Prix Robert Roy

Bev Anderson (right), former CASLT President, presents the Prix Robert Roy to Sally Rehorick.

(This is a print copy of the speech given by Bev Anderson on behalf of Nancy Pynch-Worthylake.)

By Nancy Pynch-Worthylake

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers, it gives me great pleasure to present the 1998 Prix Robert Roy. This award is dedicated to the founding president of CASLT, and is awarded to an outstanding Canadian who has distinguished him or herself in teaching, research, writing and dedication to the improvement of second language teaching and learning in Canada.

Sally Rehorick is first and foremost a teacher. She is a professor in the Faculty of Education and Director of the Second Language Education Centre at the University of New Brunswick. As such, she has had a direct positive impact on second language students and teachers. In addition, she has facilitated and instructed individuals and groups directly and indirectly involved in second language teaching and learning at the local, provincial, national and international levels.

Sally has given at least 11 keynote addresses, has facilitated 31 workshops that I know of, and has made more than a dozen TV and radio appearances. She has developed, administered and facilitated countless summer institutes for teachers, and has worked with provincial governments in initiatives aimed at meeting the needs of second language teachers. All this has been in addition to her distinguished career as a University Professor. Sally has taught at Harvard, the University of Victoria, the University of Alberta and, of course at UNB.

Sally's teaching and leadership experience extends well beyond Second Language Teaching. She has worked extensively in the area of Human Resource Development for a variety of companies. She is also a judge for International, World and Olympic figure skating. Her expertise and facility in dealing with people of all cultures and backgrounds make her outstanding contribution to diverse fields seem so very natural.

Sally has written and published extensively throughout her career. Her work has been published in numerous refereed journals and books, and she has edited or co-edited books and professional journals. Sally is widely known for her years of work as editor of the Canadian Modern Language Review. While being widely recognized by her research colleagues - as shown in her position on the editorial boards of international journals, she also succeeds in writing for classroom teachers, government agencies, private businesses and the skating world.

Sally's ability to link theory with practice and to support the ongoing work of our association is demonstrated in one of her current endeavors - the co-authorship of a textbook - Implement the National Core French Study.

Sally Rehorick has been involved in Second Language Research for many years. In addition o university-based research, she has been called upon by provincial and national governments to research specific issues surrounding second language and teaching. She has also succeeded in translation the results of her research for a variety of audiences.

Sally's most recent adventure has been a 2-year position with the Faculty of Comparative Culture with the Miyazaki International College in Japan. A founding faculty member, Sally taught, published and researched in the areas of ESL, curriculum development and evaluation. True to her role as a life long learner, Sally developed facility in the Japanese language as well as in playing the drums.

Of the criteria set out for the Prix Robert Roy, the criterion that prompts CASLT members to nominate people, is the individual's demonstrated dedication to the improvement of second language teaching and learning. Sally, like the recipients before her, is a shining example of such dedication. Sally's career has incredible depth and scope. She is know and respected in the University and research world, at the government and school board levels, in the publication and professional journal field, and at the grass roots in teaching and learning arena. In addition to her outstanding professional life, Sally is a dedicated mother to her son Nathan and partner to her husband David. I believe that Canada in general, and CASLT specifically is privileged to have educators such as Sally.

Photography courtesy of Helen Lockerby.

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