Three teachers from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) have been awarded the prestigious Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence.
Phi Tran, from Eastview Public School, and Vittorio Iafrate, from T.A. Blakelock High School, have each been recognized with a Certificate of Achievement for Teaching Excellence. Kevin Carter, from Brookdale Public School, has been recognized with a Certificate of Achievement for Teaching Excellence in STEM.
Since 1994, the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence have celebrated exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers from across Canada. To date, more than 1,800 educators have been recognized for their leadership, innovative teaching practices and dedication to helping the next generation of Canadians develop the knowledge and skills they need for future success in an innovation-driven world.
The Prime Minister's Award website shares the following about Phi Tran's teaching: "Phi helps students succeed by making school feel welcoming, inclusive, and connected to their lived experience. She creates opportunities for students to explore language and identity in meaningful ways reading and writing in their home languages, building vocabulary and connections through clubs, and adapting content across subjects to reflect who they are. Phi also builds strong relationships with families and community agencies, ensuring that support extends beyond the classroom." Learn more.
The Prime Minister's awards website explains Vittorio Iafrate's approach to student success: "Vittorio has the kind of classroom where every student feels safe, supported, and capable of success. He sets high expectations while adapting his methods to meet students where they are, whether they're English language learners or simply need a different way to engage. With the belief that learning is an ongoing journey, Vittorio blends structure with creativity, digital tools, and real-world experiences to make science meaningful and accessible to all." Learn more.
The Prime Minister's awards website details Kevin Carter's approach to supporting student growth: "Kevin recognizes the potential in every student, and uses technology and creative problem solving to meet them where they are. He is known for his warm, adaptable style using humour, digital tools, and music to make learning accessible and meaningful for all. Kevin believes in a growth mindset and celebrates mistakes as part of the learning process, creating a classroom culture of trust and curiosity." Learn more.
Quotes
"I am so incredibly proud of our educators who have been recognized with the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence," says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. "This national recognition speaks to the dedication and creativity that HDSB teachers bring to classrooms each day. Phi, Vittorio and Kevin exemplify what it means to lead with purpose by inspiring students to think critically, explore their passions and become lifelong learners. Their achievements reflect the excellence and innovation happening every day in HDSB schools, guiding students toward future success. Phi, Vittorio and Kevin truly embody excellence in teaching and are known by students, colleagues and the Halton community for their ability to connect, motivate and make learning meaningful. Please join me in congratulating them on this remarkable accomplishment."
HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 65,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.
Background resources
- The Prime Minister's Award - 2025 Recipients for Teaching Excellence
- The Prime Minister's Award - 2025 Recipients for Teaching Excellence in STEM
- The Prime Minister's Award - Kevin Carter (Brookdale Public School)
- The Prime Minister's Award - Phi Tran (Eastview Public School)
- The Prime Minister's Award - Vittorio Iafrate (T.A. Blakelock High School)
