2024 Inspiring Success Award Nominee: Gail Hirst

The nominees for this year’s Inspiring Success Award of Distinction include École Dansereau Meadows School (EDMS) Educational Assistant, Gail Hirst.

Gail demonstrates a commitment to students and learning that is second to none. She genuinely cares for EDMS students and consistently goes above and beyond in her dedication to building strong relationships with everyone she works with.

Gail takes her Educational Assistant (EA) role very seriously. She ensures that all under her tutelage understand the assigned tasks, determines what they need for support or independence, and is always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. It doesn’t matter if it is math, language arts, other core classes, or whether it is a CTF option like foods or wood shop; Gail figures out what her students need and she provides it for them. 

“Recently she was supporting one of her students in CTF foods class and you could hear Gail patiently coaching her student on how to be safe with the knife he was using to cut up ingredients,” said one nominator, Katherine Kloschinsky. “The beautiful part is she encourages independence in the students she works with and her patient heart allows her students to have the time they need to find success.”

Gail is an exemplary EA and she models very well how to do this challenging role with dignity and grace. Regardless of the ask or the circumstance, Gail takes pride in ensuring that she does all that she can to contribute to a positive environment. She is one of the first to check in with those who are having a hard time, always offers an extra set of hands, and takes initiative to ensure those around her feel supported. She volunteers to help out with school-wide events and encourages other EAs and classroom teachers in her interactions with them. Her gentle spirit makes it easy for her to connect with others and she inspires many to pay forward kindness.