Canada’s Burgeoning EdTech Sector Recognizes National Award Winners
Recognizing Canada’s Education and Industry Leaders: Embracing 21st Century Innovation
TORONTO, ON, November 10th — MindShare Learning Technology, Canada’s leading EdTech solutions company, recently launched the inaugural Canadian EdTech Awards at the 7th Annual Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit at the MaRS Discovery District.
The inaugural Canadian EdTech Awards celebrates innovative leaders for their excellence in education and industry. The winners were selected through a national survey amongst the education community. The following is a list of award winners who have been recognized by their peers (with corresponding award categories):
K-12 Educator of the Year – Brian Aspinall, Award Winning Educator, LKDSB
K-12 Leader of the Year – Chris Kennedy, Supt. & CEO, West Vancouver SD
Post-Secondary Leader of the Year – Dr. Alec Couros, Assoc. Professor UofR
EdTech Business Leader of the Year – FreshGrade
AWARD WINNER QUOTES
K-12 Educator of the Year Award presented to Brian Aspinall, Award Winning Educator, LKDSB (C) by Robert Martellacci, President, MindShare Learning Technology (L) and James Gallagher, G&A Corporate (R)
“Being recognized as a k-12 innovative educator among so many great Canadian teachers is such an a honour! I’m still shocked! I am inspired to continue to keep learning, sharing and teaching! Thank you.”
— Brian Aspinall, Award Winning Educator, LKDSB, on leave with Fair Chance Learning
“I am honoured that the great work we have done over the last 10 years in West Vancouver continues to be so highly regarded locally and across the country.”
— Chris Kennedy, Superintendent & CEO, West Vancouver School District
“I am sincerely honoured to receive this award, but I want to acknowledge my incredible learning network that contributes daily to a great deal of my professional success.”
— Alec Couros, Associate Professor, Educational Technology & Media, University of Regina
EdTech Business Leader of the Year Award presented to Terri Brown, Director of Professional Development, freshgrade (C) by Robert Martellacci, President, MindShare Learning Technology (L) and James Gallagher, G&A Corporate (R)
“We are proud to receive the EdTech Business Leader of the Year award. It speaks to the hard work of our team, our supporters, teachers, parents, educational leaders, and change-makers who are making a difference for students.”
— Lane Merrifield, FreshGrade, Co-founder and CEO.
This year’s summit was also host to the Startup Challenge – Seven startup’s competed in a dragons’ den style competition with the winner receiving an award and booth space at FETC 2016, Orlando. This year’s edtech startup award was given to SkyPrep. Other startups Peekapak and Helping Hands were given second and third place respectively.
(L-R) Robert Martellacci, President, MindShare Learning Technology and Peter Singh, Chief Technology Officer, TDSB present the Startup Award to Sara Rehman, Business Development & Operations Manager, SkyPrep.
“It was an honor to be recognized for our mission and commitment to accessible learning, especially alongside the stellar companies that presented at the summit. We are thrilled to have been able to showcase BoostHQ and excited about the opportunity to continue our growth and make an even stronger impact in the EdTech hub.”
— Sara Rehman, Business Development & Operation Manager, SkyPrep
About the Canadian EdTech Sector
The Canadian EdTech industry is one of the fasting growing sectors in Canada, valued at over 1 billion dollars annually. EdTech encompasses K-12 and postsecondary technology solutions, including hardware, software, cloud-based solutions, STEM products (3D printing, robotics), and digital learning content.
About MindShare Learning Technology
MindShare Learning is Canada’s leading EdTech industry consulting, news and events media company. MindShare counsels education and industry leaders in understanding the emerging needs of learners to succeed in the 21st Century global knowledge-based digital economy to support student success. www.mindsharelearning.com
For more information, please contact:
Bradley Grant, Digital Learning Specialist, MindShare Learning Technology
phone: (416) 455 6536
Robert Martellacci, President, MindShare Learning Technology
phone: (416) 569-2106
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