Dr. Karen Kozma recognized with Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM
NEWMARKET, ON, Oct. 7, 2026 /CNW/ -- Dr. Karen Kozma, a physics and computer science teacher at Pickering College, has been recognized with a 2026 Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence in STEM, acknowledging her leadership, innovation and commitment to inspiring students.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence in STEM celebrate exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers who engage students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and help foster the culture of innovation Canada needs today and in the future.
For Dr. Kozma, that work begins with creating a classroom where students feel confident taking risks, asking questions and learning from failure. A professional engineer with a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering, she brings deep technical expertise to her physics and computer science classes, using industry-standard tools, engineering challenges, programming and practical applications to deepen learning.
"I am humbled to receive this award. For me, teaching has always been about creating learning experiences that are challenging, inspiring and meaningful. Seeing the lightbulb go off, watching students discover what they are capable of and seeing them find a passion for STEM makes it all worthwhile," said Kozma. "I am grateful to FIRST Robotics Canada for the nomination and to the students and colleagues at Holy Name of Mary College School who have been part of my teaching career. I look forward to continuing this work at Pickering College."
Kozma has extensive experience in robotics mentorship. She founded FIRST Robotics Competition Team 7659, an all-girls team that grew from two students to more than 50 participants annually. Under her mentorship, the team earned multiple provincial and district awards, including the Engineering Inspiration Award, Sustainability Award and Rookie All-Star Award.
She now brings her expertise to Newbotics 8349, a community-based FIRST Robotics Competition Team made up of high school students from Newmarket and surrounding areas and based at Pickering College. The team earned the Technology Division title and finished as runner-up at the 2026 Ontario District Provincial FIRST Robotics Finals. The team is already preparing for the 2026–27 competition season.
"Karen has an extraordinary ability to see potential in students and then give them the confidence, skills and opportunities to realize it," said Dr. Cinde Lock, Head of School at Pickering College. "Her students learn that they belong in STEM, that their ideas matter and that they have the ability to make a difference. This award is a wonderful reflection of the impact she has had on her students."
Kozma joined Pickering College as a physics and computer science teacher in September. Throughout her career, she has created opportunities for students to connect classroom learning to practical applications, explore new technologies and develop the skills to approach complex challenges.
"Karen's teaching is a great example of what happens when academic rigour is paired with purpose, curiosity and a genuine belief in students," said Joshua Armstrong, Director of Teaching and Learning at Pickering College. "She creates a classroom environment where students can ask difficult questions, test ideas, learn from setbacks and keep going. She challenges them to think deeply while giving them the support and feedback they need to grow."
Announced earlier this week, the 2026 Prime Minister's Awards recognize 60 educators across Canada in three categories: Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM and Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Regional and national awards are presented in each category. Recipients are selected through a national volunteer review process that evaluates innovative teaching, digital literacy and student achievement.
About Pickering College:
Founded in 1842, Pickering College is an exceptional independent day and boarding school for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Located in Newmarket, Ontario since 1909, the school's mission is to instil in each individual the ability and responsibility to make the world greater, better, and more beautiful than they discovered it. Pickering College is a full member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).
About the Prime Minister's Awards
First established in 1994, the Prime Minister's Awards honour outstanding Canadian educators for their exceptional contributions to student learning, early childhood development, and community leadership. Administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the awards celebrate K-12 and early childhood educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching practices and a steadfast commitment to equipping youth with the skills needed to succeed in Canada's innovation-based economy.
SOURCE Pickering College
Pickering College Media Contact: Naomi Cote, Senior Communications Manager, Pickering College, 905-895-1700 ext. 400, [email protected]
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