Shuswap teacher Ceren Caner has been recognized on a national level for his contribution to sustainability education in Canada.

The outdoor learning and environmental educator at South Canoe Elementary was one of five teachers across the country to receive an honourable mention in the prestigious Susan Langley Earth Steward Teaching Award that also had two winners and four runners up. 

A media release from School District 83 explained that out of over 100 nationwide nominations for the award, administered by Learning for a Sustainable Future, Caner was "recognized for his outstanding commitment to empowering students and communities through environmental stewardship." That recognition brings with it a $500 award to support future eco-friendly projects. 

South Canoe principal Sandra Major described the achievement as "well earned."

"Ceren's dedication to his past and present students, our outdoor learning program, and this tireless support for his colleagues in all their ambitious work as outdoor educators, is what makes him such a great champion of environmental education in our District and beyond," she said. 

SD83 credits Caner as being "instrumental" in co-developing the South Canoe Outdoor Learning Program that connects students with nature through hands-on learning, and now takes pride in working with First Nations, biologists, foresters, farmers and others. Caner credits his latest achievement to those collaborative efforts.

"My strengths are in collaboration with others, and I feel that this nomination is equally for my students and my collaborators on the projects I've undertaken," he said. "So many teachers are doing fantastic work."

Caner's environmental efforts extend beyond the classroom as well as he chairs SD83's Environmental Working Group and is a driving force in the Shuswap Chapter of Environmental Educators Provincial Specialist Association (SHEEPSA). He's also on the City of Salmon Arm's environmental advisory committee and co-founded the Shuswap Outdoor Learning Foundation and Shuswap Wild Wonders camps to promote environmental stewardship in young learners. 

"Through his dedication to collaboration, Ceren continues to inspire his students and community, modelling the values of hard work and environmental protection that drive his teaching," longtime environmental educator Kim Fulton said of the deserving up and comer.