We are delighted to share that UBC Faculty of Education alumni Derek Fournier, BPE’92, BEd’93, May Ng, BA, BEd, Dip (Ed), Michael Hengeveld, BSc’99, MET’18, Andy Brar, BEd’13 & Karen Foster, Dip (Ed)’88 have been recognized with the 2025 Regional Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.
The 2025 Regional Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence is part of a prestigious national program that celebrates exceptional educators across Canada. It aims to recognize teachers who demonstrate outstanding dedication, innovation, and leadership in education.
We celebrate the impact of their work on students and the entire community. Congratulations Derek, May, Michael, Andy and Karen!
Derek Fournier, BPE’92, BEd’93
2025 Certificate of Excellence – Teaching Excellence
Derek Fournier, 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.
Learn more about Derek’s work here.
May Ng, BA, BEd, Dip (Ed)
2025 Certificate of Achievement – Teaching Excellence
May Ng has taught IB English, English Language Learning, and Learning Support Services at Richmond Secondary School, where she empowered students to find their voice, build confidence, and connect meaningfully with their community. Guided by the belief that learning is a shared journey, May creates welcoming and collaborative classroom spaces where students explore identity, belonging, and self-expression through creative, tech-integrated projects. Her innovative approach that combines digital tools, gamified learning, and reflective practices help students of all backgrounds grow as communicators, thinkers, and leaders.
A dedicated mentor and community builder, May’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She co-created the Inquiry into Leadership Through Experiential Learning course, rooted in Indigenous philosophy, and led volunteer initiatives that connected over 100 students to meaningful community service opportunities during the pandemic. From 2022 to 2025, while on secondment from the Richmond School District, May 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. As a mentor to these UBC teacher candidates, May bridges theory and practice through her commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centred learning values that continue to define her career and inspire those around her.
Learn more about May’s work here.
Michael Hengeveld, BSc’99, MET’18
2025 Certificate of Achievement – Teaching Excellence in STEM
Michael Hengeveld has served as a Math, Science, Physics, and Computer Programming teacher at Templeton Secondary School, where he has built one of British Columbia’s most innovative and inclusive STEM programs. Through his project-based approach, Michael engages students in real-world problem solving that blends technology, creativity, and collaboration. From designing drones and solar arrays to racing cardboard boats, his students learn to take risks, think critically, and apply their skills in meaningful ways. His classroom motto—“low floor, high ceiling”—ensures that every learner, regardless of background or ability, can access and excel in STEM learning.
A respected leader and mentor in STEM education, Michael has cultivated partnerships with BCIT, UBC, and local tech organizations to expand student opportunities and mentorship. He founded initiatives such as the annual TEMP Talks and STEM Diversity Club to amplify student voice and promote equity and representation in technology fields. His students have gone on to win major national scholarships and awards, including the Loran and Beedie, and to pursue post-secondary studies in engineering and computer science. Beyond his classroom, Michael contributes to professional learning locally and internationally, serving as the Provincial Chair for the BC Skills Wind Turbine competition and presenting at conferences such as PBL World in California.
Learn more about Michael’s work here.
Andy Brar, BEd’13
2025 Certificate of Excellence – 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.
Learn more about Andy’s work here.
Karen Foster, Dip (Ed)’88
2025 Certificate of Achievement – Teaching Excellence
Karen Foster is a joyful, creative, and deeply relational educator whose teaching transforms everyday learning into rich, lasting experiences. Known for her ability to weave connection and passion into all she does, Karen inspires students to engage more deeply with their learning and with one another. Her classroom is a place where empathy, curiosity, and self-expression flourish—where students feel not only challenged, but valued and seen.
Over her career, Karen has consistently embraced innovative practices and leadership roles. She uses art, narrative, and inquiry to bridge content and personal growth, making lessons resonate beyond the curriculum. Her dedication to mentorship, collaboration, and continuous growth has made her a guiding light in her school community. Receiving the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence is a fitting recognition of Karen’s joy, kindness, and enduring impact on learners and colleagues alike.
Learn more about Karen’s work here.
