Teacher Educator, Education Advocate, and other Awards handed out to recipients during the annual Teacher Education Roundtable events.
2023 AWARDS
2023 Teacher Educator Award Winners
Barbara Salingré, Associate Professor and Advisor, B.Ed. program, University of the Fraser Valley
“Barbara has been with UFV’s teacher education program since its inception. She was pivotal in working with the (then) BC College of Teachers to develop, what is now, the BEd Program. In many ways, Barbara is seen as the “heart” of the program given her strong connections with students before, during, and after the program. She provides one-on-one support of students as they journey through becoming a teacher. More than focusing on students enrolled in a teacher education program, Barbara supports students in coming to understand their identity as teachers, counselling them as they work towards preparing for teacher education, supporting equity seeking students as they apply to programs, and supporting them within the program. She is an astounding instructor, mentor, and advocate for the success of her students. One alum writes, “Barbara is angelic and exemplifies love and compassion. She epitomizes what it means to be an anti-racist educator and a servant leader.”
Dr. Wendy Klassen, Director of Undergraduate Programs and Associate Professor with the Okanagan School of Education, University of British Columbia (Okanagan campus).
“Dr. Klassen has worked within UBC-O for almost 20 years. Dr. Klassen demonstrated significant leadership in the redesign of the B.Ed. program and has been able to see it flourish since its inception in 2017. Dr. Klassen is a beacon in the field of numeracy instruction, sharing her passion for teaching math and developing a growth mindset for numeracy educators. She puts candidates at ease by teaching her courses, whenever possible, directly in the K-9 classrooms with her in-situ numeracy lessons. Dr. Klassen’s sense of humour, personal humility, and ability to connect with people make the classroom and boardroom a pleasurable experience for those who work with her or learn from her. Dr. Klassen has distinguished herself as an inspiring mentor, a respected partner in teacher education programs in B.C., and an innovative scholar-practitioner dedicated to professional development over the continuum of educators’ careers.”
2023 Education Advocate Award Winner
Dr. Lee Gunderson, Professor, Department of Language and Literacy Education (LLED), University of British Columbia
“Throughout his 42-year career with UBC, Dr. Gunderson has been instrumental in developing assessment instruments and protocols and researching immigrant scholastic achievement. His prolific research and tireless work in the field has led to the development of standardized testing through the ESL Assessment Consortium and required ESL-focused courses for UBC’s Teacher Candidates. Under Dr. Gunderson’s guidance, seven English reading assessments were developed. He designed the norming studies, analyzed results, and wrote the technical manuals. A primary-level oral language assessment was developed in 2021. The assessments are being utilized in 12 lower-mainland school districts at both the beginning and end of academic years and when immigrants first enter the country. Approximately 100,000 assessments are administered every school year. Gunderson has received many awards throughout his career including the UBC President’s Award for Education Through the Media in March 2009 and he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame in 2021.”
2022 AWARDS
2022 Teacher Educator Award Winners
Mr. Glen Thielmann, Ph.D. student, Sessional and practicum instructor, University of Northern British Columbia
“Through his leadership as School District No.57 Professional Development Coordinator and his many years leading Learning Team Innovation Grant curriculum projects, Mr. Thielmann models by example taking real steps in his commitment to deepening understanding, knowledge, and skills to decolonize and indigenize education. Mr. Thielmann supports professional growth for pre-service teachers and teacher education in the work to implement UNDRIP and TRC Calls to Action. Mr. Thielmann exemplifies distinguished leadership in the service of post-secondary teacher education improvement. He is dedicated to working in the service of strengthening teacher education in the areas of social justice, stewardship, and place-responsive learning.”
2022 Education Advocate Award Winner
Dr. Ralf St. Clair, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria
“Dr. St. Clair has distinguished himself as an advocate for Education due to his consistently strong support for BC Education via his role as Dean of Education at University of Victoria and as Chair of ABCDE for many years. Dr. Clair is a supporter of all things Indigenous, he has been an advocate for Teacher Education Programs as Dean of Education, as (Past) Chair of ABCDE, and as an active member of Western Association of Deans of Education, and the Association of Canadian Deans of Education (ACDE). He participates fully in various conference groups, is a positive thinker, a good critic, an advocate for Teacher Education, and a treasured colleague. His energy and insights have been incredibly important for the Deans of ABCDE over many years.”
2021 AWARDS
2021 TEACHER EDUCATOR AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Marianne McTavish, Associate Dean of Teacher Education, University of British Columbia
“Dr. Marianne McTavish has demonstrated outstanding commitment to teacher education throughout her career, but in her work as Associate Dean of Education at UBC-Vancouver has excelled and provided vital leadership during these unprecedented time of pandemic and social distancing when it was most needed. She is a tireless advocate for a socially just and responsible vision for the future, and she leads by example…”
Debbie Kaban, SD57 Prince George Education Educator
“Ms. Kaban’s efforts exemplify excellence in mentorship and educational devotion, she has been an extraordinary partner, one to whom we give credit for much of our current success. She led in the creation of “host schools”, thus re-framing the way we think about and make practicum placements. She also was instrumental in creating excellence in student mentorship, whereby teacher candidates are supported both within the university and directly within the school district.”
Anne MacLean, Faculty Advisor and Field Experience Coordinator, Okanagan School of Education
“Anne possesses the rare gift of being an excellent educator and administrator. She seamlessly navigates the pedagogical nuances of teacher education and the practical considerations that guide our work. She is equally at ease discussing indigenization, inclusion and equity as she is with policy, guidelines and teacher certification questions.”
2021 EDUCATION ADVOCATE AWARD Winner
Ray Myrtle
“Ray Myrtle was “just” a classroom teacher at intermediate grades in Burnaby school district from 1991 until he retired in 2011. During these 20 years, he was not a department head, held no district position, was neither a vice-principal or a principal, and did not work for a University or the Ministry of Education. Yet he spent thousands of hours of his own time, year after year, in teacher education programs and projects. Not because it was his job, but because it was, and still is, his passion.”
2020 AWARDS
2020 TEACHER EDUCATOR AWARD WINNER
Dr. Deborah Koehn, Lecturer and Coordinator in the Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia
“Deb’s approach to teacher education has infused her faculty with her boundless energy, wise pedagogy and innovative thinking. She is a fierce advocate for young learners and has high expectations for her pre-service teachers. Debbie works tirelessly to provide powerful learning opportunities for her students, and they are consistent in their praise of her role in their learning…No matter how many hours a day it takes, she is consistently there as a source of support for them. Her current work is leading the way by seeking ways of infusing place-consciousness and culturally relevant pedagogy into the design of teacher.”
2019 AWARDS
2019 TEACHER EDUCATOR AWARD WINNER
Dr. Paige Fisher, Professor in the Faculty of Education, Vancouver Island University
“Paige is an ethical practitioner with a strong moral compass and personal vision. Her students and colleagues know where she stands and that she can be counted on. Prior to joining Vancouver Island University, Paige was known for the significant impact she had on her students. At Vancouver Island University she has had an even greater impact through her student teachers who strive to rise to the example set by Paige.”
2019 EDUCATION ADVOCATE AWARD WINNER
Dr. Kris Magnusson, Dean of Education, Simon Fraser University
“Kris has worked consistently, tirelessly and whole-heartedly as an advocate for educators, students, researchers, and community partners involved in the educational enterprise in BC. In particular, his contributions have supported the development of valuable and fundamental knowledge, purposeful partnerships, and meaningful educational experiences for BC learners and their various communities to thrive and grow.”
2018 Awards
2018 Teacher Educator Award winners
Dr. Wendy Carr, Associate Dean, Teacher Education atUBC Vancouver’s Faculty of Education
“For her remarkable leadership in schools, professional associations, university departments, and French language organizations and ddepartments to develop curricula and advocate for French in K-12 and teacher education programs.”
Dr. Kimberly Franklin, former Dean of Education, Trinity Western University
“For her dynamic and compassionate leadership in expanding TWU’s programs of teacher education and for helping ABCDE and the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch to refine policies and procedures for reviewing teacher education programs in B.C.”
2018 Education Advocate Award
Ms. Terry-Lee Beaudry, Deputy Superintendent, Central Okanagan SD #23, Kelowna
“For her exceptional work with First Nations bands, teachers, students and new education leaders, and her commitment to just, inclusive, and equitable practices for all.”
2017 Awards
Teacher Educator
Mr. James Alexander (Sandy) Hill, Instructor of Education at the University of Fraser Valley
“For his exceptional teaching and devoted work to build programs and establish good relations with school districts and education partner groups”
Education Advocate
Dr. Jo-ann Archibald, Professor in UBC’s Educational Studies Dept. and former Associate Dean of Indigenous Education
“For her outstanding, dedicated, and lifelong service to the development of Indigenous teacher education in BC, Canada, and internationally, and for her mentorship of Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students and instructors.”
2016 Winners (UBC Okanagan)
Teacher Educator
Colleen Lindsay “For her exceptional lifelong contributions to inclusive and special education, and her work towards creating equitable access for all students.”
Education Advocate
Phillip Balcaen “For his long and distinguished career in education, notably in innovation, teacher education, and international work.”
2015 Winners (TRU Kamloops)
Teacher Educator
Kathy Sanford, University of Victoria “For extraordinary service to prepare new teachers, work closely with schools, and contribute to scholarly work in teacher education.”
Education Advocate
Susan Antak, Abbotsford S.D. and UFV “For her decades-long service to schools and school districts and her dedicated mentorship of new and practicing teachers.”
2014 Winners (UNBC Prince George)
Teacher Educator
Adrian Monych, Quesnel “For outstanding work as a mentor of new teacher candidates: challenging, encouraging, advising them to improve their classroom instructional practices.”
Education Advocate
Colin Chasteauneuf, Prince George “For dedicated service to the development of teacher education programs in northern BC; consistent, respectful relations and collaboration with First Nations communities and persons.”
2013 Winners (TWU Langley)
Teacher Educator
Linda Farr Darling, UBC-WKTEP Program, Castlegar “For her innovative practices to re-conceptualize teacher education particularly in the rural areas of BC”
Education Advocate
Karen Nelson, Superintendent, S.D. #78, Fraser-Cascade “For her dedication to students, teachers, staff, parents, and communities to improve the quality of education, with special attention to Special Education and Aboriginal students.”
Special Award for Lifelong Service to Education
Harro Van Brummelen, Former Dean of Education, TWU and ABCDE’s first chair “For his constancy and scholarly work to design and improve Education programs, develop programs, assist in setting standards, collaborate with partners, and advocate for quality education in B.C. and across the globe.”
2012 Winners (UFV Abbotsford)
Teacher Educator
Peter Grimmett, UBC “For outstanding work in the cause of teacher education in BC, Canada, and internationally”
Education Advocate
Edna Terbasket, Okanagan Band, Kelowna “For her passion and drive to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples through education.”
2011 Winners (UVic)
Teacher Educator
Mary-Lynn Epps, Nanaimo “For being an outstanding mentor to beginning and experienced teachers, grounding theoretical work in practical contexts.
Education Advocate
Chief Edward John, The Tl’azt’en Nation, Stuart Lake “for advocating for the best educational opportunities for students of aboriginal ancestry, particularly in technological interconnectivity.”
2010 Winners (UBC Vancouver)
Teacher Educator
James Blower, Kamloops
Education Advocate
Rob Tierney, Former Dean of Education, UBC
2009 Winner (VIU)
Teacher Educator
Tony Clarke, UBC “For outstanding service to teachers, student teachers, school advisors, and researchers in teacher education.”
2008 Winners (SFU)
Teacher Educator
Gaelen Erickson, UBC “For outstanding leadership in teaching and research in teacher education”
Media Communicator
Lee Gunderson, UBC “For excellent contributions to public discussions of education”
2007 Winners (UBCO)
Teacher Educator
Kau’I Keliipio, SFU Faculty of Education and First Nations Coordinator
Media Communicator
Wayne Ross, UBC and Paul Shaker, SFU
“For outstanding contributions to public discussions of education using BC media sources”
2006 Winner
Teacher Educator
Susan Montebello, School Principal, Burnaby “In recognition of outstanding accomplishments, contributions and leadership in advancing excellence in teacher education”
2005 Winner (TWU)
Teacher Educator Dede DeRose, First Nations educator and supporter; BCCT Councillor, School Principal, Kamloops “In recognition of outstanding accomplishments, contributions and leadership in advancing excellence in teacher education, particularly with respect to the preparation of Aboriginal teachers.”