Two teachers from the Halton District School Board have been awarded prestigious Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence and Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing (STEM).
Charlotte Travis, a teacher at Bruce T. Lindley Public School, received a Certificate of Achievement in Teaching Excellence and Shaun Else, a teacher with John William Boich Public School, received a Certificate of Achievement in STEM.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence honour outstanding and innovative elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines for their remarkable educational achievements and for their commitment to preparing students for a digital and innovation-based economy. New this year, awards also recognized inspirational Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics teachers at the elementary or secondary school level who engage students with STEM learning and who help develop a culture of innovation in Canada.
According to the Prime Minister's awards website: “Wholeheartedly believing in supporting students as they explore outside in the natural world, Charlotte (Travis) roots her practice in inquiry-based learning. She fosters students' thinking and problem-solving skills while developing their curiosity and imagination."
Travis says she is very touched and humbled to have been nominated for such a prestigious teaching award.
“I was astonished that so many people had worked together so seamlessly to apply for this award on my behalf," she says. “When I was notified that I had received a Certificate of Achievement, I was honoured and extremely grateful. It gave me pause to reflect upon the efforts and generosity of so many outstanding individuals who have shared in, and shaped, my journey as an educator."
To describe Shaun Else's teaching style, the Prime Minister's awards website refers to his classroom “'Elsewhere' as a place where he engages his students through technology, inquiry, problem solving and hands-on experiential learning, modelling lifelong learning and harnessing STEM activities so all can succeed."
Else says receiving the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM is a “huge honour" but is more of a reflection of the talented staff he works with every day.
“This award represents the influence and guidance of the Halton District School Board, principals and staff I have worked with since I began my career almost two decades ago," he says. “I'm lucky to work in a school board that has always supported and encouraged my interests, providing opportunities to explore topics from robotics and coding to assistive technology and 3D printing. Above all, I'm thankful to be surrounded by passionate teachers who challenge themselves and their students by providing authentic and engaging lessons every day."
Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board, says the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence is a testament to the hard work and innovation of Charlotte Travis and Shaun Else.
“To have our educators honoured with the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence for their inspiring accomplishments makes all of us proud," Miller says. “We know we have dedicated, hard-working and collaborative staff members in the Halton District School Board, and Charlotte and Shaun are great examples of these traits that truly define our educators. We know our students can succeed through the creativity and passionate work of our teachers. We congratulate Charlotte and Shaun on their well-deserved awards."
The schools where Travis and Else teach – Bruce T. Lindley Public School and John William Boich Public School respectively – will also receive a certificate signed by the Prime Minister to recognize their support of the recipient's achievement.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence have honoured exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines since 1993, with more than 1,500 teachers honoured to date.
For additional information, contact:
Marnie Denton, Manager, Communication Services
Halton District School Board
905-335-3663 Toll free: 1-877-618-3456
