carrie Miller
Carrie has completed her first year in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. She is specializing in senior years English Language Arts.

Carrie has developed a strong philosophical view of the role of literacy in a globalized world where digital information and communication are essential for thriving. In her many travels and work experience abroad she has seen first hand how early exposure to language sets the stage for future development and how this is influenced by socioeconomic factors. Carrie would like to see action at the government level to support families who struggle so that their children can achieve to their potential. Carrie also would like improvements to how refugees and newcomer students can be accommodated to improve their educational outcomes.

Carrie’s education philosophy was presented in a poem that was representative of how she views literacy education as a creative and complex process, that considers the interests and experiences of students; values cultures, lifestyles, and languages; is supported by effective teaching; and respects the potential that students bring to the classroom.

References for Carrie describe her thorough lesson planning, that considers not only content and curricular outcomes but also students’ needs. She is reflective about her teaching practice and grows her professional development by considering input from others. Carrie was actively engaged in building relationships with her students and by her participation in school events. She is recognized for being a critical and original thinker, as well as a talented writer. Carrie is thoughtful and respectful of students and their various needs. She develops a strong and healthy working relationship with students and staff. Carrie establishes a safe environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and taking risks. She leads class discussions by encouraging diverse perspectives.

Carrie is committed to a strong public school system in Manitoba. She is driven to enhance the language and literacy skills of all students in Manitoba and is clearly a worthy recipient of the Scholarship Award for 2021.