Like many students and educators, this past year brought many challenges when navigating the field of teaching and learning; what would it look like for students and teachers? What would it look like for teacher candidates working towards certification? With hands-on learning experiences such as teaching in the classroom a key requirement of the program, teacher candidates showcased they were ready to adapt; to make the best of an unprecedented situation, making this year’s annual teaching awards that much more special.  

Finding positives

For year two teacher candidates completing the program, they had the unique circumstance of teaching in the classroom (in-person) pre-pandemic, transitioning into pandemic teaching (virtual and in-person). This provided teacher candidates experiences that would ultimately shape their teaching pedagogy to suit what will be a new landscape in education. Recipient of the 2021 Primary/Junior Mathematics award, teacher candidate Ms. Marissa McCrae, had this to say about her experience:

“Although this year was not what I initially hoped for, taking the unique opportunity to go back to my third placement, a virtual kindergarten class, for my fourth and final practicum was an incredible way for me to end my program. Seeing the amount of growth and impact that I had on my students in a virtual setting solidified my belief that I am in the right profession. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience virtual teaching as I can say, with confidence, that I am a flexible, engaging, enthusiastic, and committed educator, and I am looking forward to my future as a teacher!”

Navigating the complexities of fulfilling the requirements of placement hours when mentorship in schools shifted due to stay-at-home orders, illness or other unforeseen factors, practicum manager Adrian Ash was extremely proud in how teacher candidates dealt with adversity proactively and constructively. “I think they've demonstrated a level of flexibility and responsiveness that often serves as an example to everyone – even those of us who have many more years of experience in education”, said Mr. Ash.  “Many of our associate teacher partners have reported back to me this year a feeling of great satisfaction at seeing their teacher candidate bringing unique perspectives and creative problem-solving to their placement this year.”

Celebrating teaching excellence

On April 20, faculty, staff and students from the Bachelor of Education program joined for a virtual celebration to honour this year’s teaching recipients. Thinking back on the year, Claire Mooney, acting dean of Education, Teaching & Learning said, “Trent's teacher candidates truly exemplify what it means to be an educator. This year they have responded flexibly, cooperatively, and with humility and good humour to an immensely challenging situation. They have worked alongside, been supported by, and supported Associate Teachers as everyone has learned how to develop and refine teaching and learning within a remote environment. I could not be prouder of the achievements of our Teacher Candidates, faculty and staff."

The Trent School of Education would like to congratulate all of this year’s teaching award recipients and their continued contributions to the field. The full list of recipients are:

Teacher candidate awards

Primary/Junior Innovation in Teaching Award – Thishogjah Thavarajah  
Intermediate/Senior Innovation in Teaching Award – Matthew Spence
Responding to Diversity Award – Daniel Frawley
Education Student Association Award – EmmaRose MacDonald
OECTA Award – Jacqueline Grad
Intermediate/Senior Mathematics Award – Taylor Armitage
Primary/Junior Mathematics Award – Marissa McCrae
French Award – Nina de Taeye

Faculty teaching award

Teaching Excellence Award – Lauren Hill

Learn more about the Trent School of Education.