DSBN teacher wins prime minister’s teaching excellence award
Adistrict School Board of Niagara teacher whose passion is to work with students in the science and technology program is among a group of educators to be recognized nationally for teaching excellence.
Leonard Aylward, a teacher and consultant for innovation and technology with DSBN, is among 71 educators who have been awarded a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
The announcement of his honour, which was made Oct. 5 in amedia release from the Prime Minister’s Office, coincided with World Teachers’ Day,
The award goes to Canada’s top teachers for categories including teaching excellence; teaching excellence in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); and excellence in early childhood education.
“The award means a lot,” said Aylward.
“It’s specific to my passion, which is having students work with science, technology, engineering and math.”
“It reaffirms what I have believed all along about how important STEM education is and how it can be a motivator to engage students.”
His award, which was supposed to be announced last March but was delayed due to COVID-19, recognizes teachers at the elementary or secondary school level who keep students engaged in STEM learning.
Aylward, as a specialist, serves the entire board, for which he has worked the past 21 years.
Aylward will receive a certificate of achievement and a cash prize of $1,000.
He will also receive a letter of congratulations signed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.