Ann Marie Vanneste

Ann Marie Vanneste exemplifies dedication, resilience, and innovation in her 25-year teaching career. A Black woman of mixed race born in Halifax, Canada, Ann Marie was adopted at one year old into a diverse family of six adopted children. Her upbringing in a family that resembled a “United Nations family” deeply influenced her journey. Growing up without seeing a Black teacher inspired her to become what she didn’t see—an educator committed to fostering inclusion and breaking barriers. 

After earning a scholarship to Louisiana State University as a student-athlete hurdler in track and field and completing a degree in communications, Ann Marie returned to Canada to continue her education and pursue teaching. She has since established herself as an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, while achieving remarkable outcomes in her classroom. 

Ann Marie’s impact goes beyond traditional teaching. As the only Black high school teacher at Ottawa’s All Saints High School, she has introduced creative, culturally responsive teaching approaches to ensure every student feels valued. From implementing experiential learning activities—such as organizing a school-wide viewing of the film Till during Black History Month or establishing the first ever Provincial Black Student Association Summit—to innovative classroom practices, like rotating seating assignments to promote collaboration, Ann Marie’s methods foster empathy and engagement. 

Ann Marie also created the Black Student Association (BSA) at her predominantly White school, providing a safe space for Black students to feel seen and heard while promoting alliances among all races. The BSA’s motto, "All People, All Colours," exemplifies her commitment to inclusion. Additionally, she implemented into her curriculum the Best Buddies program to weekly connect neurodivergent students with neurotypical peers, creating meaningful relationships and bridging gaps in support. These initiatives’ measurable results include increased attendance and leadership among Black students and improved engagement among neurodiverse learners. 

Her work has not gone unnoticed. Ann Marie received the 2023 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Canada’s highest teaching honour, and the Director of Education Commendation from her school board. She was named a 2024 Lowell Milken Fellow and was recently awarded the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation’s 2025 Women of Courage Award, recognizing her as a beacon of excellence, inspiration, and community impact. 

Ann Marie’s contribution extends into the broader community. She has volunteered extensively as a coach and mentor, providing free training to students who couldn’t afford it and empowering athletes through local football and track and field programs. Her leadership in anti-racism education includes creating professional development resources and speaking on equity-focused initiatives. Ann Marie’s advocacy has resulted in lasting changes, such as the installation of prominent wall decals celebrating diversity and inclusion in her school, and inspiring her colleagues to change the systemic ways in which they engage with all students. 

A lifelong learner, Ann Marie continuously seeks opportunities to grow and inspire others. From integrating climate change education into her civics curriculum to planning experiential learning debates in the presence of Canada’s Speaker of the House, she equips students with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in a globalized world. 

Ann Marie Vanneste’s journey, from being an adopted child to becoming a transformative educator, reflects her unwavering belief in the beauty and potential of every child. Her extraordinary contributions to education and her community make her a deserving candidate for the Global Teacher Prize.