Danielle Pearl McElwee

2023 "Pass the Torch" Scholarship Finalist

“Miss Rasmussen was the first woman I met who was strong without being mean, who was firm in a way that made her students feel secure instead of restricted, who saw beyond what students looked like and who they were at their worst and instead found what made them amazing and used that to teach us.”

As a teenager, Danielle Pearl McElwee was a capable student who at times found it hard to concentrate and could become disruptive or goof off in class. Other teachers were frustrated by her behaviour and criticized or belittled her, but never Miss Rasmussen. Firm but fair, with high expectations, science teacher Miss Rasmussen treated Danielle like an adult, seeing her capabilities and challenging her to live up to her potential. Today, as an aspiring high school English teacher who works regularly with young people, Danielle finds herself channelling Miss Rasmussen’s core qualities of strength, discipline - and respect.

Here is Danielle's story about Miss Rasmussen, the teacher who inspired her.

Want to hear the stories of the other nine finalists? Visit our 2023 Scholarship Finalists page.

Thinking of applying to this year's program? Learn more on our Teachers Test Prep "Pass the Torch" Teacher Scholarships page.