A local teacher’s dedication to her craft is being recognized across the country, as Amber Wadsworth receives one of Canada’s top teaching honours.
Wadsworth, a guidance counsellor and teacher at Parkside Collegiate Institute in St. Thomas, has been named one of just five recipients of the 2025 Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, presented by Queen’s University.
The award honours high school educators across Canada who have made a lasting impact on their students by serving as role models and mentors, instilling a love of learning, and inspiring the pursuit of higher education.
Wadsworth, who has spent her entire teaching career at Parkside, was nominated by Queen’s graduate Briar McCaw — a former student whose heartfelt nomination letter brought Wadsworth to tears.
She later learned of her win while coaching rugby on the Parkside field — a fitting setting, given the many hats she wears within the school.
Alongside her work in guidance and student success, Wadsworth supports countless school events, coaches multiple teams and is an advocate for equity and student wellness. Just a few examples of the lasting legacy Wadsworth is leaving at Parkside.
The award was officially presented during Queen’s University’s convocation ceremonies in Kingston on June 24th. Wadsworth also received a $10,000 prize from the university and had the chance to celebrate the milestone alongside McCaw, who graduated that same day.
A native of Aylmer and graduate of East Elgin Secondary School, Wadsworth said her journey into education began unexpectedly — inspired by a friend’s suggestion to pursue teacher’s college in Australia. After returning to Canada, she started her career at Parkside teaching Foods and never looked back.
And Wadsworth’s impact clearly hasn’t gone unnoticed. In her nomination letter, McCaw described her former teacher as “a mentor, a cheerleader, and someone who always showed up when it mattered most.”
“She believed in me during the hard moments, pushed me to take chances, and celebrated every step along the way,” McCaw wrote. “I truly believe every student deserves a teacher like Mrs. Wadsworth- someone who sees their potential, encourages their growth and helps them become more than they ever thought possible. I’m so proud to nominate her for the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. Through every challenge, every milestone, every leap of faith, she stood beside me. That kind of support leaves a lifelong impact and I’ll carry it with me always.”
Looking ahead, Wadsworth says she plans to remain a “lifer” at Parkside. Noting “I’m surrounded by incredible staff who share the same philosophy—that we’re here for the kids.”
The Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching was established by Chancellor Emeritus A. Charles Baillie. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee and coordinated by the Office of the Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs at Queen’s University.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
