Michel Emery, a teacher at F.H. Collins Secondary School, has been awarded a Prime Minister’s Award (PMA) for Teaching Excellence.

Emery is one of 11 national-level recipients of the 2018 PMA for Teaching Excellence.

He received a Certificate of Excellence from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at an awards ceremony held Wednesday evening in Ottawa to celebrate Canada’s top teachers and early childhood educators.

A leader and innovator in the Arctic for 20 years, Emery has played many roles in education, including being an elementary teacher, educational consultant and high school teacher.

“Fully bilingual, he fosters a culture of innovation, and is a valued resource for other educators in Yukon,” said a federal government statement about the award.

“Michel is knowledgeable in many disciplines, researches and applies new practices, is energetic, positive and passionate about student success, and models the qualities of a lifelong learner.

“In class and out, he develops STEAM (Science, Technology, Energy and Math) skills in students to prepare them for challenges and opportunities of life.”

Emery fosters creative literacy and expression with technology.

Sudents think beyond PowerPoint to incorporate animation, video production and sound recording into presentations, the statement said.

First Nations students had notable success making story boxes and elegant art using a 3D printer and laser cutter.

Emery emphasizes inquiry-based approach for learners of all ages: in elementary grades it was “Tinker Time”, a daily half-hour for children to pursue STEAM activities designed to answer a question; in high school, cross-curricular projects are anchored in inquiry.

Emery focuses on students’ special needs, and partnered with Computers for Schools to secure nearly 100 laptops for students in need.

He also developed a tool to help struggling readers access the text-to-speech capabilities on their computer, realizing that coding challenges and robotics engage reluctant learners.

Emery also encouraged students to be caring global citizens. They have helped raise awareness and funds for local and international charities.

As well, as part of growing emphasis on waste reduction, students use recycled materials and wood scraps donated by businesses to create artwork with the laser cutter.

Emery led a group of professionals who designed school districts’ digital literacy framework; established first collaborative digital e-book collection for all Yukon schools; and designed the current digital portal, which facilitates access to e-resources for all Yukon students.

The teacher also developed resources, gave workshops and engaged students in his own research into how and why they struggle when completing projects, resulting in improvements in student competencies.

Emery was an early proponent of transitioning school libraries to Learning Commons, the dynamic, flexible, and connected learning spaces now in use in most Yukon schools, including his own.

He was named the first Apple Distinguish Educator in northern Canada (2013), and was recognized by the Yukon legislature for his efforts to integrate technology into his teaching practice.

The awards honour outstanding and innovative elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines for their remarkable educational achievements and for their commitment to preparing their students for a digital and innovation-based economy.

The awards, offered at the Certificate of Excellence (national) and Certificate of Achievement (regional) levels, carry cash prizes of $5,000 and $1,000 respectively.

Each recipient receives a pin, as well as a letter and a certificate signed by the prime minister.

“I want to offer my profound thanks not only to today’s exemplary award winners but also to all those who mentor Canada’s next generation of leaders,” said Kirsty Duncan, the minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

“Education is among the highest of callings. Teachers inspire young minds to work hard so they may achieve their goals.

“Allow me to offer special congratulations to those receiving awards under this year’s newest category, Teaching Excellence in STEAM.

“I firmly believe that students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering and math will become tomorrow’s researchers, innovators and groundbreakers.”