The Ottawa Catholic School Board proudly celebrates Ann Marie Vanneste, a trailblazing educator from All Saints High School, for being named one of the Top 50 Finalists for the prestigious GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025. This global recognition highlights her extraordinary 25-year career as a transformative force in education. Through her innovative teaching and steadfast commitment to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments, Ann Marie has left an indelible mark on her students, colleagues, and the wider community.
An Inspiring Journey
Ann Marie's story is as remarkable as her impact. Born in Halifax and adopted into a diverse family of six children, her upbringing in a "United Nations Family" shaped her lifelong passion for inclusion. Her journey was further influenced by never seeing Black teachers in her own schooling, a gap she vowed to address by becoming a leader in representation and change.
A former track and field athlete with a scholarship to Louisiana State University, Ann Marie earned a degree in communications before discovering her true calling in education. As the only Black high school teacher at All Saints, she is a role model and advocate for every student, creating spaces where all feel seen, heard, and valued.
Transforming Lives Beyond the Classroom
Ann Marie's work extends far beyond the curriculum. She founded the Black Student Association (BSA) at All Saints, empowering students of all races with the motto, "All People, All Colours." Initiatives such as school-wide screenings of Till for Black History Month and Canada's first Provincial Black Student Association Summit have brought learning to life and fostered a deeper understanding of equity and inclusion.
Her advocacy also reaches neurodiverse students. Through the Best Buddies program, Ann Marie builds meaningful connections between neurodivergent and neurotypical students, enhancing school culture and boosting engagement.
A Catalyst for Change
Ann Marie's influence is felt far beyond her classroom. Her leadership in anti-racism education has shaped professional development initiatives across the OCSB and inspired colleagues to embrace equity-focused practices. Her dedication has earned her national accolades, including the 2023 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation's 2025 Women of Courage Award, the 2024 Lowell Mliken Fellowship and the Director of Education Commendation from the OCSB.
From mentoring students and colleagues to integrating global perspectives into her teaching, Ann Marie equips young people to tackle the world's most pressing challenges, from climate change to social justice.
Celebrating Excellence
Ann Marie Vanneste embodies the transformative power of education. As the OCSB community celebrates her outstanding achievement, we look forward to cheering her on when the Global Teacher Prize winner is announced this February at the World Government Summit in Dubai. The winner will receive a $1 million grant to further their educational initiatives.
Ann Marie, your story inspires us all. Thank you for being a beacon of hope and a shining example of how educators shape the future, one student at a time.
Congratulations!
