The Teacher Education Office is pleased to share that UBC BEd alumni May Ng, Derek Fournier and Andy Brar have received the Regional Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence. The Prime Minister’s Awards recognize teachers and early childhood educators for their outstanding achievements in education, with categories including Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM, and Early Childhood Education.
May Ng | 2025 Certificate of Achievement, Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence
From 2022 to 2025, while on secondment from the Richmond School District, May Ng served as an adjunct teaching professor and IB-Diploma Programme (IB-DP) cohort coordinator in the Bachelor of Education program. In the current 2025/26 BEd program, she is the IB English specialist instructor for the UBC IB-DP and IB-Middle Years Programme (IB-MYP) workshop.
During her time as a cohort coordinator and instructor, May has exemplified her strong commitment to decolonizing, anti-racist, and social justice approaches to teaching, as well as to fostering inclusivity and teaching effectively in a welcoming environment—all core tenets of the UBC teacher education program.
Andy Brar, BEd’13 | 2025 Certificate of Excellence, Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence
Andy Brar has taught Business, Leadership, and Physical Education in Northeast Calgary, the same community where he grew up and continues to give back as an educator and mentor. Deeply connected to his students’ lived experiences, Andy fosters a sense of belonging, resilience, and pride in identity. His teaching emphasizes practical life skills, from financial literacy and digital fluency to teamwork and perseverance, ensuring students gain the confidence and leadership tools to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
A dedicated community builder, Andy’s work extends far past school walls. He led the four-year Outdoor Basketball Court Initiative, creating a lasting community space, and developed the Celebrating the Northeast leadership series to honour local identity and achievement. Through initiatives like the Higgins Speaker Series and Culture Day, Andy connects students with role models and opportunities that promote empowerment and inclusion. His mentorship and innovative leadership programs have been recognized by the Calgary Board of Education, reflecting his commitment to nurturing self-worth, community pride, and lifelong success in every student he teaches.
Derek Fournier, BPE’92, BEd’93 | 2025 Certificate of Excellence, Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence
Derek Fournier, BPE’92, BEd’93, is an educator with the Surrey School District, teaching English and Social Studies in grades 8 to 12. His compassionate and student-centred approach has left a lasting impact on both students and colleagues. Known for his calm presence, humour, and dedication to wellbeing, he fosters meaningful relationships that cultivate trust, inclusion, and personal growth. His teaching practice integrates creativity, digital literacy, and mental health awareness, empowering students to engage critically and confidently with their learning.
Throughout his career, Derek has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering community, equity, and belonging. He established the “Civic Mirror” program to inspire civic engagement, leads monthly Humanities meetings focused on connection and responsible AI use, and models mentorship and collaboration across departments. His advocacy for open dialogue around equity and inclusion continues to strengthen the culture of care and empathy within his school community—values that define his work as an educator and leader.
Please join us in congratulating May Ng, Derek Fournier and Andy Brar on this prestigious and well-deserved achievement.