Inclusive Educator Award recognizes teacher excellence in Black Gold

Sarah Baete, Ecole Champs Vallee School: "Sarah is passionate about supporting the DEHR community and helped begin and run our school's Rainbow Cafe. Students in the school feel safe with Sarah and seek her support and feedback. Even though she is not a designated counselor, you will often see her having conversations with students and hear her using appropriate inclusive language."

Shannon Weatherby, Ecole Corinthia Park School: Shannon actively partners with fellow teachers, specialists, and support staff to design responsive learning experiences that reflect the diverse strengths and needs of her students. By sharing strategies, co-planning, and engaging in open dialogue, she helps ensure that every student receives meaningful opportunities to succeed

Sarah Reves, Ecole Champs Vallee School: Sarah goes above and beyond to make ALL of her students feel safe, welcomed and supported on all levels, socially, emotionally and academically.  She understands that meaningful learning begins with trust and connection, and she invests the time and energy to build those foundations with each student.

Dr. Hardeep Rai, Riverview Middle School: Throughout his tenure, Hardeep has emerged as a tireless advocate for teachers, students, and staff alike. He understands that a school’s ecosystem thrives only when every individual feels seen and supported. Whether he is mentoring a colleague or advocating for student resources, his approach is always rooted in a deep-seated commitment to service.

Jami Danko, Ecole Champs Vallee School: A cornerstone of Jami’s practice is her ability to include everyone. She fosters a culture of belonging where differences are acknowledged and celebrated. Students feel safe contributing their ideas, asking questions, and sharing their experiences because they know their voices matter

Jessica Arnold, Calmar Elementary School: Every day, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to ensuring that all students—especially our neurodivergent learners—feel valued, understood, and supported. Her advocacy is not loud or self-serving; rather, it is steady, informed, and deeply rooted in genuine care for each individual student.

Kristen Chiesa, Ecole Bellevue School: She has always adopted a "behaviour is communication" philosophy and treats our students with the respect and dignity they deserve. She assumes competence, gives grace when needed, and has clear boundaries for all. Both staff and children always know the expectations, and know she will guide them along the way.

Katie DeBoer, Ecole Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School: Katie’s efforts reflect a genuine commitment to improving the experiences of students and staff. She does this work not for recognition, but because she believes in making the world a better place. She understands that true inclusion requires intentional effort rather than perfection, and she models this growth mindset for our entire community. Her approach has transformed our school culture from one of passive acceptance to active celebration.

Diana Zucca, Ecole Leduc Junior High School: "You will never see Diana alone in our school. She always has children around her. She is the person in our building that every student knows will listen to them, help them with whatever they are struggling with or provide a lunch to them when they don’t have enough to eat. She is a judgement free space for students to share their feelings."

Danielle Kirton, Robina Baker School: Danielle is a leader for all things inclusion!  Not only did she set up a beautiful cohort structure, she has helped to create an inclusive mindset school-wide. She is a change agent and great role model of equitable and empathetic practices.

Kyla Donovan, Ecole Leduc Estates School: Kyla does not simply meet the criteria for an inclusive educator; she sets the standard. She understands that for children to thrive, they must see themselves reflected in their learning environment. By normalizing these representations from the very start of a child's educational journey, she fosters empathy and self-worth in her youngest learners.

Amy Shipley, Caledonia Park School: Amy is the heartbeat of our school’s commitment to genuine belonging. With a deep background in psychology and a heart dedicated to those who often move through the world unheard, Amy does not just teach inclusion, she breathes life into it.  Her students eagerly anticipate each day in her classroom, excited for the opportunities she provides. Amy makes a profound difference in the lives of her students.

Jen Wannop, Caledonia Park School: She builds deep trust with families through constant communication and compassion, particularly with those who have historically felt marginalized by educational systems. Students who once felt 'othered' now walk into the building with a sense of ownership and pride.

Kayla Erhardt, Ecole Leduc Estates School: Kayla embodies the belief that education must be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. She doesn't just teach; she tailors highly specialized programming to meet the distinct needs of every single child. A fierce advocate for inclusion, Kayla ensures her students integrate with their grade-level peers for specific subjects or half-days whenever possible. The result of Kayla’s dedication is undeniable: we see firsthand the pure happiness of her students.

Lia Chernenkoff, Ecole Corinthia Park School: Lia brings a steady presence of warmth, positivity, and care to her work, creating an environment where every child and family feels genuinely seen, valued, and supported. She shows genuine love, care, and curiosity for each child; meeting them exactly where they are and celebrating their progress, however it may look. Her classroom is not defined by limitations, but by possibility.

Bonnie Hommy, Ecole Horizon Heights School: Bonnie’s commitment to equity and inclusion is not performative or occasional—it is steady, deeply rooted, and lived out in the quiet, consistent choices she makes every single day.  Bonnie invests time—sometimes months—building trust through patience, compassion, and deep listening. She notices the students who linger at the margins and makes deliberate efforts to connect with them, ensuring they understand that they matter.

Nicole Liddle, OSS:  Nicole creates a calm, organized, pleasant and well-structured place for students to be. She knows each, and every student's needs, criteria, challenges and personalities... and  ensures  that anyone who enters is aware of the students’ needs and what the students require.

Angie Hodges, WS: Angie takes her role as Learning Support and School Councillor to a new level. She oversees an inclusion group and a lunch time Safe Space. Every student who partakes in these feels welcome, successful and confident. She cares, and never gives up on students.

Aida Susa, WHPS:  Aida always exemplifies extreme patience with the students she works with and has such an admirable gift to connect with many. She is the first to advocate and notice what a specific student needs to succeed and she’ll be the first to voice this. She is often one that notices things others may miss and will give suggestions that not only benefit the student but also community as a whole.