On November 25, Strathcona Elementary held a very special assembly to honour teacher Colleen Sturrock for winning the prestigious Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence.

Sturrock was treated to a colourful slideshow of photos showcasing how big an impact she's had on the school. Then she was presented with a card and honoured in front of the entire school (along with a good number of family members).

Sturrock has taught at Strathcona for 14 years. Strathcona's former principal Margaret Jorgensen says she has provided exceptional educational leadership in the areas of early learning, differentiation, inclusion and collaborative inquiry.

"She is an outstanding educator and teacher leader. There are many reasons why I think that Colleen is a very special person and professional who deserves to receive this recognition," she says. "Over the years, I have come to know her as an exceptionally caring, compassionate, creative and inspiring teacher in the Inner City. While the population at Strathcona is diverse, many of our students live in poverty and come from extremely deprived circumstances. Colleen has quietly attended to their needs while working with families and community partners to do so."

Jorgensen says one of Sturrock's greatest strengths is her ability to take a "child-centred" approach in meeting the needs of the diverse learners in her classroom.

"She lays the foundation for success by meeting the learners where they are. Her practice fosters the development of students and their intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth," she says. "When you enter Colleen's classroom, you see her differentiated approach as students learn alongside each other in math and literacy centers."