Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Honours Outstanding Manitoba Educators with Excellence Awards

Press Release

April 11, 2025

Nine outstanding educators have received Manitoba’s Excellence in Education Awards in recognition of their exceptional contribution and commitment to educational excellence, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today.

“Every day teachers make a huge impact in the lives of their students and today I am honoured to acknowledge these exceptional educators who create inspiring environments in which to learn,” said Schmidt. “Teachers work tirelessly to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life while also nurturing their social, emotional and physical growth. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!”

The award recipients were chosen by a selection committee made up of representatives from the Manitoba School Boards Association, the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning.

This year, nine recipients were selected to receive Manitoba’s Excellence in Education Awards in the following categories:

• Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education: Laurie Bachewich, Erickson Elementary and Erickson Collegiate Institute, Rolling River School Division.
• Teaching Excellence Awards:
  • Amanda Almdal, David Livingstone Community School, Winnipeg School Division
  • Jenna Desilets, Ste. Anne Elementary School, Seine River School Division
  • Justin Valentino, R. D. Parker Collegiate, Mystery Lake School District.
• Outstanding New Teacher Award: Jonathan McPhail, Exchange Met School, Seven Oaks School Division.
• Outstanding Team Collaboration Award: Katelyn Hart, Kelly Mikkelson and Rachel Novak, Green Valley School, Hanover School Division.
• Outstanding School Leader Award: Caleigh Matni-MacDonald, Chan Kagha Otina Dakota Wayawa Tipi School, Frontier School Division.

Since 2006, Manitoba has recognized exceptional educators who have a special connection to students and whose teaching style has a deep and lasting impact on student achievement, engagement and well-being, noted the minister.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

Backgrounder

BG-Excellence_in_Education_Awards-EECL.pdf

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