Celebrating Excellence: Megan Russell Honoured with Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM
Foothills Academy is excited to celebrate Megan Russell, who has been awarded a Regional Certificate of Achievement for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Award (PMA) for Teaching Excellence in STEM. This national recognition highlights educators across the country who demonstrate outstanding innovation, leadership, and dedication in the classroom, and Megan exemplifies all of these qualities and more.
Celebrating Excellence: Megan Russell Honoured with Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM
Foothills Academy is excited to celebrate Megan Russell, who has been awarded a Regional Certificate of Achievement for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Award (PMA) for Teaching Excellence in STEM. This national recognition highlights educators across the country who demonstrate outstanding innovation, leadership, and dedication in the classroom, and Megan exemplifies all of these qualities and more.
“Having a teacher receive a Prime Minister’s Award is an incredible honour and a proud moment for our entire Foothills community. Megan’s passion, creativity, and unwavering belief in her students’ potential shine through in everything she does, making her a truly exceptional educator and role model,” says Ashley Barber, School Principal, Foothills Academy Society.
A Passion for Learning and Connection
Megan’s genuine excitement for math and science is contagious. She uses her enthusiasm to help students embrace learning with curiosity, confidence, and joy. Loved by both staff and students, Megan brings warmth, humour, and creativity to every lesson, transforming her classroom into a space where students feel safe to take risks, build resilience, and discover their strengths.
With a background in theatre and a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, Megan’s approach is rooted in connection. She takes the time to get to know each student, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Her lessons blend structure with imagination, making even the most complex concepts accessible and engaging for all learners.
Innovation in STEM
No day is the same. Megan brings STEM to life through hands-on, cross-curricular projects and interactive learning experiences. Whether students are mapping the solar system on the field with string and beads, hatching chicks from incubated eggs, or solving a school-wide “murder mystery” using forensic science, her lessons spark curiosity and critical thinking.
She also integrates creative digital tools, like Reflex Math, to make learning accessible and effective, strategies that have now been adopted school-wide. Her commitment to innovation ensures every student can experience success and see themselves as capable, confident learners.
Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Megan’s impact extends far beyond her own classroom. She has presented at the South Western Alberta Teachers' Convention Association, sharing insights on supporting students with learning disabilities and ADHD in her inspiring session, 4-titude Math: Mathematics and Learning Beyond Adversity.
Dedicated to continuous growth, Megan volunteers with the Centre for ADHD Awareness (CADDAC), collaborates with colleagues across grade levels, and mentors new teachers. She is also a vital part of our school community, volunteering for fundraisers to help ensure that financial barriers never prevent students from accessing Foothills Academy’s transformative programs.
A Well-Deserved Honour
Megan’s recognition through the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM is a testament to her passion, creativity, and deep commitment to her students’ success. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of the Foothills Academy community and grateful for the lasting impact she makes every day.
Congratulations, Megan! This honour is so well deserved.