Meet our 2022 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.

This year, 110 applications were received, and the following recipients were selected to receive this year’s awards:

Shawn Dhaliwal, Grace Rajballie, Kaitlyn Heasman and Josée Lamoureux

Brian P. McGowan Scholarship for resilience 

Shawn Dhaliwal, York University 

I went from a kid scared to share his ideas, bounded by his wheelchair and what he thought he couldn’t do, to an independent, goal-driven, and confident young man.

Life experience that prepared Shawn for teaching:

• In his first teaching experience, he worked at a private school where he supported children with exceptionalities.

• Shawn volunteered to assist high school teachers in numerous subjects including history, business/technology and English as a Second Language. He helped students with English language acquisition and created lessons on successful presentation and essay writing.

• In addition to earning a certificate at a Google Summit three-day information technology training session, he also took the time to help students and members of the training team throughout the session.

• Shawn mentored members of a high school’s DECA club where he oversaw and executed training sessions that prepared emerging leaders for college and careers.

• He was awarded with the Jacor Marketing Student Equality Award for raising awareness of bullying and suicide prevention and for promoting inclusivity and equality in his high school and the broader community of the Peel District School Board.

What Shawn’s references say about his abilities for teaching:

• A caring and patient leader with an ability to adapt to new situations, engage students in thought provoking discussions, write well, and exhibit exceptional presentation skills.

• Enthusiastic, collaborative and a keen learner who motivates his peers, seeks feedback and makes necessary modifications.

• Shawn has this great ability to effectively communicate with people of varying ages and abilities.

Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education 

Grace Rajballie, Redeemer University 

I plan to acknowledge and celebrate ethnic minorities and marginalized individuals who contribute to the diverse fabric of Canada.

Life experience that prepared Grace for teaching:

• Grace was a university tutor, teaching assistant, research assistant, youth summer program coordinator, orientation leader, high school classroom helper, and elementary school tutor. She also taught Grade 2 students in a private school.

• She volunteered alongside a teacher in Zambia with African Vision of Hope, a humanitarian organization committed to providing education, healthcare and safety to children living in extreme poverty.

• Grace was a reporter for Redeemer’s student-run publication where she sought to shine the spotlight on underrepresented voices, a practice she plans to integrate into her classroom culture. She co-initiated a publication for teacher candidates, addressing topics that are of specific interest to students. She was also part of the executive leadership team of the Future Teachers’ Association at Redeemer.

• She volunteered for Best Buddies, a charity that promotes inclusion by creating one-to-one friendships between individuals living with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Grace was awarded the Board of Governors Scholarship, the Redeemer University Psychology Scholarship and the Merit Scholarship.

What Grace’s references say about her abilities for teaching:

• A compassionate and collaborative leader with a gentle touch who is enthusiastic, confident, flexible with others’ perspectives, and is not quick to judge when a contrary opinion is offered.

• Grace is open-minded, positive and curious about learning and teaching. She develops detailed, purposeful and engaging lessons.

• Well-organized and creative, she invests deeply into students in getting to know them, fostering their love of learning and classroom culture.

Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship 

Kaitlyn Heasman, Queens University 

Teaching is powerful and life-changing, and I cannot think of a more exciting career for myself.

Life experience that prepared Kaitlyn for teaching:

• In high school, she served as student council president and as a tutor where she created a lesson on race and racial awareness to help students respect people of different cultures.

• Kaitlyn volunteered as a tutor with the Links to Learning Resource Centre where she worked with children with disabilities. She also worked as a Residence Assistant where she supported first-year students in Queen’s University residences and created programming to meet community needs.  

• In university, Kaitlyn led weekly tutorials for students on best practices for second language acquisition and completed four practicums in French and English settings.

• Kaitlyn earned numerous awards for her leadership roles including the Queen’s Principal’s Scholarship, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Memorial Prize, Prix Molière, and was on the Dean’s Honour List for several years.

What Kaitlyn’s references say about her abilities for teaching:

• A sensitive, reliable, committed, and respectful team player who deeply value others.

• Kaitlyn is a great listener who is encouraging and supportive to others around her and who is enjoying taking on challenges.

• She demonstrates intellectual maturity, critical thinking and creativity

Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship 

Josée Lamoureux, Université Laurentienne  

I want to be a role model for showing kindness, compassion, empathy, positivity, and leadership in order for my students to be contributing members of society.

Life experience that prepared Josée for teaching:

• As a Child and Youth Worker, Josée has been working at a Child Care Centre and worked at a Children’s Treatment Centre in Sudbury helping children better themselves.

• While a student at Collège Boréal, she assisted a special needs individual for one year, helping them with notes and clarifying questions.

• Josée was a summer program coordinator and community volunteer who organized family tournaments, Canada Day activities, school trips, and served food at banquets for the elderly.

• She was awarded numerous bursaries for her high grades, perfect attendance and leadership in sports. She also received awards or recognition from a number of organizations including the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board, the Geneva Centre for Autism and LivingWorks safeTALK.

What Josée’s references say about her abilities for teaching:

• Josée is a hard worker with an outstanding sense of organization who shows perseverance, reliability, integrity, and flexibility.

• An enthusiastic individual who demonstrates empathy, creativity and leadership who connects well with students.

• A confident, mature person with great people skills, technical abilities and an even greater love for children.

Congratulations to these impressive, dedicated and enthusiastic future teachers!