The 10 winners of the second annual Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education share a commitment to helping British Columbian students succeed.
They engage with students in the classroom or during extracurricular activities, support peers with informative professional development opportunities and create innovative learning programs for vulnerable students.
“All British Columbians benefit from the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators and support workers,” said Premier John Horgan. “Through their commitment to student success, making schools safe and welcoming places for all, innovative learning approaches and strong leadership, the teachers honoured today are an example of how education professionals can make a lasting impact on peoples’ lives.”
The Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education were launched in 2018 as a means of honouring the outstanding achievements of public, independent and First Nations school-system teachers, principals, vice-principals, administrators and support staff in the K-12 school system.
This year’s 10 winners, who were chosen from 140 nominations received between January and April 2019 and narrowed down to 30 finalists, were announced at a ceremony held at Government House in Victoria with Premier Horgan, Rob Fleming, Minister of Education, and Lt. Gov. Janet Austin in attendance. The annual awards ceremony is held at the same time as World Teachers’ Day, with this year’s being marked internationally on Oct. 5.
“British Columbian education professionals go to great lengths to engage their students to ensure they not only learn important lessons tied to the learning at hand, but that will serve them well as they graduate and enter the next exciting phase of their lives,” said Fleming.
“These teachers, administrators and support staff members deserve to not only be recognized for all that they do, but also to be celebrated for the lasting legacy they’re leaving in the K-12 education system through their efforts to make life better for all those involved in their school communities.”
Simi Sara, host of CKNW’s The Simi Sara Show, served as emcee of the event, which featured musical entertainment by members of the Esquimalt High Senior Jazz Band.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the incredible work that these extraordinary teachers, administrators and support staff do for our students and education system,” said Austin. “The creativity, enthusiasm and care demonstrated by these education professionals contributes to building a bright future for British Columbia.”
Winners of this year’s Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education received a commemorative work of art by Claire Jorgensen, a 17-year-old Reynolds Secondary school student (SD 61, Greater Victoria). They also received a $3,000 personal bursary for professional learning and a $2,000 contribution to their school community for professional learning.