Mary Ellen Gucciardi has earned one of Canada’s highest awards in the education profession: The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s (RCGS) Innovation in Geography Teaching Award.

For almost a decade, she introduced teachers and students to the cultures and traditions of some of the First Nations of Canada—the Cree, Anishinaabe, Iroquois and Mohawk bands of Ontario—and the Inuit of the High Arctic. 

“It is truly an honour to receive this award,” says Gucciardi. “I feel strongly that inspiring young people to appreciate Canada’s geographic landscape through experience, whether it be through a Google Hangout or in their community on the land, can be transformational for students. This approach to teaching has become my passion.”

As a teacher with Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board who teaches at Humber College for the School Within a College programming. We see Mary Ellen’s dedication and passion for student success on a daily basis. Humber is committed to providing educational pathways to students, and Mary Ellen’s commitment to student learning is instrumental. We are pleased to see her work recognized by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

The Innovation in Geography Teaching Award comprises a medal and $2,500 prize, split evenly between the award winner and a donation in their name to a Canadian charitable organization. Mary Ellen Gucciardi will be donating her award money to Arctic Children and Youth Foundation. The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented Gucciardi with the award at a medal ceremony on November 21.

Read the complete story here.

April-Dawn Blackwell, MBA
Associate Dean, Pathways 
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Innovative Learning