Excellence in public education was celebrated at the Canadian Teachers' Federation's (CTF/FCE) 2026 Annual General Meeting.
This year's program introduced the new CTF/FCE Award of Distinction, honouring exceptional leadership and impact in public education.
In addition, awards and tributes were presented across multiple categories to distinguished educators and supporters, recognizing their outstanding contributions to advocacy and service to the teaching profession and public education. Each recipient is profiled below, highlighting their achievements and impact. All honourees were celebrated by delegates and colleagues, with awards proudly sponsored by belairdirect.
Special Recognition Award
This award recognizes members of CTF/FCE Member Organizations or Associate Organizations who have made major contributions to their provincial/territorial organization, the CTF/FCE, labour rights in education, and/or public education in general.
Joel Duff (posthumously)
Nominated by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO)
Joel Duff dedicated his life's work to the defence and advancement of public education and labour rights across Canada. His career spanned education advocacy at every level from pre-kindergarten through K-12 and into post-secondary education and was grounded in the belief that a strong, accessible public education system is fundamental to a just and democratic society.
Nello Altomare (posthumously)
Nominated by The Manitoba Teachers' Society (MTS)
Throughout his career as a teacher, vice-principal, principal, and elected official, Nello Altomare made significant contributions to public education in Manitoba. A dedicated educator and lifelong advocate for equitable and accessible public education, he left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues through his commitment to excellence and inclusion in schools.
Stefanie Tuff
Nominated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association (NLTA)
A dedicated and extremely hard-working advocate for the K-12 education system in Newfoundland and Labrador, Stefanie Tuff served the NLTA for over 20 years. Her attention to detail and her focused unrelenting work ethic were second to none as she worked with other partners in the education community, both provincially and across the country. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting or getting to know Stefanie would be aware of her ability to forge relationships and simply "get the job done".
Public Education Advocacy Award
This award recognizes dedicated, long-standing service, as well as major contributions to benefit public education.
Dr. Marc Spooner
Nominated by the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF)
Dr. Marc Spooner is a professor in the Faculty of Education, University of Regina. He has published in the areas of homelessness and poverty, audit culture, the effects of neoliberalism and corporatization on higher education, social justice, activism and participatory democracy. Dr. Spooner has won numerous teaching awards and was recently named to the role of interim director of the Centre for Educational Research, Collaboration and Development (formerly SIDRU). He has served on boards of several community-based organizations in Regina and was a founding faculty member of the Regina Public Interest Research Group.
Tribute to an Outstanding Indigenous Educator
This tribute recognizes the important contributions of Indigenous educators in Canadian public schools.
Elder Opolahsomuwehs, Dr. Imelda Perley
Nominated by the New Brunswick Teachers' Association (NBTA)
Elder Opolahsomuwehs, Dr. Imelda Perley, C.M., is a Wolastoqew Elder, linguist, and educator whose lifelong dedication to Indigenous education has left an enduring mark on students, teachers, and communities across Canada. Dr. Perley has devoted her career to ensuring that Wolastoqey language, culture, and knowledge are not only preserved but celebrated within educational systems at every level. She co-created the Wabanaki Bachelor of Education a landmark program that prepares teachers to educate through an Indigenous lens and to honour the histories and peoples of this land.
Award of Distinction
This Award of Distinction serves as a tribute to the late Honourable Murray Sinclair, honouring his national leadership and extraordinary contributions to Truth and Reconciliation, as well as his lifelong commitment to public education and the teaching profession, including his valued engagement with the CTF/FCE over the years.
Honourable Murray Sinclair (posthumously)
Nominated by the Manitoba Teachers' Society (MTS)
As Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the Honourable Murray Sinclair helped transform what Canadians learn in school. By listening to Survivors of Residential schools and guiding the development of the 94 Calls to Action, he placed education at the centre of reconciliation. His leadership reshaped curricula across the country, ensuring that Indigenous histories, cultures, treaties, and languages are taught with honesty and respect. He challenged educators to see reconciliation as an everyday responsibility and encouraged schools to centre Indigenous voices and knowledge in their classrooms.
