Year: 2018 – Province: Yukon
Certificate of Excellence Recipient
F. H. Collins Secondary School
1001 Lewes Boulevard
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3J1
School telephone: 867-667-8665
School website: www.fhcollins.ca
Subjects and grades taught: English, French Immersion, Learning Commons and Technology Integration, grades 8–12
Michel Emery has been a leader and innovator in the Arctic for 20 years, having played many roles in education, including being an elementary teacher, educational consultant and high school teacher. Fully bilingual, he fosters a culture of innovation and is a valued resource for other educators in Yukon.
Teaching approach
Michel is knowledgeable in many disciplines, researches and applies new practices, is energetic, positive and passionate about student success, and models the qualities of a lifelong learner. In class and out, he develops STEAM skills in students to prepare them for challenges and opportunities of life.
In the Classroom
- Fosters creative literacy and expression with technology: through workshops and lessons, students incorporate animation, video production and sound recording into their presentations to engage their audience
- Emphasizes an inquiry-based approach for learners of all ages: in elementary grades it was "Tinker Time," a daily half hour for children to pursue STEAM activities designed to target a specific inquiry question; in high school, cross-curricular projects are anchored in inquiry and supported by lessons on academic research and proper methodology
- Focuses on students' special needs: partnered with computers for schools to secure nearly 130 laptops for students in need, developed resources to help struggling readers access digital textbooks and effectively use text-to-speech accessibility features on various devices
- Introduces coding applications, robotics, BreakoutEdu, animations, and 3D printing challenges to engage learners of all abilities and grade levels
- Through various projects and initiatives such as laser cutting, reclaimed material art projects, virtual reality and 360 photography, celebrates and strengthens Yukon's First Nations culture and pride with students
Outstanding achievements
- Co-led a group of professionals who developed Yukon Education's Digital Literacy Framework; established the first collaborative e-book collection for all Yukon schools; designed the Learning Commons digital portal which facilitates access to e-resources for all Yukon students.
- Develops effective professional resources and shares them with staff in diverse schools using an innovative website, professional development sessions, and during active participation in the ADST Curriculum Redesigned Learning Networks
- Is an authoritative source on diverse current and emerging technologies and has delivered several professional development sessions at school and district-wide conferences and events
- Was an early proponent of transitioning school libraries to Learning Commons, the dynamic, flexible, and connected learning spaces now in use in most Yukon schools, including his own
- Was a 2018 finalist in the "Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge" which aims to boost students' interest in proficiency in STEM learning
- Awarded the coveted Apple Distinguish Educator distinction in 2013 and was recognized by the Yukon Legislative Assembly for his efforts to integrate technology into his teaching practice
Rave reviews
"Michel is willing and able to provide professional development at a moment's notice and is always willing to share his passion for STEM learning with students and educators alike."