Nicole Porter is an art teacher at Fleetwood Park Secondary who exemplifies what it means to be an inspiring educator and leader within the school community.
In her career, which has spanned more than 30 years, Porter said she has learned so much about the transformational potential of art education.
"I see it in students when they engage in creating and find success in sharing their visual voice, I see it in schools when artwork is hung in the halls reflecting a rich and diverse student community, and I see it provincially when we host conferences to inspire and connect art teachers across the province," she said.
She has created a classroom where students feel safe, seen and heard; a space where she encourages them to explore their emotions and personal experiences through their art.
Porter said she felt honoured to be nominated.
"Teachers are a tireless bunch that do what we do because we care about our students and our school community. Our reward is the smiles of students and the satisfaction of knowing it was a job well done. I think it speaks to the character and leadership of our principal, Jodie Perry who took the time to notice and then nominate me for this recognition. I am grateful for this support," she said.
In her spare time, she volunteers with the BC Art Teachers Association and was awarded the BCATA / CEA Affiliate Award for Art Excellence in 2023.
Porter was deeply impacted by what she learned from Kwantlen Nation artist Brandon Gabriel and his team when they created an Indigenous Welcome Post at Fleetwood Park.
