Three teachers receive Inspiring Educator Award

Three Alberta teachers have been named recipients of the TELUS World of Science 2025 Inspiring Educator Award, an initiative recognizing educators who make science engaging and accessible for students.

Created to mark the 40th anniversary of TELUS World of Science, this award highlights teachers who encourage curiosity and inspire discovery in the classroom. 

This year’s recipients are Hannah Ludlage, a junior high teacher at Cold Lake Junior High in Cold Lake; Chayce Moon, an elementary teacher at Glendale Sciences and Technology School in Red Deer; and Julie Arsenault, a junior high teacher at Michael Strembitsky School in Edmonton.

“I was absolutely thrilled when I found out I had been selected for the Telus World of Science Inspiring Educator Award,” said Moon. “It was such an incredible honour to be recognized for sharing my love of science with students.”

With the program sponsored by EPCOR, each award winner will receive a $1,000 classroom grant to support science education, as well as a complimentary TELUS World of Science–Edmonton field trip for their entire class, which can be delivered either in person or virtually.

“The Inspiring Educator Award shines a spotlight on teachers who go above and beyond to make science engaging, accessible and exciting for their students,” said Constance Scarlett, president and CEO of TELUS World of Science–Edmonton. “We look forward to seeing how this year’s recipients use their classroom funds and science centre programs to continue their efforts.”

For the teachers receiving the award, the recognition serves as both encouragement and inspiration to keep finding creative ways to bring science to life in their classrooms.

Arsenault plans to use the award to help build on the learning experiences her students will have during their trip to the TELUS World of Science. 

“I am planning to use the money to purchase robots that my students will learn how to code during our field trip,” said Arsenault. She also intends to expand this unique learning opportunity well beyond her own classroom. “I want to have my junior high students partner with some elementary classes to help support their new coding and technology curriculum outcomes.”

Moon says science and hands-on learning play an incredibly important role in the classroom, encouraging curiosity, problem solving and critical thinking. 

“When students actively explore and experiment, they develop a deeper understanding of concepts rather than just memorizing facts,” said Moon. “These experiences also make learning more engaging and help students connect classroom lessons to the real world.” 

As education resources continue to shrink, Ludlage points out that having organizations like TELUS World of Science and EPCOR behind teachers allows their students to explore and discover things that otherwise simply wouldn’t be possible. 

“The support doesn’t just impact one classroom in one year—it benefits students for years to come,” said Ludlage. “Teachers are thoughtful with how we spend, always aiming to create meaningful and lasting learning opportunities.” 

TELUS World of Science–Edmonton is operated by the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation, a charitable organization focused on creating opportunities for lifelong learning and scientific exploration. The centre serves as a hub for science engagement in the region, offering immersive experiences and educational programming for all ages.

More information on the Inspiring Educator Award and this year’s winners can be found at twose.ca/InspiringEducatorAward.