Excellent Educators
"Excellent Educator" is WDIO-DT/WIRT-DT's way of acknowledging and celebrating educators across the Northland.
 
An excellent educator could be a teacher, professor, support staff specialist, or anyone who you feel has gone above and beyond the call of duty in the field of education.

Scroll down to nominate someone you regard as an Excellent Educator.
Excellent Educator for August   

Excellent Educator Adair Ballavance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adair Ballavance
History and Sociology
Denfeld High School
22 years teaching

WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED:
Mrs. Ballavance is a very dedicated teacher. She takes "boring" subjects and makes them "interesting and captivating." Students respect her and look forward to her class.  Mrs. Ballavance is also the yearbook advisor which takes a lot of hard work.  Mrs. Ballavance works hard trying to prepare her students for success on the AP College Board exams, and shares personal experiences that help students better understand the subjects she teaches. Mrs. Ballavance doesn't put up with bullying or breaking rules in her class or around school.  She helps make Denfeld a safe place for everyone.

WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE HER:
Motivated. Caring. Fun. Hardworking.
 

MORE ABOUT ADAIR BALLAVANCE:

What is your most memorable moment as an Educator?
"The students are memorable. I have had so many outstanding students over the years. It is a joy to get to know them as people as well as students."
If you could pass along one piece of wisdom, what would it be?
"Get the best and most education that you can get because no one can ever take that knowledge away from you."
If you weren't an educator what would you be?
"I have often been asked this question and the only answer that I have is an educator. I feel like I have the ideal job for me.
What do you do during summer vacation?
"I spend time with my three daughters, read and garden. I try and travel as much as I can as well. I also prep for the next school year."
Personal Information:
Mrs. Ballavance enjoys reading, scrapbooking, playing the bassoon, piano and bagpipes.  She enjoys riding her Harley, snowmobile and traveling.  Mrs. Ballavance and her husband will celebrate their 15th anniversary this summer.  They have three daughters that attend Woodland Middle School.  Two are finishing 7th grade and the other 6th.



Brought to you by:
Education Minnesota Hibbing Chrysler Center
Lakehead Constructors Inc. Johnson Mertz
 
Nomination Form About the Nominee

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Monthly Excellent Educator