EMSB honours educators at annual Teacher Recognition Day
Posted May 7, 2025 1:20 pm.
Last Updated May 7, 2025 6:42 pm.
Get ready for a lesson in appreciation!
The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) celebrated its annual Teacher Recognition Day with a heartfelt celebration honouring three standout educators.
The awards were presented during a special ceremony at Merton Elementary School in Côte Saint-Luc, paying tribute to the dedication, passion, and impact teachers have on their students and communities.
The ceremony—launched by the EMSB more than a decade ago to coincide with National Teacher Day in the United States (May 7)—spotlights outstanding educators as the academic year winds down.
This year, a selection committee reviewed a number of nominations and chose three exceptional teachers to receive the honour.
This year’s honorees include Pascale Nizri Lallouz, a Kindergarten teacher at Merton Elementary; Michael Dorais-Bunn, a physical education and health teacher at Marymount Academy International in NDG; and Elias Tanbe, a computer graphics teacher at Wagar Adult Education Centre in Côte Saint-Luc.
Each recipient was awarded a $100 gift card courtesy of Maria Frank from Bâton Rouge Grillhouse and Bar.
Kindergarten’s Superhero: Pascale Nizri Lallouz
Pascale Nizri Lallouz has spent over 30 years inspiring young minds. For her, teaching is not just a job but a true passion that continues to have a big impact on her students.
She started her teaching career in 1991 after graduating from McGill University. She began teaching grade six at Royal Vale, then moved to Edinburgh to teach grade two. It was during this time that she found her love for teaching kindergarten.
“I embarked on my kindergarten journey and never looked back,” she said.
In 1995, Lallouz joined Merton Elementary School, where she has been ever since. She still teaches in the same classroom where she started 28 years ago.
“I’ve been here ever since,” she said proudly, showing how much she feels connected to the school and community.
For Lallouz, teaching is more than just a career—it’s a natural part of who she is. Even though she’s been recognized with awards, she says she doesn’t need any special attention.
“I absolutely love what I do,” she said. “I don’t need recognition for something that makes my day perfect every day.”
What makes her happy is building relationships with her students and seeing them grow over the years.
One of the most rewarding things for Lallouz is seeing her former students succeed. Over the years, many have returned to share their stories. Some are now adults with children of their own, and some have even brought their children to kindergarten.
“When I see students who I taught years ago, now married with kids, it’s incredibly rewarding.” Knowing she has made a difference in their lives gives her great joy.
“I don’t work. I live what I do every day,” she said with a smile.
Lallouz’s impact is best understood through the words of her students. Avery Smajovits, a kindergartener, shared, “I like that she’s always so kind to us and gives us chances.”
Raphael Ben-Zvi, another of Lallouz’s young learners, said, “I love when we get to colour.”
“I like when we sing songs together,” said Taylor Budd, another kindergartener of Ms. Lallouz.
“I like when she reads us stories. Ms. Pascale is a nice person,” said Oliver Eliashiv, a kindergartener and student of Ms. Lallouz.
“I like when I color with Pascal. With Pascal,” said Miles Coblentz, another kindergartener.
For Lallouz, these moments are what make her work so fulfilling. “When I see students I’ve had many years ago who are now on their way to high school or the professional world… it’s the circle of life, the full circle,” she explained.
Former students who have moved on to higher grades also shared their admiration for her.
Lia Jasmin, a former student now in grade 5, recalled, “She was always really kind with us and patient… She showed us how to be kind with others.”
Similarly, Rebecca Salama, another grade 5 student, highlighted Lallouz’s teaching style, saying, “She had this way of teaching that was very calm, and she would always solve each problem with such patience and compassion.”
Coby Coiffman, now in grade 5, summed up his feelings by saying, “She always made me be a better person. She always helped me learn from my mistakes.”
Meanwhile, Everett Koein added, “She’s a very laid-back teacher, but in a good way. She’s nice with you and she’s not mad if you make mistakes. It’s nice to try again.”
Honey Friedmann, remembered her hands-on approach to teaching: “She would always help us. She would give us directions and show us first on our paper. It would be really fun to work with her.”
Lallouz said it best when she shared these heartfelt words about her fellow educators: “To all my colleagues, who are all teachers of the year in my book, we are all in this together, and we are all superheroes wearing our capes, teaching every day these beautiful students.”
Leadership through Physical Education: Michael Dorais-Bunn
Michael Dorais-Bunn, a physical education and health teacher at Marymount Academy International, is known for his leadership-focused approach to teaching.
Bunn’s journey as an educator began at Father McDonald High School, a place he holds close to his heart.
After university, he jumped right into teaching by running a Joining Forces program, which allowed him to engage with students through various activities. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his move into full-time teaching.
For Bunn, teaching is about more than just imparting physical education. It’s about preparing his students for the challenges they’ll face in the real world.
“It means getting them ready to go into the real world where they’re going to have to work,” he explains.
He sees physical education as a way to teach students valuable life skills like teamwork, which are crucial for building success both in and outside of school.
His approach focuses on instilling the concept of working together toward a common goal—an important lesson for any future leader.
“I use physical education as a vehicle to get the kids ready for what they’re going to do with teamwork concepts that are necessary as you must know when you’re working with people together to build towards a positive goal.”
Bunn was quick to share the honour with his students and colleagues. “I’m just part of a team, right? It’s not a me thing. It’s an us thing,” he says. Bunn emphasizes that his students play a central role in his success, making his job easier by helping run leadership activities and engaging fully in the lessons they are taught.
“It’s about my students, right? It’s more an award for them because they make my job very, very easy,” he reflects, demonstrating his belief that leadership and success in education come from collaboration and mutual support.
When Bunn first learned that he had been nominated and won the award, he was surprised. “It wasn’t a thing that I was… it never crossed my mind. So it’s a pleasant surprise. I’m happy to be here,” he admits. However, he recognizes that this recognition highlights the strength of his school community.
“It means that my school is going to be highlighted and showcased a little bit and people can see that we are a school with good people, good students who work hard and come together to build towards success,” he says proudly.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Bunn’s career is the lasting connections he has made with former students. Thanks to technology, he stays in touch with over 800 of them, and many of them share how he has positively impacted their lives.
“I get to go to their weddings and when they bring their kids back to see me,” he says.
“It’s for my students and for what’s going to happen to them in school and when they leave school,” Bunn shares.
He is proud of the impact he’s made, not only during their time in school but also in shaping their futures.
The impact Mr. Bunn has had on his students is evident in the heartfelt words of those who worked closely with him, particularly through his leadership program.
Jihyo Lee, a former student and leadership club member, described Mr. Bunn as someone who helped shape her confidence and sense of identity.
“Mr. Bunn was also my leadership teacher, and he was the one who really kept me grounded in the club,” she said.
“He gave me confidence to get out of my comfort zone and be proud of who I am. He taught me so much—not just about Phys Ed, but also about leadership. Even if we’re in the background, we still have to speak up and respect each other, even with different cultural backgrounds.”
Reflecting on his recognition, she added, “It’s so wonderful to get the opportunity to see him. I’m graduating this year, so I’m really happy I saw him in professional clothes before I left!”
Constanza Dominguez, another student in the leadership program, shared how Bunn’s guidance helped her through a difficult transition.
“He actually changed my life a lot. When I came to Canada, it was very difficult to find friends. But when I got into leadership, I was able to find more friends, and it basically changed my life in every aspect,” she said.
Seeing Bunn receive an award was a full-circle moment for her.
“Oh my gosh, it’s actually kind of wonderful to see my advisor, the first teacher I really got to know better. It’s funny seeing him all dressed up because he usually wears a shirt and pants—he’s a Phys Ed teacher, after all!”
She smiled and added, “He’s just the best.”
A champion for innovation: Elias Tanbe
Elias Tanbe’s teaching journey began overseas, where he started as a university teacher, subbing and teaching art theories.
After moving to Canada, he quickly found himself working with the EMSB, landing a position just three weeks after arriving. Nine years later, he’s still with the EMSB, a testament to his passion for education.
When Tanbe received the news that he had been nominated for an award, he was overwhelmed with disbelief.
“Today, it’s me, and I hope that in the future, all my colleagues at Wagar Adult Education Center also get the recognition they deserve.”
For Tanbe, the award is one of the proudest moments of his career, inspiring him to keep pushing forward with more innovation in the classroom.
“For my career, it’s one of the best moments of my career. I’m going to give more. It’s a motivation. It’s a vision for the future, and more innovation in the classroom as well,” he said.
But for Tanbe, the real reward comes from the students.
“That’s why I wake up and come to class every single day,” he shared. Hearing that he’s made a difference in their lives is what keeps him motivated.
“It’s the best thing you can hear,” he added.
For him, that connection is what led him to teaching in the first place, and it’s what will keep him in the profession for the rest of his career.
Now a computer graphics teacher at Wagar Adult Education Centre, Elias’s journey reflects his dedication to shaping the future and making a lasting impact on his students.
A tribute to the EMSB’s outstanding teachers
English Montreal School Board chair Joe Ortona reflected on the importance of recognizing outstanding educators during the board’s annual teacher appreciation event.
“It’s to honour three teachers for teacher appreciation and it’s a beautiful event that we do every year to basically honour teachers who stand out,” said Ortona.
“We have really special teachers in our schools and we’re really proud of their dedication and their hard work and everything that they do and the students love them. So it’s really nice to see.”
Ortona said the event serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role teachers play.
“The event is so special for me because, you know, as a chairman I’m not in the schools every day and I’m not in the classroom,” he said.
“This serves as a really nice reminder of really what we do and what it’s all about and how important it is and to see these people being recognized for very deserving honours because they’re shaping the children’s lives and they’re preparing them for the future and you hear the students speak and about what an impact the teachers had. It’s really special to see.”
As students, colleagues, and families gathered to celebrate, the dedication and impact of these educators stood out—an inspiring reminder of their lasting influence.
