Congratulations to the 2026 Teachers Life SPIRIT Award Winners!
At Teachers Life, we recognize that exceptional educators do far more than teach; they inspire, guide, and strengthen the communities around them. Each year, the Teachers Life SPIRIT Award celebrates individuals who exemplify selfless service, demonstrate outstanding dedication to students, and consistently make a meaningful impact within their schools and communities. We are thrilled to recognize and congratulate the 2026 SPIRIT Award Winners:
Grant Chudyk from OSSTF District 9 – Essex and Iris Lee from OSSTF District 19 – Peel
What is the SPIRIT Award?
The Teachers Life SPIRIT Award was created to recognize educators who demonstrate:
- An unwavering commitment to the teaching profession
- A positive influence on students and staff
- Outstanding service to their school community
- Leadership that inspires, motivates, and uplifts
- A consistent drive to go above and beyond
Each winner receives a $1,000 award and a commemorative plaque in recognition of their exceptional contributions. The awards are distributed annually to eligible Teachers Life group disability plan Members who received nominations from their peers. A random draw was conducted from among all eligible nominations received.
Recognizing Our 2026 Winners
Grant Chudyk — Belle River District High School, OSSTF District 9 – Essex
Grant was nominated for the Teachers Life SPIRIT Award by Shannon Bell and Krysta Brousseau in recognition of nearly 40 years of extraordinary dedication to education, students, and community. Since beginning his teaching career in 1987 and joining Belle River District High School in 1998, Grant has become a respected and trusted presence whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. His leadership, humility, and commitment have left a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues alike.
Throughout his career, Grant has coached numerous sports teams, including hockey, volleyball, golf, tennis, and badminton, always serving as a mentor who inspires confidence, perseverance, and kindness in his student athletes. Beyond coaching, he has quietly devoted countless hours to organizing bingo fundraisers that provide essential financial support for school programs and opportunities that would not otherwise exist. Despite the significant impact of this work, Grant has never sought recognition, focusing instead on ensuring students have every chance to succeed.
Grant’s legacy is defined not by awards or accomplishments, but by the thousands of lives he has shaped through his compassion, work ethic, and dedication to service. His career stands as a powerful example of quiet leadership and the profound difference one committed teacher can make in a school community.
Iris Lee — Stephen Lewis Secondary School, OSSTF District 19 – Peel
Iris was nominated by Leandra Turpin and Olivia Tanuseputro. Iris is the Department Head of ESL and ELD at Stephen Lewis Secondary School. Iris exemplifies the highest ideals of education through her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student well-being. While balancing instructional leadership with a full teaching schedule, she consistently goes beyond the expectations of her role to support students facing significant personal and academic challenges.
Iris’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She regularly assists students and families in accessing housing, social services, medical care, and financial support, ensuring they never face difficult situations alone. Whether helping complete paperwork, making phone calls, or advocating for students outside of school hours, Iris approaches every challenge with empathy, patience, and integrity. Her dedication reflects a deep belief that every student deserves dignity, stability, and the opportunity to succeed.
As a trusted mentor and ethical leader, Iris inspires both colleagues and students through her commitment to equity, inclusion, and holistic care. Her work strengthens connections between the school and community organizations, enhancing the reputation of Stephen Lewis Secondary School as a place where students are truly valued and supported.
Thank You to All Our Nominators and Nominees
You reflect the amazing spirit and generosity of educators. Your passion, commitment, and dedication are what make our school communities thrive; and we are proud to support and celebrate your work through this program.
To our 2026 winners, Grant and Iris, thank you for leading by example and for embodying the true spirit of education.
On behalf of everyone at Teachers Life, congratulations!
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