The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, recognize and congratulate three educators in this province who have been honoured with national awards.
Jennifer O'Neill-Riggs is a science teacher at MacDonald Drive Junior High in St. John's and is a 2024 recipient of a Certificate of Excellence in Teaching for their work helping students explore the natural world and fall in love with science. A student science fair project that Jennifer supported went on to earn awards at provincial and national levels and was published in the Canadian Science Fair Journal, and they blend STEM lessons with mindfulness, time management and stress management.
Thomas Ayre teaches Grade 4 at St. Michael's Elementary School in Stephenville Crossing and has been recognized with a Certificate of Achievement in Teaching for their commitment to innovation, communication and a person-centered approach to helping students grow academically and socially. Thomas has used stop-motion videography and 3D printing to help students work in groups, tell stories and create new projects.
Bernadine Kent, an early childhood educator at Astros Learning Centre in Bay Roberts, received a Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education for her approach to forming strong partnerships with families and support them across multiple domains. Bernadine believes that love and respect play major roles in child development and has created programming that fosters independence, recognizes each child's individuality, and builds their self-esteem and problem-solving skills.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence honour teachers across Canada for their remarkable achievements in education and for their commitment to preparing students for a digital and innovation-based economy. These awards recognize exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines since 1994, with over 1,600 teachers honoured to date.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education were established in 2022 to recognize outstanding early childhood educators for their leadership, exemplary early childhood education practices, and their commitment to help build the foundation children need to make the best possible start in life.
A complete list of award recipients and bios can be found here.
Quotes
"I congratulate the recipients on receiving this honour and applaud their creativity and commitment to education for children and students of all ages. Educators in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to lead with compassion and integrity. I am confident that the educators of today are shaping a promising future for Newfoundland and Labrador."
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
"Congratulations to this year's recipients for their dedication and commitment to education and early learning. Educators play a key role in helping learners of all ages to learn, grow and succeed. I congratulate this year's award winners on being recognized for their creativity and commitment to education and early learning. Well done and thank you for your dedication to the students and learners of our province."
Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education
Learn more
For more information
Prince Phillip Drive
St. John's Newfoundland
Canada A1B 4J6
www.gov.nl.ca
