This week, Urban Academy teacher Nadejda Vassev received the news that she had won a national honor: The Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.  Mrs. Vassev, known lovingly by most parents and students as ‘Ms. Nadia’, shares this honour with only five others from BC and is amongst the ranks with only sixteen others from across the country.
“When they called to tell me, I couldn’t believe it, I’m overwhelmed and humbled by this award” said Vassev who has worked for Urban Academy as the Junior Kindergarten teacher for eight years.  She has been with Urban Academy since the beginning of the Junior Kindergarten program and seen it grow from five students to twenty.
Ms. Nadia’s passion for the kids and for the program has put Urban Academy on the map as one of the best Junior Kindergartens available in the region.  She has been involved as a leader in the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood learning, and parents of Urban Academy students know that she truly loves the children in her care.  Mrs. Vassev has been part of the significant growth that Urban Academy has been experiencing, as many parents in the community have heard about Urban Academy’s success with early childhood development.
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education honour outstanding educators who, through their dedication and skill, are giving children an important head start that helps them succeed at school.
For further information and the list of winners, please visit the Prime Minister’s Awards at http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmaece-ppmepe.nsf/eng/home