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On the Map: Celebrating Excellence in Geography

In our efforts to promote the use of GIS in K-12 education, we have the pleasure of working with many educators who share a strong passion for geography. These inspiring individuals spark curiosity in teachers and students, motivating them to explore mapping to strengthen spatial and critical thinking skills and deepen geographic literacy. In the past year, some of these passionate educators were recognized for their commitment and contributions to geography education in Canada. We want to congratulate them and celebrate their remarkable contributions!

Anne Mansfield

Anne is an educator with almost 4 decades of experience in geography education. In October 2024, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her significant contribution to geography in Ontario and Canada.

We have worked with Anne since 2006 and have supported her commitment to keeping geography relevant in Canada. This past year, Anne retired from her teaching position at the Faulty of Education at Queen’s University and her role as the post-secondary education representative at the Royal Canadian Geographic Society (RCGS) on the Canadian Geographic Education Executive Committee.

We will continue working with Anne in her role as President of the Ontario Association of Geographic and Environmental Education (OAGEE). When she’s not working, Anne enjoys travelling with her family.

A woman in a red sweater and scarf smiling at the camera in a room with a leather sofa and chair, a fireplace, a book self and painting.

Anne in the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Reading Room at The Royal Canadian Geographical Society headquarters in Ottawa, 2018. 

An image of Anne Mansfield’s King Charles III Coronation medal and certificate showing a gold medal and ribbon with King Charles’ profile, and two official documents with her name on it and the official crests of the king and the government of Canada.

Anne’s King Charles III Coronation medal and certificate.

Learn more about Anne's educational background and contributions to geography in the 2020 On the Map with Anne Mansfield post.

Ewan Geddes

Ewan is a teacher and leader in facilitating educators’ professional development on using spatial technology like GIS in teaching. To extend his students’ learning in spatial technologies, Ewan has encouraged them to explore important local issues for themselves and their community and to participate in regional competitions like the annual secondary school Skills Ontario GIS competition.

2024 was an exceptional year for Ewan. In November, he received the Alex Trebek Medal for Geographic Literacy from the RCGS, acknowledging his dedication to advancing geographic education as a high school teacher. In October, Ewan was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his profound influence on geographic education in both Ontario and Canada.

A man with a beard and glasses smiling at the camera in front of a forest.

“GIS is Geography in Action. Students have access to real-world data that allows them to develop potential solutions to problems.” On why GIS excites Ewan.

Discover more about Ewan in the 2023 On the Map with Ewan Geddes post, where four of his former grade nine students reflect on their experiences and insights gained from using ArcGIS in their geography class.

Paul VanZant

Paul is an educator with over 35 years of experience. He developed curriculum for the Ontario Ministry of Education, authored geography textbooks and publications, facilitated workshops for professional development, and mentored teachers while the Head of Geography and History at a high school in Caledon, Ontario. We have had the pleasure of working with him in the past.

In October 2024, Paul was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his significant contribution to geographic education in Ontario and Canada. He retired from teaching in 2020 but continues supporting geographic education as Chair of Canadian Geographic Education and Co-chair of the International Geography Olympiad.

A woman standing between two men in front of a Canadian and a RCGS flag. They are all smiling at the camera.

Paul is pictured here with Ewan and Anne. Could this be the geography education dream team? From left to right: Ewan, Anne and Paul at the RCGS celebration in October 2024.

Read more about Paul's work to move geography forward in Canada throughout his professional career in the 2020 Paul VanZant post.

Joanna Thompson-Anselm

Joanna is a high school teacher and education leader with 20 years of experience. She is currently the Curriculum Project Coordinator for OAGEE and the Geography Department Head at her school in Markham, Ontario. Joanna was involved in writing the new grade 9 destreamed geography course and other significant projects that support the professional development of teachers.

A woman in a toque smiling in front of an ocean and a mountain range.Joanna is an active member of OAGEE and facilitates teacher PD.

In 2024, Joanna was awarded the Gilles Gagnier Medal for Innovation in Geographic Education by RCGS as she is a Canadian educator who sparks students’ desire to learn, investigate and explore geography in all its breadth and complexity and is committed to advancing geographic literacy through innovative teaching and learning strategies. 

Look out for an upcoming post next month that will highlight Joanna’s influence and work using ArcGIS Online.

Congratulations and thank you!

Congratulations to Anne, Ewan, Paul and Joanna for your exceptional contributions to geographic education in Canada. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to keeping the geography spirit alive in classrooms! We look forward to continuing our work alongside you to maintain the importance of geography in addressing local, regional and global challenges.

About the Author

Angela Alexander is a K-12 Education Specialist in the Esri Canada Education and Research group. She has over 15 years of experience working with educators across Canada. Angela focuses on producing geographic information system (GIS) and curriculum-specific resources, and conducting and creating custom workshops for educators. She manages the GIS Ambassador Program and is the Technical Chair for the annual Skills Ontario GIS competition. Angela also writes monthly posts for the Esri Canada Education and Research blog, highlighting K-12 educators and partners, new ArcGIS resources and GIS-related events.

Profile Photo of Angela Alexander