Congratulations to Mirela Adushi Mahmutaj, the Science Department Head at Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School, who has been awarded a National Certificate of Excellence for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Award (PMA) for Teaching Excellence. Having a teacher be awarded a Prime Minister’s Award, particularly the national-level award, is an honour and a proud moment for our school and community.
Mirela truly inspires the desire for learning. Her initiatives have not only enhanced the quality of teaching but also fostered a culture of collaboration, equity, and excellence. During her time at Marshall McLuhan, Mirela has had a positive impact on students, exemplifying excellence and achievement in the areas of: Digital and Creative Literacy in the Classroom, Innovative and Exemplary Teaching Practices, Support for Student Success and Skills Development, Global Citizenship and Community Involvement, and Commitment and Leadership.
Mirela uses interactive educational platforms to enhance students' ability to collect and analyze data, visualize abstract concepts, and develop critical thinking skills in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Mirela also aligns her teaching with Differentiated Instruction (DI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. She was a pioneer in employing tools such as the TI-Nspire graphing calculator and GeoGebra in Mathematics, and Vernier LabQuest Probeware, PhET Interactive Simulations, and ExploreLearning Gizmos in Science courses. Her innovative use of Smartboards, Jamboard, Kahoot, Quizlet, and EdPuzzle enhances student engagement and comprehension.
Mirela inspires her students to achieve excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). As the Science Department Head at Marshall McLuhan Secondary School, Mirela initiated and sustained school-wide Science Fairs for Grades 9 to 12, offering professional development for colleagues and mentorship opportunities for elementary schools. Her dedication to equity and inclusivity is exemplified by her collaboration with Intensive Support Programs (ISP), which allows students of all abilities to enjoy hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning.
Mirela’s impact on her students extends beyond the classroom. She initiated and led cocurricular programs such as the Science Club, Mentorship and Tutoring Programs, and the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Club, which prepares students for careers in health and leadership. She organized workshops and seminars with renowned researchers and institutions, including the University of Toronto’s "3D Printing in Medicine" program and Mount Sinai Hospital’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Pueblo Science research organization. Mirela’s cross-curricular collaborations have supported students in integrating programming languages such as Python and Java into their science fair projects. She has also guided students to excel in provincial and international competitions, including the Waterloo Avogadro and Chem13 exams, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams and Waterloo Industry 4.0 Design Competition. Her mentorship has inspired students to pursue research in fields ranging from Biotechnology to Artificial Intelligence.
Mirela has established partnerships with institutions such as the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, the Bloomberg Nursing Simulation Lab, and environmental organizations like the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. These collaborations have provided students with opportunities to engage in real-world problem-solving and experiential learning. Mirela’s work with Indigenous communities has deepened her students’ understanding of diverse perspectives. She organized seminars featuring Indigenous scientists and knowledge keepers, such as Dr. Leroy Little Bear and Elders Wendy and Mark Phillips, to explore ecosystem sustainability and Blackfoot research methodologies. Currently, Mirela has an ongoing collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency to engage students in scientific space research and exploration – with the hope that our students will later contribute to Canadian scientific developments.
Mirela has led workshops for the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), including the 21C/Tech Innovative Sessions, and founded the annual "Women on the Rise in STEAM" event, which connects students with female leaders in science and technology. She has shared her research findings in the Toronto Secondary Union newsletter and hosted international delegations, showcasing her expertise in advanced technology platforms. She has provided professional development, led co-teaching and colearning, and created resources for Science teachers and teacher candidates at Marshall McLuhan and Board-wide for the TCDSB.
Congratulations, Mirela!
