For Immediate Release                                                                         May 12, 2010

In her statement, Ms. MacLeod said, "Mrs. Epps' many admirers can often be heard at school functions, on the playground and at community association events where you are regarded a lucky parent that your child is given the gift of the Tammy Epp kindergarten experience."

Epp was nominated by parent Cathy Babyak who said, "Tammy Epp is a very special person who I feel very fortunate to know . . . I am happy to have had Tammy help set the foundation for my parental involvement in my kids education, as well as help my children . . . directly as their teacher in junior kindergarten."

Ms. MacLeod's full statement is below.

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Statement to the Ontario Legislature

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Benjamin Franklin once said "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

Earlier this year a kindergarten teacher at Manordale Public School, Mrs. Tammy Epp, was nominated by her peers, superiors and parents for the Ontario Teaching Awards, which I consider remarkable.

But to know Tammy Epp is to know that she is remarkable.

And one who deserves the honour of having been nominated for this prestigious award.

We all remember that one teacher we had in school who made the difference. That teacher could connect to us on a personal level, could teach any subject and make it fun and most of all inspired us to think about what we could achieve.

Tammy Epp is that teacher.  She is that teacher Benjamin Franklin spoke of . . . involve me and I learn  . . because she involves students and their parents.

Cathy Babyak who nominated Tammy Epp for the Ontario Teacher Awards wrote to me, ". Tammy Epp is a very special person who I feel very fortunate to know . . . I am happy to have had Tammy help set the foundation for my parental involvement in my kids education, as well as help my children, Alyssa and Nate, directly as their teacher in junior kindergarten.

This sentiment is shared by parents and students throughout Manordale Public School.  Mrs. Epps' many admirers can often be heard at school functions, on the playground and at community association events where you are regarded a lucky parent that your child is given the gift of the Tammy Epp kindergarten experience.

To her students and their parents, Tammy Epp is Teacher of the Year

On behalf of all of them, I want to say thank you for making a difference Tammy and thank you for involving us.