3 Central Okanagan teachers receive national awards

Photo: Contributed

Three Kelowna teachers have received a prestigious national award.

The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM, and Excellence in Early Childhood Education honour some of Canada’s exceptional educators who have made an impact in the lives of their students.

Okanagan Mission Secondary School teacher, Megan Frederick, has been awarded a PMA for Teaching Excellence Certificate of Excellence. Frederick teaches music to students in grades 9 to 12, and is recognized for her success in mobilizing students around music and for promoting Indigenous music and culture.

James Strachan, a grade 11 and 12 physics and engineering teacher at Kelowna Secondary School, has been awarded a PMA for Teaching Excellence Certificate of Achievement. Strachan is recognized for pushing learning beyond the academic experience and preparing students for post-high school life. He introduces students to real science environments and inspires students to pursue post-secondary science studies and careers.

Chantelle Colthorp, an early childhood educator at Awasisak Achakos Head Start for children ages three to five, has been awarded a PMA for Excellence in Early Childhood Education Certificate of Achievement. The award recognizes Colthorp for her accomplishment in developing educational facilities for children with special needs, and for her leadership in conveying Metis and Indigenous culture through early childhood education.

The Prime Minister’s Awards are offered at the national (Certificate of Excellence) and regional (Certificate of Achievement) levels. Each candidate receives a letter of congratulations and a certificate signed by the Prime Minister and the promotion of their teaching practices nationally.