Meet our 2015 scholarship recipients!
December 16 2015
The Ontario College of Teachers Scholarship Program recognizes and supports excellence in teacher education. This is done through the awarding of annual scholarships to assist in the education of future teachers. 
13th recipient of the Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education
This year’s recipient, Emily Runstedler, is a teacher candidate in the Concurrent Education program at Nipissing University's Brantford Campus, which is offered in partnership with Laurier Brantford.
Emily is known as a committed and enthusiastic volunteer with outstanding academic performance and a true passion for teaching. Her vast experience – working with elementary school students who are struggling with reading, teaching English to newcomers to Canada, helping university students with their homework, working with children at children’s museums, or coaching volleyball and basketball – taught Emily the importance of demonstrating her love for learning in order to foster that same love in students.
Ontario College of Teachers Scholarship - Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate level
This year’s recipient, Alexis de la Torre, is a teacher candidate in the concurrent education program at Brock University.
One person describes a personality trait many admire: she demonstrates a distinct calmness in approaching the students she interacts with.
This valuable asset is serving her well as a volunteer and part-time employee at the York Centre for Children, Youth and Families. According to Domenica Giacomini, the Youth Program Coordinator, Alexis is instrumental in working with students between 6 and 18 years of age with complex demands and diagnoses. Ms. Giacomini said that these include students with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and students with a visual impairment.
Ontario College of Teachers Scholarship - Intermediate/Senior level
This year’s recipient, Nadine Wyczolkowski, is a teacher candidate in the concurrent education program at York University.
Nadine has a real curiosity and passion about teaching and learning.
Her part-time employment as a teaching assistant at Kumon Math and Reading Centre allowed her to work with students with various learning exceptionalities. She truly enjoyed seeing the transformation her students experienced – from facing challenges, to improving their skills, to being genuinely happy with what their accomplishments.
Congratulations to these impressive, dedicated & enthusiastic future teachers.
