Debbie Mar, a grades 3 and 4 teacher at Upper Sumas Elementary School in Abbotsford, has been awarded the national Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Ms. Mar is one of 10 national recipients, and the only national recipient in B.C.
The Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence honours recipients for their remarkable achievements in education and for their commitment to preparing their students for a digital and innovation-based economy.
In Ms. Mar’s classroom, a gift of 75 tulip bulbs led children to an in-depth study of Canada’s Second World War link to Holland. Hands-on projects bring other aspects of real-world learning into the classroom, including studying the life cycle and the scientific method by raising salmon in the classroom—all to change young lives and teach them that they can make a difference.
The Prime Minister’s Awards, offered at the Certificate of Excellence (national) and Certificate of Achievement (regional) levels, carry cash prizes of $5,000 and $1,000 respectively. Each recipient receives a letter and a certificate signed by the Prime Minister. National recipients were also honoured in today’s award video from the Prime Minster.
A complete bio of Ms. Mar is available at: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmate-ppmee.nsf/eng/wz02405.html
