Tessier teacher earns prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence

A rural Saskatchewan educator who has dedicated her career to helping students succeed in a unique multi-grade classroom has received one of Canada’s highest honours in education.

Natasha Cochran, a teacher and principal at Willow Park Colony School near Tessier, has been named a 2026 recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

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Cochran is among just 60 educators recognized across Canada this year, receiving the Teaching Excellence Award at the Excellence level for her innovative teaching methods, commitment to student achievement and leadership in education.

The national award recognizes teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students while developing creative approaches that make learning meaningful.

At Willow Park Colony School, Cochran takes on the responsibilities of both teacher and principal, educating students from kindergarten through Grade 9.

Working in a rural Hutterite colony school, she manages a multi-age classroom where students are learning English as an additional language.

Rather than treating the different ages and learning abilities as obstacles, Cochran has developed an approach that encourages students to learn from one another while building independence and confidence.

Younger students focus on developing foundational literacy and language skills, while older students take on research projects, problem-solving activities and leadership responsibilities.

Her teaching methods also encourage older students to mentor younger classmates, creating a collaborative environment where everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

Connecting classes to the real world

One of the defining features of Cochran’s teaching is her ability to connect classroom lessons with real-world experiences.

Her students participate in hands-on activities that incorporate academic subjects into familiar tasks and everyday life within their community.

Projects have included operating a classroom market, using baking to explore scientific concepts and identifying crops grown within the colony.

These activities allow students to develop practical skills while strengthening their understanding of mathematics, science, literacy and other subjects.

Cochran also incorporates technology and digital literacy into her lessons, despite limited access to digital resources.

Students learn online research techniques, internet safety and ways to use technology creatively.

Her classroom projects have included publishing student writing, producing multimedia presentations and participating in debates and problem-solving exercises.

Drama productions and themed learning days are also used to encourage creativity and student participation.

Academic results and student recognition

Cochran’s work has produced academic results and recognition for her students beyond their rural classroom.

She has been called upon throughout her school division to help improve student achievement, including supporting students who were performing below grade level.

Her students have earned recognition in division-wide and provincial competitions, including multiple art awards and Saskatchewan Hutterian Educators Association contests.

Students have also participated in annual writing publications, with some receiving recognition in international competitions.

Alongside these achievements, Cochran has maintained strong academic growth in literacy and numeracy in her multi-grade, multilingual classroom.

She has also developed a course focused on strengthening logic, analysis and the ability to consider different perspectives.

Her leadership extends beyond her own students through mentoring teacher candidates and contributing to professional learning opportunities for fellow educators.

For the families whose children attend Willow Park Colony School, Cochran’s impact goes beyond academic achievement.

Praise from parents

Parents have praised her commitment to helping students believe in their abilities and develop confidence that carries beyond the classroom.

“Natasha was like a second parent to our kids. She believed in them and their abilities, and that made them believe in themselves,” parents of her students said in a testimonial accompanying her award recognition.

“She taught them to keep trying, trust themselves, and take pride in perseverance.”

Cochran has also organized plays and community events that bring students, families and community members together, strengthening the connection between the school and the colony.

Established in 1994, the Prime Minister’s Awards recognize outstanding educators whose teaching practices inspire students and contribute to excellence in Canadian education.

Recipients are selected through a national, multi-stage evaluation process involving more than 100 volunteer evaluators.

The awards recognize educators who demonstrate innovation, leadership and a lasting positive influence on student learning.

For Cochran, the recognition highlights the impact that dedicated educators can have in small rural schools, where teachers often take on multiple responsibilities while meeting a wide range of student needs.

Her achievement also brings national attention to the innovative teaching taking place in Saskatchewan’s rural and colony schools.

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