Certificate of Excellence
Alberta
Andy Brar
Passionate educator empowers students through leadership, athletics, and community. Connects with Northeast Calgary roots, helps youth rise above challenges and thrive in school and beyond.
Erin Humphrey
Dedicated educator weaves Indigenous knowledge into lessons. Through curriculum innovation and community connection, empowers students to feel represented and supported while striving for academic success.
British Columbia
Derek Fournier
Compassionate educator prioritizes connection, creativity, and wellbeing. Integrates digital tools and mental health practices to empower students to express themselves and grow with confidence.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Sherry Crowley
Passionate music educator uses creativity, technology, and community to inspire self-expression. Combining tradition with innovation, helps students grow as confident individuals and community members.
Ontario
Mirela Adushi Mahmutaj
Dedicated science educator breaks barriers with digital tools, real-world applications, and opportunities for growth. Champions equity and excellence, helping students see themselves reflected in science.
Chey Cheney and Pawanjit Kaur Wander
Collaborative educators use technology and creative media to reimagine learning in the 21st century. Prioritize equity and real-world connection to foster meaningful engagement and amplify student voice.
Sandra McLarnon
Compassionate educator sparks curiosity through technology, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Inspires a culture of innovation rooted in care for the future.
Melissa Runhart
Passionate performing arts educator inspires students to express themselves. Builds confidence through accessible programs, cross-disciplinary projects, and mentorship.
Quebec
Thomas Downey
Physics educator makes science accessible and fun. Sparks curiosity and builds meaningful connection through creativity, real-world applications, and hands-on discovery.
Anabelle Rodrigues
A chemistry teacher who transforms science into a breathtaking adventure. She focuses on real-life experiences to spark each student's interest and unlock their potential.
Certificate of Achievement
Alberta
Sean Bradley
Innovative educator designs programs blending entrepreneurship, technology, and community impact. Empowers students with skills to lead with purpose in school and beyond.
Morgan Gahler
Teacher and coach transforms school culture. Rebuilds self-worth through athletics and traditional teachings, showing First Nations youth they're capable and deserving of success.
Rhonda Johnson
Passionate teacher transforms music education through digital technology and creative expression. A respected mentor and leader in arts education.
Melissa Melville
Beloved teacher prioritizes play to spark imagination. Leads joyful learning experiences through storytelling, nature, and creative exploration.
Ryan Peebles
Compassionate teacher breaks barriers to science education in rural Alberta. From leading the running club to co-founding mental health support groups, makes a lasting impact beyond the classroom.
Joanne Wallace
A teacher who redefines alternative education. Uplifts youth with creative projects, community, and personalized support, re-igniting a love of learning.
Alison Snow
Transformative teacher empowers students navigating diverse challenges to thrive academically, socially, and in the community. Shows what's possible through kindness and passion.
British Columbia
Karen Foster
Teacher fosters love of learning by combining nature, Indigenous knowledge, and athletics. From growing gardens to coaching track, sparks joy across the school community.
May Ng
Innovative, empathetic educator empowers English language learners to express themselves and develop confidence. Helps students pursue academic excellence and build meaningful community connections.
Helen Park
Compassionate teacher creates joyful early school experiences where every child feels celebrated. Leads inclusive classrooms while mentoring the next generation of educators with care.
Christine Van Holderbeke
Compassionate educator transforms classrooms to help neurodiverse students thrive. Builds confidence through personalized instruction and hands-on projects, creating encouraging environments where every child feels capable.
New Brunswick
Julie Beyea
Innovative teacher fosters cultural pride through digital literacy and community-building. Creates meaningful experiences that celebrate Francophone culture both inside and outside school.
Shannon Hodder
Visionary educator makes every child feel special and included. An advocate for literacy and digital innovation, believes in every child's capability and unique power.
Ontario
Chantal Denis
A key figure in kindergarten education within her school board. She puts play based learning at the heart of her pedagogy, using a caring and innovative approach to arouse children's curiosity and develop their self confidence.
Suzanne Gatien
An inspiring educator who combines care and inclusiveness. She helps her students develop their autonomy while fostering their sense of commitment and responsibility.
Nick Gummeson
Teacher revitalizes music class into nationally-recognized program. Focuses on self-expression and real-world experiences to help students build confidence and connect with music, each other, and the world.
Keith Hoare
Transformative chef-educator uplifts youth through culinary education. From founding an in-school food bank to facilitating international trips, leads with kindness to make life-changing opportunities accessible to all.
Vittorio Iafrate
Beloved teacher builds confidence and self-worth through creativity and compassion. Makes learning inclusive and fun through hands-on projects and real-life experiences.
Scott Pollock
Innovative teacher transforms school policies through forward-thinking tech integration and socially responsible projects. Empowers students to think critically, act with compassion, and make a difference.
Paul Satura
Dedicated educator uplifts gifted students across the district. Builds confidence while leading national competition wins and fostering lifelong love of learning.
Phi Tran
Advocates for multilingual students and newcomer families with programs that honour identity, build connection, and foster success across subjects. Empowers and drives equity through the entire community.
Stephen Wong
Dedicated educator builds community through inclusive robotics programs and clubs. Helps build self-worth and confidence, creating opportunities where students take initiative and grow together.
Quebec
Arianne Asly-Verdon
Bilingual music and drama educator nurtures creativity through inclusive, innovative programming. Combines technology, storytelling, and cultural celebration to make music accessible and spark school-wide engagement.
Anie Brassard and Annie Girard – Les Annnies'
A dynamic duo that de-streams teaching to build a lively and inclusive learning community. Their creativity and team spirit inspire both students and colleagues.
Jennifer De Leeuw
Dedicated bilingual educator designs project-based lessons rooted in equity and innovation. Inspires students and colleagues alike, redefining programs across the school.
All 2025 recipients
| Award | Community | Name of school | Name of recipient | Grades and subjects taught |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | ||||
| Certificate of Excellence | Calgary | Dr. Gordon Higgins School | Andy Brar | Physical Education 7/8/9, Leadership 9, and Business 9 |
| Certificate of Excellence | Fort McKay | Elsie Fabian School | Erin Humphrey | Grade 4 English Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, Science, Art |
| Certificate of Achievement | Edmonton | McNally High School | Sean Bradley | Grade 10 to 12 Design Studies, Enterprise and Innovation, Computer Science, Business and Innovation Alternative Program |
| Certificate of Achievement | Edmonton | amiskwaciy Academy | Morgan Gahler | Grade 7 to 12 Physical Education, Indigenous Studies, Land Based Learning |
| Certificate of Achievement | Wembley | Helen E. Taylor School | Rhonda Johnson | Grade 4 to 9 Fine Arts, Language Learning |
| Certificate of Achievement | Calgary | Catherine Nichols Gunn School | Melissa Melville | Kindergarten all Subjects |
| Certificate of Achievement | Coleman | Crowsnest Consolidated High School | Ryan Peebles | Grade 10 to 12 Biology, chemistry, physics |
| Certificate of Achievement | Barrhead | Barrhead Outreach School | Joanne Wallace | Grade 10 to 12 Social Studies, English Language Arts, Science, Math |
| Certificate of Achievement | Red Deer | École Secondaire Notre Dame High School | Alison Snow | Grade 9 to 12 Foundations Program |
| British Columbia | ||||
| Certificate of Excellence | Surrey | Fleetwood Park Secondary School | Derek Fournier | Grades 8 to 12 English and Social Studies |
| Certificate of Achievement | West Vancouver | Westcot Elementary School | Karen Foster | Grade 3 all subjects |
| Certificate of Achievement | Richmond | Richmond Secondary School | May Ng | Grade 8 to 12 IB English, English, English Language Learning, and Learning Student Services |
| Certificate of Achievement | Kelowna | École Casorso Elementary School | Helen Park | Kindergarten and Grade 1 all subjects |
| Certificate of Achievement | Courtenay | Queneesh Elementary School | Christine Van Holderbeke | Grade 4/5 Numeracy, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Careers, Physical Education, French, Fine Arts, ADST |
| Newfoundland | ||||
| Certificate of Excellence | Bay Roberts | Amalgamated Academy | Sherry Crowley | Grades 4 to 9 Music |
| New Brunswick | ||||
| Certificate of Achievement | Sackville | Tantramar Regional High School | Julie Beyea | Grade 9 to 12 French Immersion Language Arts, Post-Intensive French & Social Studies/Humanities |
| Certificate of Achievement | Saint John | Loch Lomond School | Shannon Hodder | Kindergarten Literacy, Numeracy, Art, Explore Your World |
| Ontario | ||||
| Certificate of Excellence | Toronto | Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School | Mirela Adushi Mahmutaj | Grade 9 to 12 Science, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics |
| Certificate of Excellence | Etobicoke | Beaumonde Heights Junior Middle School | Chey Cheney and Pawanjit Wander | Grade 8 Language Arts, History, Geography, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Math, Science, Visual Arts |
| Certificate of Excellence | Orangeville | Spencer Avenue Elementary School | Sandra McLarnon | Kindergarten to Grade 8 Library, Science, Social Studies |
| Certificate of Excellence | Brampton | Chinguacousy Secondary School | Melissa Runhart | Grade 9 to 12 Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama + Musical Theatre) + English |
| Certificate of Achievement | Orléans | École élémentaire catholique des Pionniers | Chantal Denis | Kindergarten, all subjects |
| Certificate of Achievement | Gloucester | École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marie | Suzanne Gatien | Grade 1 French, Math, Social Studies, Religion |
| Certificate of Achievement | Ottawa | Elmwood School | Nick Gummeson | Grade 6 to 12 Music |
| Certificate of Achievement | Etobicoke | Thistletown Collegiate Institute | Keith Hoare | Grade 10 to 12 Hospitality and Tourism |
| Certificate of Achievement | Oakville | Thomas A. Blakelock High School | Vittorio Iafrate | Grade 9 to 12 General Science, Biology, and Chemistry |
| Certificate of Achievement | Oakville | St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School | Scott Pollock | Grade 11 and 12 Social Sciences & Law |
| Certificate of Achievement | Toronto | Holy Name Catholic School | Paul Satura | Grade 5 to 8 Gifted Withdrawal-includes Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Language, Arts |
| Certificate of Achievement | Oakville | Eastview Public School | Phi Tran | Grade 2 to 8 English Second Language |
| Certificate of Achievement | Toronto | Northern Secondary School | Stephen Wong | Grade 11 and 12 Tech. Design: Robotics & Control System Design; Mechanical & Industrial Design |
| Quebec | ||||
| Certificate of Excellence | Westmount | Selwyn House School | Thomas Downey | Grade 11 and 12 Physics |
| Certificate of Excellence | Outremont | Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie | Anabelle Rodrigues | Level 5 Chemistry |
| Certificate of Achievement | Montreal | Pierre Elliott Trudeau School | Arianne Asly-Verdon | Kindergarten and Grade 4 to 6 Music |
| Certificate of Achievement | Longueuil | École Gentilly | Anie Brassard and Annie Girard Les Annnies' |
Level 5 Math, French, Social Studies, Sciences and Technology, Culture and Quebec Citizenship |
| Certificate of Achievement | Montreal | John Caboto Academy | Jennifer De Leeuw | Level 5 and 6 Math, English, Citizenship and Quebec Culture |