Scholarship Recipients
The Ontario College of Teachers’ Scholarship Program awards four $1,500 scholarships to exemplary students enrolled in a teacher education program in Ontario.
This direct financial assistance helps future teachers who have demonstrated courage, perseverance and excellence, while being dedicated to the highest standards of teaching.
Meet our 2025 SCholarship Recipients
The following recipients were selected to receive this year’s awards:
Christine Clark, OCT, Faduma Elmi, OCT, Urooj Ahsan, and Julia Havey.
JOSEPH W. ATKINSON SCHOLARSHIP FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHER EDUCATION
CHRISTINE CLARK, OCT – TRENT UNIVERSITY
For years, Christine Clark has dedicated herself to supporting children’s growth and learning, both in the classroom and in the community. Her credentials in Early Childhood Education and Child and Youth Studies pair strong academics with years of hands-on experience working with children with special needs.
Christine’s role as a foster caregiver and mentor to prospective foster caregivers with Durham Children’s Aid Society demonstrates her leadership skills and deep sense of care and empathy. Along the way, she’s been recognized with top honours like Trent University’s Muldoon Medal for excellence.
Other teachers have remarked on Christine’s passion and commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating a classroom community where every student can succeed. Undoubtedly, she is poised to provide a positive and lasting impact as an educator.
ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS PRIMARY/JUNIOR OR JUNIOR/INTERMEDIATE SCHOLARSHIP
FADUMA ELMI, OCT - Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
Raised largely in a marginalized community, Faduma is deeply committed to equity, youth empowerment and inclusive education. Prior to pursuing graduate studies at OISE, she earned an advanced diploma and a bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care, both with distinction.
Driven by her desire to give back and be a visible role model for underrepresented communities, Faduma has taken on leadership roles with BGC Eastview program at the Ralph Thornton Community Centre, where she has created welcoming, culturally responsive spaces for children and youth. She has been recognized for her tireless dedication with awards such as the William Waters Graduate Award and the Dr. ABC Educational Foundation Journey Award.
A former colleague notes “in a profession that calls for resilience, inclusivity, and an unwavering belief in children’s potential, Faduma stands out. She is exactly the kind of educator Ontario’s classrooms need: someone who reflects the communities she serves, who understands the lived experiences of her students, and who is prepared to shape the next generation with grace, compassion, and purpose.”
ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP
UROOJ AHSAN - YORK UNIVERSITY
With years of teaching experience at the postsecondary level and a doctorate in chemistry, Urooj Ahsan has built an impressive academic and professional career, exemplifying commitment to students and student learning.
Since immigrating to Canada in 2016, Urooj has continued her journey in education, maintaining a GPA of 8.5/9 in the bachelor of education program at York University. Her resilience and dedication to building a new life and career in Canada are reflective of the care she brings to classrooms. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusive education through her practicum work, leadership as a school council chair, and volunteer roles with organizations like the Terry Fox Foundation, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and Right to Play Canada.
Recognizing the systemic barriers some students face, Urooj works to create inclusive, trauma-informed classrooms that support each learner’s full participation. With her depth of experience and focus on equity, STEM, and culturally responsive teaching, she is ready to inspire and make a lasting difference as an educator.
BRIAN P. MCGOWAN SCHOLARSHIP FOR RESILIENCE
JULIA HAVEY - QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
Julia Havey’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Overcoming mental health challenges and caring for her mother who was undergoing cancer treatment during her undergraduate years, she excelled academically and maintained a spot on the Dean’s Honour List. Her dedication to literacy and inclusion shines through her volunteer work with Queen’s Students for Literacy and the Queen’s add*Ed Research Group, as well as her time spent supporting children with exceptionalities.
One of her associate teachers highlighted her great communication and classroom management skills, and her ability to fairly and equitably keep the attention of her students.
Julia’s lived experiences nurtured her empathy and drive to create classrooms where every student feels seen and supported. Her perseverance and compassion model the power of education to transform lives and will undoubtedly inspire students.
Past recipients
2024
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Elora Passafiume, OCT
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Prachi Tanwar, OCT
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Sarah Kaye, OCT
Brian P. McGowan Scholarship for Resilience: Lucas Aragao, OCT
2023
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Sanya Cardoza
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Tom Friesen
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Ana Kraljvecic
Brian P. McGowan Scholarship for Resilience: b Wrauley
2022
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Grace Rajballie
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Josée Lamoureux
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Kaitlyn Heasman
Brian P. McGowan Scholarship for Resilience: Shawn Dhaliwal
2021
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Mikayla Bornais
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Anthonia Ikemeh
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Joshua Mogyoros
Brian P. McGowan Scholarship for Resilience: Rachel Stymiest
2020
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Kai Butterfield
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Melena Hope
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Damon O'Shea
2019
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Mia Kakebeeke
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Fatima Ahmed
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Jordan Cascagnette
2018
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Taylor Crawford
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Sarah Salt
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Luke Sawczak
2017
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Devan Kernaghan
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Nicole Billington
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Kara Nagel
2016
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Krista Bradshaw
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Maria Sinclair
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Patrick Vaillancourt
2015
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Emily Runstedler
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Alexis de la Torre
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Nadine Wyczolkowski
2014
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Hélène Le françois
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Rosalind McCanny
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Stephanie Lum
2013
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Jennifer Cook
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship: Shyla Pogany
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship: Emma Dunn
2012
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Jennifer Parker
2011
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Courtney Leigh Edwards
2010
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Christopher Carswell
2009
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: William Snodgrass
2008
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Valerie Hathaway-Warner
2007
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Megan Hamilton Clifford
2006
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Ainsley Raeanne Latour
2005
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Gillian Lamoureux
2004
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Tracy Beck
2003
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education: Claire Button
