Timberline teacher Dave Coad was presented with a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence last week but was quick to pay tribute to his students for making the best of the tools they’ve been given.
“They do all the hard work but I get to light the match,” Coad said after John Duncan, MP for Vancouver Island North, presented his award. Coad received the award for the 2D and 3D animation program he developed at Timberline.
“Over the years Dave has been on the cutting edge of utilizing technology in the personalization of education for Campbell River students. He has tirelessly and selflessly worked to put Timberline Secondary and School District 72 on the map as a leader in 2D and 3D computer animation,” said Tom Longridge, Superintendent of School District 72. The Certificate of Achievement award is worth $1,000 and is given directly to the recipient. Timberline will also receive a certificate recognizing its support of Coad’s achievement.
“I am thrilled today to acknowledge the outstanding contribution to learning made by Dave Coad,” said Duncan. “With the children and youth of Vancouver Island North benefitting from his passion and creativity, Canada’s future is in good hands.”
Coad also paid tribute to his colleagues at Timberline.
“I build on their foundation,” said Coad who has been creative over the years. He helped fund equipment and software purchases for his program by holding summer animation and computer camps. He has raised $80,000 over the years through students taking those computer camps. Coad said he is proud of all of the work his students of all abilities produce. “Dave’s world is a very good world,” he said.