Innovation in Education Gala Celebration

The Brilliant Labs Innovation in Education Teachers’ Gala recognized 22 teachers from across New Brunswick, April 3, 2024

The Brilliant Labs Innovation in Education Teachers’ Gala was a celebration of educational excellence, held at the Eco Centre in Miramichi, April 3rd 2024. This event spotlighted the outstanding contributions of educators who are pioneering innovative and creative teaching methods in their classrooms.

Norah, a charismatic Grade 6 student, welcomed student co-hosts Grace and Olivia, along with a diverse audience that included educators, students, community members, and education leaders from across New Brunswick. The gala not only recognized individual achievements but also served as a showcase for the forward-thinking projects and teaching strategies that these educators have successfully implemented.

Co-emcees Norah, Grace, and Olivia welcome and introduce guest speakers and awardees at the Brilliant Labs New Brunswick Innovation in Education Teachers’ Gala.

Julie Beaulieu Mason, NB Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Adam Binet, Digital Innovation Lead at the Centre of Excellence for Digital Innovation, and Peter Kelly, Strategic Partnerships Lead at System Excellence and Innovation, Education and Early Childhood Development, are pictured speaking at the podium during the Brilliant Labs New Brunswick Innovation in Education Teachers’ Gala. Each expresses gratitude to the gala’s teachers for their dedication and hard work in supporting New Brunswick’s youth.

Recognition of Educators:

The gala honoured a group of 22 exceptional educators, each of whom has made profound impacts in their respective school districts and the province. These educators have embraced technology, creativity, and hands-on learning to make their classrooms vibrant spaces of discovery and innovation.

Jeff Willson, Executive Director of Brilliant Labs, and Natacha Vautour, Program Director, celebrate and share stories of recipients’ hands-on teaching methods to connect with their students.

• Aimee Christie, Anglophone West, Upper Miramichi Elementary School
• Amy Barrieau, Anglophone North, Max Aitken Academy
• Andrew Jones, Anglophone South, Skilled Trades and Technology, Grand Manan Community School
• Ashley McDade, Anglophone South, Fundy Shores School
• Bertin Lang, Francophone Nord-Ouest, Centre d’apprentissage du Haut Madawaska
• Brigitte Page, Francophone Nord-Ouest, Cité des Jeunes A.-M.-Sormany
• Christopher Domingues, Anglophone East, Riverview High School
• Connie Ellis, Anglophone North, Janeville Elementary School
• Ellen Pooley, Anglophone East, Frank L. Bowser School
• Gisèle Hovey-Doiron, Francophone Sud, Carrefour Beausoleil
• Hélène Lévesque, Francophone Nord-Est, Polyvalente Roland-Pépin
• Jean-Denis Migneault, Francophone Sud, École Sacré-Coeur
• Jennifer Kelly, Anglophone West, George Street Middle School
• Jessica Bourque, Anglophone East, Riverview Middle School
• Joanne Adourian, Elsipogtog First Nation, Elsipogtog School
• Jocelyn Wells, Anglophone South, St. Malachy’s Memorial High School
• Karine Savoie LeBlanc, Francophone Nord-Est, École Soeur Saint-Alexandre
• Lindsey Fairweather, Anglophone West, Gagetown School
• Marie Louise Squire, Anglophone North, Dr. Losier Middle School
• Marie-Christine Noël, Francophone Sud, École L’Odyssée
• Valérie Brown-Tremblay, Francophone Nord-Est, École Léandre-LeGresley
• Zoe Boudreau, Francophone Sud, Ecole Claudette-Bradshaw

Event Highlights:

The gala was interspersed with performances by students from a recent Brilliant Labs Songwriting Camp, showcasing the rich talent and creativity fostered by these educators in their students. This added a delightful cultural dimension to the evening and underscored the importance of integrating arts into education.

Terry Whalen, ASD-North / Brilliant Labs Song Writing Camp co-organizer and BL Scott Legge, collaborated with Chris Kirby, an award-winning songwriter, artist, and producer, as well as Charles Emm, Amber Walls, and Jeremy Moar, among others. They worked with students in the days leading up to the Brilliant Labs New Brunswick Innovation in Education Teachers’ Gala. The performances were met with celebration and enthusiasm. The BL Song Writing Camp will be announcing more oppotunties and events for youth in the coming weeks and months. Follow on social media and subscribe to BL Innovation News for updates.

The educators recognized here are not just teaching curriculum but are shaping the future, equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in a changing world. Their contributions are igniting a passion for learning and creativity that will resonate with their students and the broader educational community in New Brunswick for years to come. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of innovators.

A heartfelt thanks to our funders and supporters: CanCode, The Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD), and the City of Miramichi; and the collaboration with the New Brunswick Centre of Excellence in Education and STEM North, within the ASD-North district, and Avltech Solutions whose AV support was essential. which have been essential in bringing this gala to life. Together, we champion these innovative educators, and we appreciate your dedication and support.

CanCode, The Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD), and the City of Miramichi; and the collaboration with the New Brunswick Centre of Excellence in Education and STEM North, within the ASD-North district.

Visit brilliantlabs.ca/learningandteaching to learn more!