Prime Minister Praises Outstanding Science, Technology and Mathematics Teachers
February 15, 1996
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced the winners of the 1995 Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology and Mathematics at a ceremony held today in their honour on Parliament Hill.
"Today we honour these outstanding school teachers for their commitment, innovations and invaluable contribution to Canadian youth," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "In classrooms across the country, educators are teaching our children the skills they will need to meet the challenges of the next century."
The Awards recognize elementary and secondary school teachers who have had a major, proven impact on student performance and interest in science, technology and mathematics. Helping students access a high-powered telescope via the Internet, experience a space walk simulator, or write scientifically-literate rap songs - these are a few of the ways that remarkable teachers across the country have sparked their students' interest in science and math.
"Excellence in these areas is essential to building and sustaining a more innovative Canadian economy," said Industry Minister John Manley. "Teachers play a critical role in shaping students' attitudes and equipping them for the exciting career opportunities in the global knowledge-based economy."
"ppropriately, the event honouring the national-level recipients took place during National Teacher Appreciation Week, an annual celebration of the contributions teachers make to Canadian students. Award recipients and guests at the ceremony were treated to a demonstration featuring teams of young people who are digitizing federal heritage collections and making them accessible on the information highway via SchoolNet."
During their stay in Ottawa, the national-level recipients discussed and exchanged their award-winning ideas in seminars with local teachers and education partners. National-level recipients and their schools will be hooked up to SchoolNet so that they can share their ideas on-line with teachers across the country.
This year's recipients were recognized for a variety of achievements in areas including community partnering, peer tutoring, mentorship and computer programs, and innovative course development.
Awardees received certificates signed by the Prime Minister and cash awards shared by recipients and their schools, with two-thirds allocated to the educator for professional and personal use and one-third to the school.
The selection committee received 246 nominations. From these, 106 teachers were chosen to receive awards (15 national, 28 regional and 63 local). Award recipients at the regional and local level will be honoured by Ministers, Members of Parliament, their principals, peers and students at events held across Canada. All recipients will also be recognized in Exemplary Practices, a collection of effective teaching methods designed to be shared with educators across Canada.
Brief descriptions of the award winners and their achievements are attached. Information on the Prime Minister's Awards For Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology and Mathematics may be obtained through the Internet by emailing us.
For more details, please contact the Prime Minister's Awards Program Office at 1-800-575-9200 or visit the Prime Minister's Awards website.
PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555
Industry Canada: 613-957-9554