Vincent Massey teacher honoured for excellence

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/05/2025 (304 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Vincent Massey High School’s Lindsay Metruk has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to education at the University of Manitoba’s annual Students’ Teacher Recognition Reception recently.

The recognition was hosted by the Office of the Provost and vice-president (academic) and the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning.

The event, a long-standing tradition at the University of Manitoba, highlights the pivotal role educators play in shaping student success. Each year, a top graduating student from every faculty is invited to nominate two influential teachers — one from their post-secondary experience and one from their kindergarten to Grade 12 years.

This year, Metruk was nominated by Emily Rob, a graduating student from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences specializing in plant science.

Metruk, who has taught biology and Advanced Placement Biology at Vincent Massey High School since 2009, described the recognition as humbling and unexpected. The Advanced Placement Program allows students to take university-level courses while still in high school.

“When I got the nomination email, I was just shocked,” she said. “Emily was such an outstanding student — driven, curious, already passionate about science when she walked into my class. I honestly thought, ‘She must have had so many great teachers before me, why me?’”

Despite her modesty, Metruk’s dedication and impact have left a mark.

Emily Rob, who studied under Metruk for three semesters in AP Biology, credited her high school teacher with not only preparing her academically for university-level science but also instilling motivation and excitement for challenging subjects.

“Biology can be dry at times,” Metruk admits, “but helping students stay engaged, even during the tough units, is part of the challenge I embrace.”

Now in her 15th year at Vincent Massey, Metruk reflects on the deeper purpose behind her work.

“As a teacher, your goal is to help students realize what they’re capable of, sometimes even before they see it in themselves,” she said. “When students come back and tell me that they felt prepared for university, or that something from class helped them choose a path — that’s the real reward.”

While she has no expectations for accolades, Metruk says this recognition reinforces her belief in the importance of her work: “Sometimes you wonder if what you’re doing is still resonating, especially as students’ learning styles and needs evolve. But something like this helps me feel confident that it’s still meaningful.”

The ceremony, held in person this year after pandemic disruptions in past years, was particularly special for Metruk. Though she previously received a similar award during COVID-19, it was a virtual experience without the in-person celebration.

“This was my first chance to really share the moment — to hear speeches, meet faculty and celebrate together,” she said. “My parents and husband were incredibly proud. My mom was the one who originally encouraged me to apply for this teaching job back in 2009. I wasn’t even sure I’d get it — I hadn’t taught in four years. But here we are.”

Teaching AP courses comes with its challenges, Metruk explains.

“You’re taking university-level content and breaking it down for high school students. There’s always the struggle of keeping the pace rigorous without leaving anyone behind, and now we’re also contending with post-COVID burnout and ever-diminishing attention spans.”

Still, she finds the role deeply rewarding.

“Some days are tough — you’re competing with cell phones, energy levels, outside stresses — but when a student tells you you’re their favourite teacher or that something you did helped them find success, it means everything.”

Above all, Metruk says she feels fortunate to work with such exceptional students.

“This award may have my name on it, but it belongs just as much to the students who inspire me every day. I’m so proud of them and grateful to be a part of their journey.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola