In 1993 the Canadian Council for Geographic Education was established as the educational arm of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, with funding provided by both The Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the National Geographic Society.

Prior and subsequent to this establishment, teacher sponsored institutes have trained and encouraged the promotion of the teaching of geography in Canadian schools. These teachers, having enhanced their personal teaching skills and shared their new skills with colleagues in their profession, are ultimately affecting the geographic literacy of countless Canadian students.

Additionally, individuals in both the private and public sectors are making significant contributions with their support of programs, initiatives and events that improve and enhance geographic literacy within young people across Canada.

Many people work beyond the expectation of their professions toward heightening geographic literacy. This award is to recognize and honour their contributions.

The recipient of the 2007 Geographic Literacy Award is Robert Twerdoclib, from Spruce Grove, Alberta, an accomplished geography educator and passionate supporter of geographic education in the classroom. Boundless enthusiasm, a real passion for teaching and an outstanding ability to make geography exciting for students and other teachers, has earned him the nickname “Mr. Geography.” Mr. Twerdoclib is currently team-teaching grade 9 Social Studies and English Language Arts at Greystone Centennial Middle School in Spruce Grove, Alberta.

Besides teaching and training other teachers, Mr. Twerdoclib’s contributions include being Chair of the National Steering Committee for the Great Canadian Geography Challenge from 1996 to 2003; helping to draft the Canadian National Geography Standards from 1998 to 2000; and serving as the Alberta/N.W.T. representative on the CCGE Executive from 1998 to 2004. He has also received several awards, including the Royal Canadian Geographical Society 75^th Anniversary Volunteer Medal (2005), the National Council for Geographic Education’s Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award (1997) and the Alberta Excellence in Teaching Award (1991).

Read about previous recipients of the Geographic Literacy Award.

Read the nomination guidelines.