The Prime Minister's Award honours exceptional teachers across the country since 1994 - recognizing more than 1,900 educators to date. This year, two teachers in the Vancouver School District received the Regional Certificate of Achievement in Teaching Excellence.
Robyn Robinson, resource and English language teacher at Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith Elementary decided she wanted to be a teacher when she was 10 years old. Fast-forward to 2020, Mrs. Robinson's teaching career - 42 years and counting - works with students who have learning differences or unique learning needs.
"It is rewarding beyond words to have realized my vision to teach vulnerable learners and to help them grow into leaders at school," Mrs. Robinson shares. "It is a great honour for any teacher to receive this award and I am thrilled that my school is included in this recognition."
Fellow resource teacher Tanya Pawlikewich nominated Robinson for the award because of Robinson's ongoing dedication to her students. "One message that is clearly communicated through Mrs. Robinson's teaching is that every person within a community is valuable and everybody has a significant role to play," Mrs. Pawlikewich remarks.
In addition, Ryan Parker, teacher at Kitsilano Secondary, was awarded the same honour for his expertise in teaching drama, acting, theatre production and English to students in grades 8 to 12.
"If you find a group of students who are passionate about something, it makes it incredibly rewarding to give them the tools and skills to make their own amazing work," says Mr. Parker. "This award is for Kitsilano Theatre Company," he adds. "I am truly lost without those teachers who help run it as a family."
Mr. Parker was nominated by his fellow teacher, Craig Brumell, who himself was honoured with a Prime Minister's Award in 2018. This brings honourees from Kitsilano Secondary to a proud ground of three including Rainer Mehl who received an award in 2009.
"What is really gratifying about the Prime Minister's Award is that you can't nominate yourself. You need to be nominated by someone else," Mr. Brumwell explains. "Ryan encourages his students to dream big, then mentors them to actualize their visions," he adds.
Congratulations to Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Parker and their school communities on this tremendous honour and achievement. To learn more about the Prime Minister's Award and the District's recipients this year, check out their profiles linked below:
Robyn Robinson: There are many ways to be smart and to learn
