The Bank of Canada Museum has announced the recipients of its third annual Award for Excellence in Teaching Economics. This year, the honours go to two exceptional educators: Philippe Bélanger-Leroux from École secondaire Toronto Ouest in Toronto, Ontario, and Kimberly Orr from St. George’s School in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Museum received nominations from across the country, which were then reviewed by a jury composed of Bank of Canada staff and experts from non-profit organizations and government agencies specializing in economics and education.
Philippe Bélanger-Leroux, this year's middle school recipient, creatively integrated literature into his economics lessons. While discussing Franco-Ontarian author Liliane L. Gratton's novel "C’est ici que tout a commencé!", Bélanger-Leroux focused on pay equity, helping his students gain a clearer understanding of this economic injustice and its persistence today. He further facilitated student comprehension by organizing a classroom career fair where students calculated wages based on gender statistics.
High school recipient Kimberly Orr encouraged her students to organize a school-wide business plan competition. Drawing inspiration from the CBC television program Dragons’ Den, students identified market needs and developed solutions with Orr's guidance. Local entrepreneurs judged the competition, generating enthusiasm throughout the school and sparking interest in economics among students.
Deputy Governor Sharon Kozicki praised both educators' innovative approaches to teaching economics. “What stood out to us was Kimberly’s ability to create an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning with an activity that energized the whole school and Phillipe’s creative connection of literature and economics," she said. "Making economics memorable is a key educational approach that both these teachers excel at.”
Each winner will receive $1,000 along with a gift basket of items for their class. More information about this year's winners can be found on the Museum’s website.
The Bank of Canada Museum plans to open nominations for next year’s award later this autumn.
The Bank of Canada Museum, located in Ottawa, Ontario, is the only museum in Canada dedicated to economic and financial literacy. It offers a range of services including free school programs, lesson plans, and activities aimed at supporting teachers and students.