Retired Richmond mathematics educator Dr. Kanwal Singh Neel can add another distinction to his multiplying awards and accolades: an honorary degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
The award recognizes Neel’s decades of commitment to his community in education, athletics and community service.
“I have been so fortunate in my journey,” said Neel humbly. “I count my blessings and I feel it’s my responsibility to help others.”
Neel started his career as a math teacher in the Richmond School District and ended with Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Education. He held various roles within the faculty, culminating with his appointment as associate director of professional programs.
Though “retired,” Neel continues to provide exceptional service to the educational community through his work with SFU’s Friends of Simon Tutoring Program, which trains university students as tutors for immigrant and refugee children.
“Kanwal has inspired hundreds of students and teachers throughout his career in education,” said KPU president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis. “He demonstrates a passion and commitment to the success of all learners.”
Neel has developed a reputation for engaging his colleagues in reflective practice, and for designing learning experiences for his own students that are relevant and meaningful. He has shared his insight as a workshop presenter, author, software developer, textbook reviewer, consultant and host of the award-winning television series, Math Shop.
“My passion has always been how do you make mathematics meaningful,” said Neel.
As a PhD candidate in 2008, Neel discovered that the math performance of Aboriginal students was lower than non-Aboriginals, and so he focused his SFU doctoral research on ways to address the problem, working closely with the Aboriginal community of Haida Gwaii. He made math relevant by embedding the mathematical ideas that already existed in First Nations artifacts such as blankets, drawings, jewelry, beadwork, and carvings into his instruction.
“The Haida Gwaii people already have a phenomenal knowledge of art forms without having any formal mathematical knowledge, and this notion of creativity became part of students being learners.”
Neel has volunteered as a technical official in Track and Field and Race Walking over the last 45 years from local to international meets. He was the founding director of the Punjab Cultural Association and coordinated the 75th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Incident.
The honorary degree from KPU joins an arsenal of awards and distinctions, including the B.C. Association of Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award, the Prime Minister’s National Award for Teaching Excellence, Steveston Secondary’s Master Teacher Award, the SFU Outstanding Alumni Award, the BC Track and Field Official of the Year Award, the Olympic Celebration Award and the Governor General’s Commemorative Medallion.
KPU will award Neel his degree on May 31.
