Dr. Dennis Sumara is currently Professor and Dean of the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Prior to this appointment he held administrative and academic appointments at University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, York University and Simon Fraser University.
The Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary & Nancy Knowlton, CEO, Nureva Inc, to Receive Prestigious C21 Canada Shifting Minds Award for 2015
L-R: Robert Martellacci, C21 Canada, Dr. Sharon Friesen, Vice-Dean; Dr. Lynn Taylor Vice-Provost; Karen Yamada, C21 Canada Ambassador; Tim Monds, CEO Academy of Canada and Superintendent, Parkland School Division (photo credit) Clayton MacGillivray, Werklund School of Education
(L-R) Robert Martellacci, C21 Canada; David Martin, Nureva;Nancy Knowlton, Nureva; Dr. Gina Cherkowski, C21 Canada board member, STEM Alberta; Maurice Mannyfingers, a member of the CEO Academy of Canada and Deputy Superintendent for Kainai School Board (photo credit) Clayton MacGillivray, Werklund School of Education
Calgary, AB, November 2, 2015 — C21 Canada, a leading notforprofit organization promoting the accelerated change in teaching and learning practices across Canada will be hosting an awards reception on Wednesday, November 4, 12 noon, the Blue Room, adjacent the Hotel Alma at the University of Calgary,169 University Gate Northwest, in honour of the Werklund School of Education and Nancy Knowlton.
The board of C21 Canada–Canadians for 21st Century Learning and Innovation, have the great pleasure of announcing National Shifting Minds Award winners for 2015 in the categories of System and Individual. This year’s recipients are:
The Werklund School of Education has been nominated to receive the Shifting Minds National Award from C21 Canada for distinctive achievement in the field of 21st Century learning and innovation in the System Award category. System Awards are presented to recognize the work of enlightened educators working together to advance 21st century models of learning and teaching in Canada. C21 Canada’s awards recognize and celebrate leadership excellence in advancing teaching and learning practices in Canada consistent with our Shifting Minds 1.0 vision and framework document and our Shifting Minds 3.0 Redefining the Learning Landscape in Canada.
“We’re very honoured to be selected for this important award,” said Dean Dennis Sumara of the Werklund School of Education. “Our focus is on research into the manner in which we teach and learn, especially as we move more deeply into this new era in education. To be recognized for our leadership in this area is gratifying.”
“We recognize and applaud the Werklund School’s numerous accomplishments and innovative spirit, said David Roberts, President & CoFounder of C21 Canada.
Nancy Knowlton has been nominated and selected to receive a Shifting Minds National Award from C21 Canada for distinctive achievement in the field of 21st Century learning and innovation.
Her nomination and selection is in the Individual Award category. Individual Awards are presented to recognize the work of enlightened leaders working together to advance 21st century models of learning in Canada. C21 Canada’s awards recognize and celebrate leadership excellence in advancing teaching and learning practices in Canada consistent with the Shifting Minds vision and framework document.
“Receiving this award from C21 Canada for contributions to 21stcentury learning and innovation in Canada is truly an honour,” said Nancy Knowlton. “I would like to recognize the many contributors from committed and creative staff at SMART and Nureva who have worked so hard through the years to make learning fun for so many students.”
“We recognize and applaud what Nancy has accomplished through her excellent work at SMART Technologies and currently as CEO at Nureva, where she has continued to demonstrate her thought leadership and passion for lifelong learning through technological innovations,” said Robert Martellacci, VicePresident & CoFounder, C21 Canada.
The Shifting Minds Awards coincide with the semiannual meeting of the C21 Canada CEO Academy of Canada made up of the top CEO’s/Superintendents from across Canada. The C21 Canada CEO Academy established this past year has the participation of the most innovative and progressive CEO’s from public school systems across Canada coming together to share and provide insight, leadership and direction to a 21st century learning, innovation and technology agenda.
About C21 Canada
C21 Canada is a national, not for profit organization that advocates for 21st Century models of learning in education. Their belief is that 21st century models of learning must be adopted in public education on an urgent basis to position Canadians for economic, social and personal success in the high skills, knowledge and innovation based economy.
For more information contact: Robert Martellacci, VP & CoFounder Mobile: 4165692106 robert.martellacci@c21canada.org www.c21canada.org.
Andreas Schleicher is Director for Education and Skills, and Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-General at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
Before joining the OECD, Mr. Schleicher was Director for Analysis at the International Association for Educational Ahievement (IEA).
He studied Physics in Germany and received a degree in Mathematics and Statistics in Australia. He is the recipient of numerous honours and awards, including the “Theodor Heuss” prize, awarded in the name of the first president of the Federal Republic of Germany for “exemplary democratic engagement”. He holds an honorary Professorship at the University of Heidelberg.
Dr. Gina Cherkowski
Co-Founder & Director of Learning
Stem Learning Labs
Dr. Gina Cherkowski has a Masters in Teaching At-Risk Youth, with a double cognate Ph. D. in Mathematics Education and Culture Studies.
Dr. Cherkowski is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary in STEM Education for preservice secondary teachers equipping them with the skills, tools and mindsets they need to inspire and educate the problems solvers, creative thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow. Gina’s specialty is teaching future teachers how to use robotics and technology in the classroom to create rich, meaningful learning experiences across the STEM disciplines.
Dr. Cherkowski has co-created and teaches a graduate level course called “Creativity Across the Disciplines” where she works with practicing educators and leaders in developing their creative capacity to design, explore and put into practice innovative new ways to teach STEM and Enterprise in the 21st Century.
Dr. Cherkowski’s passion is to ensure that ALL kids have the opportunity to experience opportunities for high level learning and success on their learning journeys. In her research with MIND Research Institute from California, Dr. Cherkowski examines the impact of using digital technology to teach math visually for students who traditionally struggle in the math classroom. Dr. Cherkowski is a member of STEM Alberta, The Global STEM States, and is the founder and CEO of STEM Learning Lab where she shares her passion for ensuring all kids are aptly positioned for success in today’s fast paced, technology driven, data rich world.
Thom Leiper
Thom is the VP of Sales and Learning Solutions at Nelson Education Ltd. He has twenty years of seniorsales leadership experience within the North American technology industry including the last eight years in national sales roles at Apple Canada and Nelson Education. A passionate leader committed to delivering innovative hardware and software solutions within the K12 learning environment, Thom provides a unique perspective on the creation of engaging content within the ever-changing world of education technology.
Krista Jones
Krista is the senior advisor & lead of the EdTech cluster at MaRS. She has been a passionate innovator and builder of technology-based businesses since 1988. As an engineer, entrepreneur, mentor, she is known for her comprehensive knowledge of existing and emerging ICE technologies and architectures. To date, Krista has personally advised over 350 startups and worked with 1,300 ventures in the ICE industries. Krista and her husband owned a children’s technology educational franchise that fostered early innovation and creativity in robotics, animation, digital art and video game design.
