STAO recognizes the contributions of our members to Science education in Ontario and the organization through a variety of STAO awards.
Click on the name of each award to see a description.
STAO/APSO LIFE MEMBER AWARD
This is the most prestigious award given by STAO/APSO and is offered as a means of recognizing outstanding and sustained service to STAO/APSO over a period of at least 15 years.
In selecting the recipient, the committee considers primarily the nominee’s significant contributions to STAO/APSO over a long period of time.
One or more Life Member Awards may be presented each year.
STAO/APSO JACK BELL AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
This award is named in honour of Mr. Jack Bell, who provided liaison between STAO/APSO and the Ministry of Education for many years.
This award is to be presented to STAO/APSO members who have demonstrated outstanding and sustained leadership in science education in Ontario over a period of many years. The prime consideration in selecting the recipient of this award is the direct and substantial contribution to the large scale improvement of science education at the elementary, secondary or post-secondary level in Ontario.
One or more of these awards can be presented in any academic year.
STAO/APSO EMERITUS AWARD
This award is reserved for a STAO/APSO member upon retirement. The STAO/APSO Emeritus Award recognizes exemplary leadership and excellence in the teaching of science over a career. These contributions may have occurred at the local, provincial or national level.
STAO/APSO MERIT AWARD
The STAO/APSO Merit Award recognizes a member’s leadership and excellence in the teaching of science. The award may recognize a single outstanding accomplishment or may recognize excellence and leadership over a period of time.
One or more of these awards can be presented in any academic year.
STAO/APSO IRWIN TALESNICK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE
This award is named in honour of Mr. Irwin Talesnick, Professor Emeritus of Queen’s University. Mr. Talesnick is a long time supporter of STAO/APSO and managed the STAO/APSO Resource Centre for many years.
This award is offered as a means of recognizing excellence in the teaching of science in Ontario.
One or more of these awards may be given each year.
In selecting the recipient(s) of the award, the committee will consider primarily the nominee’s sustained, exemplary performance as a teacher of science at any level. Unique and/or extraordinary accomplishments in science teaching are a requirement of the nominee.
STAO/APSO SERVICE AWARD
The STAO/APSO Service Award is given to a member in recognition of outstanding contributions to STAO/APSO.
A member may receive this award once only.
One or more of these awards can be presented in any academic year.
If you are interested in nominating a STAO/APSO member for a STAO award, please reach out to info@stao.ca for the most up to date nomination package.