Burnaby math teacher Danny Young has another award to add to his growing collection.
Last month, Young was awarded UBC's 2024 McEwen Family Teacher Recognition Award, which annually celebrates a high school teacher who goes above and beyond for their students, according to a news release Thursday.
Every year, a current applied science student at UBC can nominate a former teacher who had a significant impact on their success.
Young was nominated by second-year biomedical engineering student Elin Lee, who came to Canada and landed in Young's Moscrop Secondary School math class when she was in Grade 9, according to the release.
She said she felt her growth in math was stagnating, and Young helped by entrusting her with a year's worth of honours class homework, challenging her to finish it over the summer break.
"Through relentless effort and daily consultations with Mr. Young and his adept students, I nearly completed the assignment, showcasing my dedication and ability to thrive in his class," she said.
Lee's nomination was supported by letters from four other Moscrop students, who highlighted Young's creative and thoughtful approach to teaching an intimidating subject.
Young encourages his students to compete in math contests across Canada and works tirelessly to raise funds for competition fees so money isn't an obstacle.
He teaches a locally developed course called Advanced Algebra that challenges students with problems that go beyond the standard curriculum, focusing on enhancing their problem-solving skills.
And every Thursday after school, about 60 students join him in the library to tackle complex problems in areas such as number theory, geometry and more.
Young also created an online resource called BCmath.ca, where he offers free access to lessons, homework worksheets, and practice quizzes for students, parents and teachers.
His classroom is also open after school at least three days a week, where students from any grade can get help.
It is no surprise then that Moscrop students consistently earn top finishes at both provincial and national math competitions.
Young was recognized at an event Sept. 20, where he received $2,500 for his own professional development and $5,000 for school enrichment activities.
He will also get to nominate a current high school student for a $7,500 UBC scholarship.
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