On September 28, 2017, the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers announced the recipients of the Robert Roy Award and the Honorary Lifetime Member Award.
The Robert Roy Award was received by Dr. Wendy Carr, Vice President of the National Board of Directors at Canadian Parents for French. The Robert Roy Award, named in memory of the late founding president of CASLT, is awarded yearly to a distinguished educator, teacher educator and/or researcher who has significantly contributed to the advancement of FSL education. Carr was recognized for her ground-breaking research and her development of applied training for second language educators in British Columbia. In her address, Dr. Carr highlighted the power of the collective and thanked the many individuals, institutions and organizations with whom she has worked over the years, and who contribute to moving second language education forward in Canada. Carr is a professor in the Faculty Education at the University of British Columbia where she led its French teacher education program for many years.
The Honorary Lifetime Member Award was received by Valerie Pike, Treasurer of the National Board of Directors at CPF. The Honorary Lifetime Member Award is awarded yearly to individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of the teaching and learning of languages. In her address, Pike thanked the second language learning community with whom she has collaborated throughout her career, in Canada and internationally. She also underlined the pivotal role of students who are “our employers; we work for them,” reminding all present that “we succeed when they shine.” Pike also highlighted the value of distance learning as a tool that can help students to become proficient in their second language, even when they reside in rural or remote areas, or other locations where language classes may be more difficult to access. Pike is a second language educator who has been inspired by students in French immersion, core French and International Studies programs.
CPF congratulates the recipients for their initiative and dedication to making French as a second language available to all Canadians. Keep up the good fight!