Honouring a local educator’s legacy by empowering the teachers of tomorrow

Shirley Zilinsky had a passion for teaching Grades 7 and 8, and it was a passion that always showed—her students adored her. An educator with the Durham District School Board from 1957 to 1990, Mrs. Zilinsky was famous for her unique grammar book project. Each year, her students created their own personalized guide, which she expected them to refer to daily. Many former students continued to use the grammar books they made in her class throughout high school and beyond, and she inspired some of them to follow her career path to also become teachers.

Over the years, Mrs. Zilinsky and her husband Julius were champions of elementary education and passionate supporters of student success at Ontario Tech University. Since 2014, their generous contributions to the university include helping 12 students achieve their academic dreams through the Zilinsky Education Award, presented annually to teacher candidates in the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education (FEd).

Sadly, in October 2023 Mrs. Zilinsky passed away unexpectedly. This past summer, Mr. Zilinsky established a special fund in her honour: the Shirley V. Zilinsky Bursary. The fund will provide four annual awards of $2,500 each to Ontario Tech teacher candidates for the next 10 years, supporting the training of tomorrow’s teachers.

In addition to the generations of former students who remember Mrs. Zilinsky’s unique teaching methods and love for the profession, her legacy will continue through the future educators supported by the Zilinsky family’s incredible generosity.

Quotes

“Mrs. Zilinsky believed in the importance of fundamentals: the root skills and competencies students need to succeed not just in school, but beyond. I still have my ‘Little Grammar Book’ and remember the topics of my Interest Talks, which were 20-minute oral and visual presentations we were required to do twice a year. She gave us a safe environment in which to flex our research, writing and public speaking muscles; these are skills I still use to this day. Through the Zilinsky family’s generosity, Ontario Tech University teacher candidates will receive much-needed financial support, making it possible for them to equip and inspire their students in a similar way.”
- Lindsay Coolidge, a former student of Shirley Zilinsky’s; Director, External Relations and Partnerships, and Interim Executive Director, Co-operative Education, Experiential Learning and Career Development, Ontario Tech University

"In school, I was fortunate to have amazing teachers supporting my growth and curiosity. Ultimately, it was their dedication and passion for education that inspired me to become a teacher. As a math teacher, I also want to inspire young people, particularly young girls, who are often disadvantaged and underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) spaces. Without support from donors like Mrs. and Mr. Zilinsky, I would not have been able to achieve or experience the many opportunities Ontario Tech University provides. As I continue my studies, this experience will remind me that through the kindness of others, we can continue to build and improve our community."
- Denise Munsayac, Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Education, Consecutive, Intermediate/Senior student, and Zilinsky Education Award recipient

“Shirley was an exceptional teacher, and she wanted to help remove financial barriers for those wishing to pursue a teaching career. She would be so pleased that 40 teacher candidates at Ontario Tech University will receive much-needed financial support in her honour through the Shirley V. Zilinsky Bursary.”
- Julius Zilinsky, Ontario Tech University donor, and founder of the Shirley V. Zilinsky Bursary