Newfoundland and Labrador Announces 2025 Teaching Awards, Recognizing Innovation and Compassion

Premier Andrew Hogan and Minister of Education Bernard Davis have presented the 2025 Premier’s Award for Innovation in Teaching and the Minister’s Award for Compassion in Teaching, honouring nine educators for their exemplary contributions to K–12 education in the province.

The awards were presented during a ceremony in St. John’s, on June 20.

Recognizing Innovation and Compassion

The Premier’s Award for Innovation in Teaching recognizes teachers who implement creative and future-oriented instructional practices that enhance student learning. This year’s recipients are:

• Angela O’Brien, Prince of Wales Collegiate, St. John’s
• Sara Barry, Holy Trinity Elementary, Torbay

The Minister’s Award for Compassion in Teaching celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the social, emotional, and mental well-being of their students. The 2025 recipients are:

• Heather Cull‑Tilley, St. Joseph’s Academy, Lamaline
• Janice Spencer, Corner Brook Regional High
• Luce Landry, École des Grands‑Vents, St. John’s
• Matthew Hillier, St. Teresa’s, St. John’s
• Sherry Maher, Cowan Heights Elementary, St. John’s
• Valerie Sheppard, Peacock Primary, Happy Valley‑Goose Bay
• Paula Courage, Beachy Cove Elementary, Portugal Cove‑St. Philip’s

Award Details and Application Process

Both awards were launched in 2021 to recognize excellence in the province’s public education system. Each award includes a framed certificate, a personalized glass award, and a $2,500 professional development bursary for each recipient.

Educators employed in the K–12 public education system in Newfoundland and Labrador are eligible for nomination. Nominations can be submitted by students, parents, colleagues, administrators, or community members. Nominees must demonstrate sustained and measurable impact in either innovative teaching practices or student well-being.

The call for nominations is typically issued early each calendar year through the Department of Education’s website. Nominations are reviewed by an adjudication panel that considers the nominee’s impact, leadership, and alignment with the values of the award.

Premier Hogan commended the honourees for their leadership and contributions to student success. Minister Davis emphasized that the recipients embody qualities essential to education, including empathy, innovation, and dedication to lifelong learning.

For more information about the awards or to nominate a teacher in future years, visit the Department of Education’s Teaching Awards page.

Source: Press release