Honourable mention, teacher
Tajinder (TJ) Rai is a district resource counsellor, teacher and athletic director who works with some of the most at-risk youth in the Surrey School District.
TJ started as a youth diversity liaison with Surrey Schools, later becoming a registered clinical counsellor and then a teacher in the district where he once attended high school.
He worked in one of the school district's as a teacher in one of its interagency programs and made a "deep impact" on the youth in that program, his nominator said. A year later, he became the district resource and secondary counsellor for all of the students in the program, as well as their athletic director.
Over the past eight years, TJ has gone over and above for students in helping them navigate mental health issues, street entrenchment, being unhoused, academic issues and other social issues, all the while also providing extracurricular athletic opportunities for the students.
"Surrey is a city that has always been close to my heart, and I know firsthand the value of strong community support and quality education," Rai said. "Growing up here, I experienced both the challenges and the opportunities that come with living in such a diverse and dynamic city. Now, as a teacher, I’m committed to ensuring that today’s students have access to the same opportunities for growth and success that I had."
Rai said the nomination reflects the collaborative efforts of many people.
"Teaching is not just about one individual; it’s about building relationships with students, working alongside colleagues, and engaging with families to create an environment where students can thrive. To me, this nomination is a testament to the collective work we do as a school community," he said.
