At Elmwood School, excellence in education is more than a goal—it is a lived experience. We are proud to announce that two of our remarkable teachers, Ms. Jenny Howell and Mr. Nicholas Gummeson, have been nationally recognized by the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, a testament to their visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and transformational impact in the classroom and beyond.
Ms. Jenny Howell
Recipient, Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM
(One of only two national recipients)
Ms. Jenny Howell, Senior School Chemistry teacher, has received one of the country’s highest honours in education: the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM. This prestigious award celebrates her extraordinary leadership in science education and her enduring impact on students, colleagues, and the broader scientific community.
Ms. Howell is more than an educator—she is a mentor, a role model, and a catalyst for possibility. Through inquiry-driven learning rooted in academic rigour, she inspires girls to not only engage in STEM but to lead it. Her classroom is a place of transformation, where curiosity becomes capability and students are empowered to see themselves as scientists, innovators, and changemakers.
A Teaching Philosophy Grounded in Care and Curiosity
Ms. Howell’s approach to teaching chemistry blends deep subject expertise with the principles of Universal Design, ensuring every student is both challenged and supported. She makes space for real-world relevance and diverse learning styles—whether through virtual simulations, flexible assessments, or creative assignments like the VSEPR “Yoga” lesson. Her innovative “Chemistry Of” project invites students to apply scientific thinking to topics of personal interest, while her mentorship has led to prestigious outcomes, including a student receiving the Morehead-Cain Scholarship.
As an Academic Coach, Jenny supports students with diverse learning needs, championing their success across all subjects. Her inclusive approach ensures that every student feels seen, supported, and capable.
Building a Culture of STEM Leadership
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Howell’s influence continues. She created the “Women in STEM Interview Series”, connecting students with female professionals to explore career pathways and spark inspiration. She also led Elmwood’s “In Our Element” campaign, guiding the modernization of our chemistry lab to mirror university-level learning environments. Her leadership uplifts not only individual students but also our entire school culture.
Jenny Howell’s recognition on the national stage reflects what we at Elmwood have long known: she is shaping the future of science by empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM.
Mr. Nicholas Gummeson
Recipient, Prime Minister’s Certificate of Achievement for Teaching Excellence
Mr. Nicholas Gummeson, Elmwood’s Director of Music, has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Teaching Excellence, honouring his transformative contributions to music education. Since 2008, Mr. Gummeson has redefined what music can mean for students—both as a discipline and as a tool for connection, expression, and belonging.
His classroom is a creative sanctuary where students are encouraged to take risks, find their voices, and grow into confident performers and compassionate individuals. Through a holistic and deeply human approach to music, Mr. Gummeson fosters an environment where learning is joyful, failure is embraced, and self-expression is celebrated.
A Vision of Music as Connection
With a professional background in performance and a strong presence in the local music scene, Nicholas brings the world of music into his classroom—and brings his students into the world. His teaching integrates composition, improvisation, and digital tools, and invites students to explore music through their unique strengths and interests. Whether students are engaging with classical theory, GarageBand compositions, or mathematics-infused melodies, his approach ensures every learner feels empowered.
The music room at Elmwood is more than a place to rehearse. It is a space where students gather outside of class, build lifelong friendships, and experience music as a bridge to belonging.
Nationally Recognized, Deeply Rooted in Community
Mr. Gummeson has expanded Elmwood’s music program to include five competitive ensembles, now involving 35% of the student population. Under his leadership, Elmwood ensembles have earned medals at MusicFest Canada and achieved national recognition. His students regularly participate in open mics, jam sessions, and community performances, deepening their engagement and joy in music.
He is also a model of vulnerability and resilience, sharing his own journey as a lifelong learner with students. In doing so, he shows that artistic growth is never a straight line—and that creativity flourishes in courage and care.
A Shared Legacy of Excellence
Both Ms. Howell and Mr. Gummeson exemplify the very best of Elmwood: educators who lead with heart, challenge with purpose, and believe in the unstoppable potential of every student. Their national recognition affirms what our community sees every day—their ability to transform lives through learning.
We are immensely proud of their achievements and grateful for their continued leadership. Their recognition reminds us that excellence is not only something we aspire to at Elmwood—it is something we live, together.
Let us continue to celebrate and be inspired by the educators who lift our students, our community, and our vision for what is possible.