USask education graduate recognized with college’s top award

The College of Education Professionalism Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Janelle Scott at USask Spring Convocation 2026 on June 1.

Scott, whose teaching areas are biology and French, completed her first year of the Bachelor of Education degree in her hometown at the USask Prince Albert Campus. As she transitioned to the Saskatoon campus for the remainder of her degree, Scott gained and made lifelong friendships with future colleagues while growing her confidence and creativity.  

Her favourite experiences as a student included becoming a learning community peer mentor and her field experiences. During her placement at Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI), Scott helped coach the girls’ volleyball team to qualify for the regional tournament. 

“Coaching helped me develop my teaching philosophy both in and out of the classroom,” Scott said. 

Scott values the strong relationships she built with the students and being able to share new experiences with them.  

“I learned so much about my students, science education and the importance of relationships as a whole,” she said. “From dissections to labs to place-based learning, I aimed to create moments of excitement and curiosity in the science classes,” 

A French Immersion graduate from Carlton Comprehensive High School, where she was awarded the Bronze Governor General Academic Medal in her Grade 12 year in 2022, Scott was recognized three-times on the Dean's Honor Roll, awarded the University of Saskatchewan Scholarship in 2025 and is a Bates Award for Excellence in Extended Practicum recipient this year. 

Outside of her studies, Scott spent time volunteering with USask Campus Recreation and the Physical Activity for Active Living (PAAL) program. She also worked with the College of Medicine as a standardized patient. She also loves to hike, cook, explore new places, with an upcoming trip to Waterton Lakes National Park this summer. 

Scott says she could not have completed her degree without the support of her mom, Michelle Ward, sister, Abby Scott and dad, Rob Scott. She is also extremely grateful for the learning communities' peer mentoring team, Chelsea Davis and Mercedes Buye, and her inspiring professors, specifically Dr. Paula MacDowell and Katrina Korchinski. 

Since January, Scott has been a substitute teacher with Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division. In the upcoming fall, she will continue to work towards earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the USask with hopes to eventually pursue a master's degree.