‘Trailblazer’ teacher earns Prime Minister’s Award
St. Augustine Catholic High School teacher Christina Iorio is a 2025 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) recipient.
“I consider her a trailblazer for her groundbreaking ability to integrate the traditional study of Canadian history with STEM learning,” says Principal James Cocchetto. “Her exemplary teaching practices inspire her students and motivate teachers who have worked with her, and she serves as a role model for educators across Canada.”
Iorio blends history with coding, design and problem-solving to help students engage deeply with the past and make meaningful connections to the world around them. In one of her hands-on projects, students use spheral bolts to recreate the Juno Beach landing during the Second World War.
“Through coding and simulation, students gain a deeper understanding of the courage, strategy and sacrifice that shaped this pivotal moment in history,” the York Catholic District School Board reports. “This interactive approach enables students to learn in a manner similar to how historians of the future might, through digital storytelling and active exploration.”
Her students have also coded simulations of events like the Halifax Explosion and D-Day and created their own games depicting events such as Canada’s first heart transplant. Iorio uses 3D printing and robotics to support inquiry-based learning and runs a classroom version of Antiques Roadshow where students create and analyze artifacts from the 20th century.
Beyond her classroom, she runs a professional Instagram account and YouTube channel, “That Canadian Teacher,” where she shares innovative instructional tools and resources with educators. As Department Head, she mentors colleagues and leads professional development across Ontario. Iorio empowers students through extracurricular activities, such as the Reach for the Top trivia team. Her guidance has helped students earn distinctions such as the Vimy Pilgrimage Award and inspired many to pursue studies in both STEM and the humanities.
View a video of Iorio in the classroom here.
Pictured at the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) meeting on October 28, from left, Superintendent of Education Joel Chiutsi, St. Augustine Catholic High School Principal James Cocchetto, YCDSB Vice Chair Maria Iafrate, YCDSB Chair Elizabeth Crowe, award recipient Christina Iorio, Markham Trustee Carol Cotton, Director of Education John De Faveri, and Markham Trustee Frank Alexander. Photo courtesy of the YCDSB.