UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

The Trustee Innovation Awards recognize individuals who use creative and innovative practices in their schools or workplaces, and inspire others to think about how they can adapt new practices and grow. Any UCDSB individual is eligible to be nominated.

2023-2024 Trustee Innovation Award Winners

Individuals

Dan Tremblay, Teacher, Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute
Dan won the award for his efforts in promoting physical and mental health among staff and students. He has improved student participation in lifelong fitness by implementing new extracurricular activities like Ultimate Frisbee, Arm Wrestling, and CrossFit, appealing to those who don't usually join traditional sports teams. Dan spearheaded the first eastern regional CrossFit "Throwdown" Competition at VCI, involving 100 students from nine regional schools. This bilingual event emphasized individual goal setting and inclusivity.

Kelleyanne Mackenzie - Teacher, Thousand Islands Secondary School
Kelleyanne won the award for her initiative, the TISS Treasure Chest. This project, led by a group of students, aims to support fellow students in need by providing essential items like food, household items, hygiene products, and even prom attire through an in-school "treasure chest." They have also organized a free hot lunch program and take-home meals to ensure all students have what they need. Starting as a Grade 10 applied English class project, it has evolved into an after-school credit program. The ongoing collaboration and innovation of this group demonstrate their commitment to making a difference in their school community. 

Scott Currie - Teacher, North Dundas District High School

Scott won this award due to his exceptional contributions to integrating STEM technology at his school. His dedication and expertise led to the creation of Studio 138, a design, modelling, and printing studio at the school. Scott secured donations from industry leaders like Wacom, Stratasys, and Sphero, resulting in a class set of drawing tablets, an industry-grade 3-D printer, and coding robots. Additionally, he organized a STEM day for Engineering Month. His efforts have not only enhanced the school's current STEM offerings but also laid the groundwork for future program expansion.

Shauna Burton – Teacher, Caldwell Street Elementary School

Shauna won the award for her innovative and impactful real-world learning project at her school, which included creating themed boxes with manipulative objects, 3D printed words, and online QR codes to aid blind and low vision students in learning French. Shauna integrated this project into her teaching and collaborated with Carleton Place High School and specialists who work with blind and low vision students to ensure the boxes met their needs. Her grade 3 and grade 4 students developed valuable skills through this project, such as seeking support from local businesses, collaborating with older students, and presenting bilingual workshops to educators. Shauna’s project not only provides a significant resource for blind and low vision students but also fosters essential skills in her students.

Shannon Campbell – Teacher, Athens District High School

Shannon Campbell won the award for her innovative approach to teaching history. She led a cross-curricular project focused on the WWI Battle of Hill 70, integrating Grade 10 English and History curricula. Shannon's method involved primary source document analysis, drama, re-enactments, writing skills, and the arts, allowing students to engage deeply with historical inquiry. She collaborated with the RWL team and community partners to enhance the project's impact. Her approach not only brought history to life for her students but also laid the groundwork for future classes and potential replication at other schools. Congratulations to Shannon for her innovative teaching and inspiring students to connect with history.

Groups

Teachers involved in the SDG Mass Band 2024

Colleen Leslie from Seaway District High School, Joel Exner from North Dundas District High School and Erin Ritchie from St. Lawrence Secondary School won the award for their innovative creation of the SDG Mass Band event. When a local community event was cancelled for 2024, the group organized a full day of workshops with local musicians and music professionals, culminating in a public evening showcase that drew a large crowd. The positive reception has generated excitement for expanding the event to more schools and community members next year.

Mary-Kaye McGreevy and Lori Taylor, System Staff

Mary-Kaye and Lori won the award for their work on the I³DEA³S³ project, which has evolved into a district-wide initiative promoting accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in schools. Their efforts have resulted in tangible changes within school communities, supporting students with disabilities and fostering inclusion and equity. The project, involving multiple departments and schools, has had a profound impact on students and staff, making real change in their lives. Their innovative approach lies in their ability to engage a wide audience and effect significant change in a short period. 

Teachers and Administrators involved in the Reading and Writing Strategies pilot course

Randi Tolhurst, Ewen McIntosh, Abigail Fawcett, Dominique Bertrand, Breanna Bedor, Terry Gardiner, Monica Taylor, Issac Chapman, and Dean Fournier won for their successful pilot course, Reading and Writing Strategies. Aimed at Grade 9 students needing a boost in reading skills, the course helped prepare them for de-streamed English in the second semester. Despite being spread across the district, these educators collaborated closely. They implemented high-impact instructional practices and met monthly to share experiences and strategies, creating a district-wide learning community. The course led to significant improvements in students' reading skills and confidence, with students and parents reporting positive outcomes. 

Nomination Information and Criteria

Submitting a nomination is easy – simply fill out the online nomination form. Please be detailed in your answers and provide photos or links to supporting information if applicable to give the judges as much information about your nomination as possible.

Nomination criteria

• The individual demonstrates creativity and innovation in the particular project, practice, technique or tool that increases student or colleague achievement.

• Elements of the project, practice, technique or tool are sustainable and can be continued in the future.

• Elements of the project, practice, technique or tool can be shared and replicated by others within the school district.

• The individual has made a positive and lasting impact on their students or colleagues.  

There are six Categories/Groups (in alphabetical order):
1.      Administration & Managers
2.      Facilities/School-System
3.      Students
4.      Support Staff
5.      Teachers
6.      Team/Group (for any of the groups above)



Need inspiration? Here are some of our past winners! 



2021 Trustee Innovation Award Winners

2020 Trustee Innovation Award - Kevin Kennedy

2020 Trustee Innovation Award - Ani Lalonde

Trustee Innovation Award - Westminster FI Kinder Team

Have questions? 
Contact Lisa Workman at [email protected].