SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 83
Teacher Receives Honourable Mention For Award

Ceren Caner, an SD83 teacher specializing in outdoor learning and environmental education, recently received an honourable mention for the prestigious Susan Langley Earth Steward Teaching Award.

Administered by Learning for a Sustainable Future, this award recognizes exceptional teaching contributions to sustainability education across Canada. Out of over 100 nationwide applications, Caner was recognized for his outstanding commitment to empowering students and communities through environmental stewardship. Along with this recognition, Caner, who teaches at South Canoe, received a $500 award to support future environmental projects.

South Canoe Principal Sandra Major comments the recognition is well earned and that Caner is a great champion of environmental education. "Ceren's dedication to his past and present students, our outdoor learning program, and his tireless support for his colleagues in all their ambitious work as outdoor educators, is what makes him such a great champion of environmental education in our District and beyond."  

True to his humble nature, Caner views this achievement as a reflection of the collaborative efforts that drive his work. "My strengths are in collaboration with others, and I feel that this nomination is equally for my students and my collaborators on the projects I've undertaken," he says. "So many teachers are doing fantastic work."

Caner has been instrumental in co-developing the South Canoe Outdoor Learning Program, which connects students with nature through hands-on learning. He takes great pride in working with colleagues, First Nations, biologists, foresters, farmers, and other professionals to deliver impactful projects. These initiatives include watershed tours, tree planting, habitat restoration with native plants, and efforts to reintroduce Wapato, a native plant species used by the Secwépemc people. Caner's students also participate in an immersive four-day trip to Wells Gray Provincial Park, studying these unique ecosystems in action.

Beyond the classroom, Caner's leadership extends across the District and community. He chairs the District's Environmental Working Group and is a driving force in the Shuswap Chapter of the Environmental Educators Provincial Specialist Association (SHEEPSA). He also sits on the city's environmental advisory committee and has partnered with colleagues and the regional district to develop outdoor learning spaces at North Fork Wild.

In addition, Caner co-founded the Shuswap Outdoor Learning Foundation and Shuswap Wild Wonders camps, nurturing a love for nature in young learners and promoting environmental stewardship.

"Through his dedication to collaboration, Ceren continues to inspire his students and community, modeling the values of hard work and environmental protection that drive his teaching," adds environmental educator and retired principal, Kim Fulton.

Ceren Caner's work exemplifies a strong commitment to environmental stewardship in student learning and staff leadership, aligning with the District's Strategic Plan. His innovative teaching promotes sustainability and expands opportunities to address climate change, inspiring others to embrace sustainability in education.

Congratulations Ceren!