Seven B.C. teachers were recognized Monday in Ottawa for their innovative work when they received the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence. Shirley Turner of Vancouver Technical secondary and Marc Pelech of Sullivan Heights secondary received certificates of excellence, the top award, while Robert Arkiletian and Rainer Mehl of Vancouver, Anissa Kermode of Surrey, Wes Mueller of Kamloops and Richard Ryant of Burnaby received certificates of achievement.
"A good teacher inspires a thirst for learning that lasts a lifetime," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.
Turner and Pelech received $5,000, to be shared with their school, while the others received $1,000.
The prime minister also honoured early-childhood educators, with certificates of excellence for Melanie Castro Shibaoko and Rachel Rosen of Burnaby, Linda Foster of Courtenay and Patt Uren of North Vancouver. Certificates of achievement were awarded to Marla Bisanz from Fraser Lake; Shirley Jowsey, Cranbrook; Fiona Lee, Vancouver; Iona Meger, North Vancouver; and Cari Morris, Vancouver. The B.C. educators were among 84 recognized across Canada.