Lethbridge Collegiate teacher wins national Prime Minister's Award
Cilena Mathieu was one of only 60 teachers nationwide chosen for a Certificate of Excellence out of 221 nominations this year.
Cilena Mathieu, a teacher at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, has received a Certificate of Excellence in this year's Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence. She was selected from 221 nominations as one of 60 educators recognized nationally this year.
Mathieu teaches grades 9 through 12 in Science, Physics, Space Exploration and Astronomy, and was honoured for her leadership in the school's STEM program, which blends science, technology, engineering and mathematics through real-world applications. Her biographical write-up credits her with developing innovative space exploration and astronomy programs that let students compete at national and international levels.
Former LCI principal Annette Fox-BruisedHead said Mathieu cultivates a culture where students feel both challenged and championed, confidently collaborating and presenting their work publicly. Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement congratulating all 2026 recipients, calling teachers central to shaping Canada's future.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence were established in 1994, and close to 2,300 educators have been recognized since then.
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