HDSB educators honoured with award for excellence in Cooperative Education
Three Halton District School Board (HDSB) educators have been named recipients of the S.J. “Jack” Ulan Professional Contribution Award presented by the Ontario Cooperative Education Association (OCEA). This annual award recognizes educators who have made ongoing and outstanding contributions to Cooperative Education (co-op) in Ontario.
Co-op in the HDSB provides secondary students with valuable experiential learning to apply, refine and extend their learning from the classroom into the community. The success of this program would not be possible without the leadership, innovation and dedication of educators like Kevin Kokerus, Bronagh O’Rourke and Geoff Sheppard.
Kevin Kokerus, Co-op Teacher at Milton District High School, has been recognized for his outstanding dedication to co-op and student success. Since 2009, Kevin has gone above and beyond to support students by developing innovative tools like his widely adopted five-step placement process for students struggling with confidence and ability to gain employability skills. The guide helps students through the process, even including a ‘how to cold call’ tip sheet that helps to guide students of all different abilities, experiences and needs through this difficult process in the co-op program. His mentorship, generosity and leadership have had a lasting impact on both new and experienced educators in the HDSB and across Ontario. Kevin’s contributions to board-wide and provincial initiatives have shaped the way co-op is delivered, making experiential learning more accessible, supportive, and meaningful for all.
Bronagh O’Rourke, Co-op Teacher at Elsie MacGill Secondary School, has been recognized for her exceptional leadership, commitment and creativity in Cooperative Education and Experiential Learning. Bronagh has been an exceptional leader in our HDSB co-op community, leading professional learning and developing innovative resources including trailblazing implementation of the DCO (Creating Opportunities through Co-op) course. From developing accessible resources for students, teachers, employers and families, to launching two new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs and supporting regional co-op initiatives, Bronagh consistently goes above and beyond to enrich learning opportunities. Her commitment to inclusive, hands-on learning has had a lasting impact across her school, the HDSB and the province.
Geoff Sheppard, retired Co-op Teacher in the HDSB, has been recognized for his decades-long commitment to innovative, student-centred approach to co-op. From developing hands-on programs in bike and skateboard servicing to creating accessible options for exceptional learners, Geoff has continuously championed students who face barriers. Geoff has specifically supported co-operative education programs and 'readiness' opportunities for students in the Community Pathways Program. His work has not only transformed individual student experiences but also influenced educators across the region through his mentorship and leadership at OCEA conferences. Geoff’s thoughtful, creative and inclusive approach to experiential learning has left a lasting impact on the field and on countless students’ lives.
These three educators exemplify the very best of co-op and experiential education, ensuring that all students have the tools, opportunities and support to thrive.
Co-op in the HDSB offers secondary students meaningful hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom knowledge to real-world experiences. Through co-op, students can earn credits while gaining valuable workplace experience in the community. Discover more and hear from HDSB co-op students, educators, and employers by visiting the Cooperative Education page at hdsb.ca.
