Peace Wapiti Public School Division is thrilled to share that Mrs. Rhonda Johnson, music teacher at Helen E. Taylor School in Wembley, has been awarded the 2025 Prime Minister’s Teaching Excellence Award.
Mrs. Johnson says she is truly honoured to receive this award. “I believe music is a powerful tool for emotional growth, self-expression, and connection, and I am so proud of all my students for allowing themselves to become fully immersed in its profound effects.” Colleagues say Mrs. Johnson is a dedicated and innovative music teacher who brings creativity and collaboration into every lesson.
Helen E. Taylor School Principal, Mrs. Cindy Young, says Mrs. Johnson is unwavering in her dedication to student success. “She continuously goes above and beyond to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, providing personalized support, feedback, and guidance, creating a classroom atmosphere where all students feel valued and supported.” She shares that Mrs. Johnson exemplifies what it means to be a committed educator and leader who is continuously helping to shape the educational philosophy of the school.
One parent describes Mrs. Johnson as a passionate and dedicated Fine Arts teacher. “Her impact on the students of Helen E. Taylor School goes beyond traditional music instruction. She consistently goes above and beyond to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that empower her students to explore and express their creativity.” One such opportunity is the annual CBC Music Class Challenge, where her students have achieved Top 10 national placements three times. “Her ability to inspire her students to produce high-quality work in such a competitive environment speaks volumes about her teaching effectiveness and the genuine care she has for her students’ growth.” Mrs. Johnson’s CBC Music Class Challenges can be found on her YouTube channel.
Since 1994, the Prime Minister’s Awards have honoured more than 2,300 outstanding educators across Canada. Award recipients are determined based on a rigorous two-tier selection process, undertaken by over 100 volunteers from the education and early childhood education communities. This year’s 35 award recipients were chosen from 175 nominations.