EMSB presents Teacher Recognition Awards

The 2026 English Montreal School Board (EMSB Teacher Recognition Awards were handed out on May 8 at Laurier Macdonald High School in St Leonard.

This program  was held in collaboration with Baton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar, CineStarz Deluxe Lacordaire and CityNews Montreal.

The following teachers were recognized for their dedication and excellence:

• Anna Maria Lombardo, Math and Science & Technology Teacher, Laurier Macdonald High School
• Luigi Rucci,  an automobile mechanics teacher at Laurier Macdonald Career Centre
• Patty Foschi, Physical Education Teacher, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School (Rosemount)

Each honoree   received a $150 gift certificate from Baton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar, gift cards to the new CineStarz Deluxe Multi-plex in St. Léonard and CityNews Montreal was present to provide event coverage. Here is the link: https://montreal.citynews.ca/2026/05/08/emsb-honours-three-outstanding-teachers 

Anna Maria Lombardo

Anna Maria Lombardo has been teaching since 2004, having grown up in the East End of Montreal.  She attended the EMSB’s Gerald McShane Elementary,  the former Sir Wilfred Laurier Junior High and Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North. From Dawson College she went on to Concordia and McGill where she earned Bachelor degrees in psychology and education.

Ms. Lombardo teaches  Secondary IV and V mathematics. “What I like most about my job is connecting with my students and building meaningful relationships with them,” she says. “I really enjoy seeing the impact I can have, especially in those moments when something finally clicks and they understand a concept. Knowing that I can make a difference in their learning and confidence is what makes teaching so rewarding. 

“I always knew I wanted to work with kids, but I had a hard time figuring out exactly which career path to take. At first, I was interested in becoming a child psychologist. While I was in school, I did a lot of tutoring, and that’s when I realized how much I enjoyed teaching. That experience led me to pursue a career in education, and I felt that my background in psychology would be really helpful in understanding and supporting my students.”

Why did she choose math?  “I always enjoyed math in school because of the clear, step-by-step process involved in solving problems,” she responded. “I like how logical and structured it is.”

Ms. Lombardo says she is cognizant of the challenges students face in math.

“Many students struggle with confidence and tend to give up quickly when something feels difficult,” she says. “Others have gaps in their foundational skills, which makes it harder to keep up. Since math builds on itself, missing earlier concepts can make new material feel overwhelming. Many students also need repeated practice with similar types of problems, as they can find it challenging to apply their understanding to new or unfamiliar situations right away.”

Parents laud Ms. Lombardo for the extra  attention she provides students. “I break down concepts into smaller, manageable steps and use different approaches to explain ideas,” she explained. “I also check in regularly, give extra practice if needed, and create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. I also make myself available for recoup sessions to give students additional time and support when needed.”

As for her school, Ms. Lombardo feels a very close connection. “What I like most about LMAC is the strong sense of community and family,” she says. “ The bond between teachers and students create a positive environment where students feel connected and supported. Lastly, the teachers at LMAC are incredible; we work together to support our students, and everyone should be recognized for their hard work and dedication.”

Said Parent Maria Sansalone, who nominated her: “Ms. Lombardo has a way of making complex ideas feel simple and achievable. Her clear explanations, patience, and encouragement create a supportive learning environment where questions are always welcome. She is a great math teacher overall.”

Luigi Rucci 

Mr. Rucci has spent over 20 years working in the automotive industry as a first-class automotive technician, including time with Volkswagen and General Motors. Over the years, he developed a strong passion not only for the trade itself, but for sharing that knowledge with others. In the classroom, he focuses on helping students build both their technical skills and their confidence.  “I enjoy breaking down complex concepts and connecting theory to real-world situations, making learning more meaningful and practical,” he says. “ I believe in creating a supportive environment where students feel respected, motivated, and encouraged to grow.”

Outside of teaching, Mr. Rucci spends much of my time restoring classic cars from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Whether it’s rebuilding engines and transmissions or working on bodywork and paint, he finds the process both rewarding and relaxing. “This passion for craftsmanship is something I bring into my teaching every day, with the goal of inspiring students to take pride in their work and carry those values into their future careers,” he says. 

Former student Jonathan Vargas , who nominated him, had this to say:  “At 41 years of age and being out of school for so long I was scared it would be very hard for me. I'm glad to say it was an amazing experience from the beginning till the very end. The facility, the teachers and equipment lived up to expectations. For someone who had zero experience in the auto industry, I now am able to work everything from engines to transmission without being scared. Obviously, you have to put in your own effort to not just learn at school but to learn at home and not being scared to practice practice practice, because it only makes you better. The school gives you all the tools you need to be a better mechanic. Obviously, I had my favorite teacher, Luigi, hands down the most, caring, patient, understanding and hard working teacher I came across.  He was always pushing you to be better and knowing your true potential, even though you didn't see it yourself. Without him I wouldn't be where I am today, answering any and all my calls after school when I was stuck working and practicing on my own. I'm grateful to him and to the school, for having such life changing teachers like him.    

Patty Foschi

Ms. Foschi says that as long as she can remember, she wanted to be a teacher. “I always imagined creating fun, engaging lessons and inspiring my students to learn,” she said.  “When I arrived at McGill University, however, I faced an important decision: would my classroom be a traditional one, or a gymnasium? By combining my love for teaching children with my passion for sports, I discovered my true calling in physical education—and I never looked back. I was fortunate to secure a teaching position at the age of 22, and what a remarkable journey it has been.”

Ms. Foschi  grew up in St. Leonard, where  she attended Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School (Kindergarten and Grade 6) and General Vanier Elementary School (Grades 1–5). She continued on to John Paul I for junior high, followed by Laurier Macdonald High School where her love for soccer, track and field, and team sports truly flourished.

“This year marks 26 years of teaching with the EMSB,” she said, noting how she began her career at  the former Emily Carr Elementary School which merged with Francesca Cabrini to form the then new entity of Pierre Elliott Trudeau a year later.   “Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for the importance of quality physical education. It is a foundation for social, emotional, physical, and lifelong skills—especially in today’s increasingly “on‑screen” world. I have taught students from Pre‑Kindergarten to Grade 6, including SEEDS classes. I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside a supportive staff and devoted families who encourage me to organize and lead numerous physical activities, competitions, and field trips. These experiences are essential in reinforcing skills learned at school and helping students apply them in real‑world settings, fostering healthy and happy school lives.

“Teaching physical education and health has been one of the greatest joys of my life. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to truly know my students, as I teach them from the age of four through to twelve. This gives me the unique privilege of building strong relationships and watching them grow, overcome challenges, learn from mistakes, and succeed. Seeing the joy on their faces when they master a skill warms my heart—whether it’s catching a tennis ball, skipping rope, creating a circus routine, downhill skiing, or training for and winning a race. The moments are endless.

My ultimate goal is to provide students with the skills of resilience, empathy, sportsmanship, teamwork, and—most importantly—a lifelong love of physical activity.

The big smiles, hugs, and joyful conversations I experience every day make this profession truly special. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary feels like a second home, and I am deeply grateful to be part of such a wonderful community.

“Ms. Patty stands out as an exceptional educator because of her unique ability to make every child believe they can succeed,” commented  parent Evelyn Tsang

who nominated her. “The impact she has on students is profound. Our child looks forward to every class with excitement and has developed both confidence and enthusiasm for physical activity. Ms. Patty makes each student feel seen and capable. In terms of character, she exemplifies patience, empathy, and professionalism.  

“The long-term impact of her work is unmistakable,” added parent   Natalie Caine. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical education moved online, one parent recalled being introduced to Ms. Patty over Zoom as she managed to engage a kindergarten student in active movement from their living room. That same energy continues to define her work today.

 About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 33,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the EMSB network consists of 73 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.