Stephen Merner, biology teacher and Head of Science at Iroquois Ridge High School (IRHS) in Oakville, was nominated and selected as a 2023 recipient of the
Queen's University Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching.
This award gives undergraduate students in their graduating year from Queen’s University the opportunity to honour educators in Canada who, during the student’s high school career, had a decisive and formative influence on the student, and set them on the course to post-secondary education. It recognizes an exceptional secondary school educator who has served as a role model and mentor to their students, instilled a love of learning and inspired academic excellence and the pursuit of higher education.
Merner was nominated by former IRHS student Jacqueline Tomazic. She describes Merner as highly influential for his ability to use stories to teach, foster learning and encourage self-discovery among his students.
“Mr. Merner is not only wholeheartedly committed to the academic success of his students,” explains Tomazic. “He is invested in the personal development of each student, inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves and simultaneously challenging them to think outside of the box by teaching in unique ways.”
“As a teacher, it sounds cliche to say you hope to instill lifelong learning, but I hope I have provided the drive for students to take those extra steps toward their dreams or their calling,” Merner says. “I believe every student wants to learn, to be successful, to become the best version of themselves they can be and we, as teachers, support, encourage and help them climb that mountain to their own personal success. This is why a thrill of teaching for me is when I see students after graduation months or years later to hear about their journey and to still see that light in their eyes.”
John Stieva, Principal at IRHS, is thrilled for Merner’s accomplishment.
“Stephen is a very deserving recipient of the award,” he says. “He is respected by his former and present students and earned their respect with his dedication and enthusiasm for his courses which is contagious and instills the same love of the subject in his students. Stephen gives freely of his time to ensure his students are successful.”
Stieva also lauds Merner for bringing to life the Learning & Achievement area of focus in the
HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan.
“Stephen is an excellent example of a teacher that embodies one of the stated HDSB aeras of focus - Learning & Achievement - as outlined in the Multi-Year Plan. Stephen in his teaching firmly believes in learn, grow, inspire together, as witnessed by all students who have had the opportunity to have him as their teacher.”
