Rania Zaki, an Egyptian teacher from Cottingham Junior Public School in Toronto, has been named the recipient of Ontario Certificate of Achievement for 2021. The award is given to teachers who have succeeded in creating a clear impact within their communities. It is expected that Rania will receive her award in a ceremony hosted by her school in Toronto, the date of which has not yet been set, in the presence of prominent figures, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and a member of Parliament for University Rosedale in Toronto.
Immediately after being notified of her winning the award, Rania thanked the Cottingham Junior Public School, noting that she would not have won this prestigious award without the support of her students, their parents and all teaching frameworks.
“Congratulations to all of you.. You are the ones who won the award, not me. I am fortunate to be part of Cottingham School, surrounded by so much support from students, parents and colleagues and society,” said Rania.
At the same time, parents of the students said that their children are truly fortunate to have Rania as a teacher. They described her as a true mentor, a remarkable leader, and a gifted educator. She has faced the unprecedented challenges of the past months – due to the spread of Covid-19 – and she has created profound joy in a hard year.
Rania’s approach is based on tapping the creative powers of her students, on encouraging them to take initiative and develop their leadership skills. She works tirelessly to create a classroom setting and a remote learning environment that honours mental health, physical health, and general well-being. Her teaching is an ongoing commitment to nurture and support her students.
To encourage leadership, Rania allows students to share their knowledge. This is an invaluable exercise and allows students to become increasingly confident by showcasing their strengths.
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence have honoured exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines since 1994, with over 1,600 teachers honoured to date.
Prior to this award, Rania Zaki went through a busy academic and professional path, which began with her family’s emigration from Cairo to Toronto in 2012 to continue her studies in the master’s programme at the Ontario Institute for Educational Studies at the University of Toronto.
Two years later, Rania Zaki graduated from the programme with honours, and in the following year (2015) began her journey teaching as a teacher with the City of Toronto School Board. In 2018, Rania was appointed as a permanent teacher at Cottingham Public Primary School in Toronto.
