Dec. 12, 2025
The Prime Minister’s Awards recognize teachers for their achievements in education. This year, five outstanding CBE educators have earned this prestigious honour.
Andy Brar: Certificate of Excellence - Teaching Excellence
At
Dr. Gordon Higgins School, Andy Brar teaches business, leadership, and physical education. His belief that every student can succeed guides his work in building confidence, financial literacy, and digital fluency. His initiatives include the four-year “Outdoor Basketball Court Initiative,” resulting in a full-length court for students and the surrounding community, the “Higgins Speaker Series,” featuring alumni and community leaders, and a practical business curriculum that empowers students to overcome economic barriers.
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James Chow: Certificate of Excellence - Teaching Excellence in STEMJames Chow teaches computer science at
Western Canada High School, inspiring curiosity through hands-on learning tied to real-world challenges. From his flipped-learning YouTube channel (“The Tao of Chow”) to escape-room programming and physics-based catapult experiments, he makes complex concepts engaging and meaningful. He also teaches responsible technology use and mentors students beyond graduation. James has also been recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology for supporting girls in STEM and hosts the provincial Computer Science Teacher Symposium twice a year.
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Melissa Melville: Certificate of Achievement – Teaching ExcellenceMelissa Melville teaches kindergarten at
Catherine Nichols Gunn School, where she builds a classroom rooted in joy, belonging, and inclusion. She supports emotional regulation through sensory play, incorporates Treaty 7 language, and fosters empathy and confidence through student-led projects. Her achievements include introducing TouchChat for non-verbal learners, promoting communication through Core Boards, and leading initiatives such as “Save the Bees” and “Joy Days,” which strengthen community connection and early learning.
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Roopa Patel and Jason Nishiyama: Certificate of Achievement – Teaching Excellence in STEMAt
James Fowler High School, Roopa Patel and Jason Nishiyama teach robotics, electronics, computer science, and culinary arts, creating pathways that blend creativity and technology. Their experience-driven approach connects learning with real-world application. They created major extracurricular programs: the NASA Plant Science Club and Fowler Robotics Club. They also supported students who participated in the NASA “Growing Beyond Earth Challenge,” where they presented at a global symposium.
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Congratulations to all five winners!
