BCI Teacher Librarian Recognized with Grand Erie’s Highest Honour for Staff
Left to right: Kate Johnson-McGregor, Director Brenda Blancher, Chair Greg Anderson, and Ted McCleister
Kate Johnson-McGregor, Teacher Librarian at Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School (BCI), is the 2018 recipient of the Patti McCleister Memorial Award. Johnson-McGregor was presented the award at last night’s Board meeting.
The Patti McCleister Memorial Award is given annually to a Grand Erie District School Board employee who exemplifies outstanding leadership, inspires others, and is a driving force in realizing the board’s goal of Success for Every Student.
“Kate is leading the way, in Grand Erie and at the provincial level, in transforming libraries from the traditional repositories of information they used to be into active, innovative, inclusive learning commons that meet the needs of 21st century learners,” said Brenda Blancher, Director of Education. “She’s removing barriers, and ensuring students have access to equitable services and diverse resources that prepare them to be critical thinkers and global citizens.”
Johnson-McGregor has been an employee with Grand Erie for more than 20 years. She was originally hired as an elementary teacher in 1997 before obtaining further qualifications to teach secondary. In 2000, she made the move to BCI, working in the English department. She moved into her current role in 2011, where she has had a tremendous impact in evolving the space. Johnson-McGregor has also helped build capacity across the board as other schools transformed their libraries into learning commons.
A sought-after speaker and consultant, Johnson-McGregor is past-president of the Ontario School Library Association. Last year, she received an exclusive invitation to attend Library Day at Queen’s Park where she met with then-Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter to discuss the importance of school libraries.
Patti McCleister was Grand Erie’s Training and Development Officer, a valuable team member and an inspiration to many. She passed away in 2013 after a valiant battle with cancer. Her memorial award is the highest honour given to Grand Erie employees, and embodies her legacy of passion, creativity and commitment to leadership.
“Patti was a beautiful person, and her generosity and kindness knew no limit,” said Johnson-McGregor upon receiving the honour. “This award means so much because helping other people is what brings me the most joy and matters most in my life.”
Johnson-McGregor was presented the award by Blancher, Board Chair Greg Anderson, and Patti McCleister’s husband, Ted McCleister.
To learn more about Johnson-McGregor, visit: http://bit.ly/2DBOZlo
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