Denise McDiarmid is the recipient of the 2026 Council of the Federation Literacy Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literacy education and the success of students in the Yukon.
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in promoting literacy. McDiarmid has been recognized for her leadership in advancing evidence-based literacy practices, mentoring educators and supporting students, families and school communities.
As a learning assistance teacher at Hidden Valley Elementary School in Whitehorse, McDiarmid has helped create a culture where literacy is a shared priority and every student is supported to succeed. Through her expertise in structured literacy, including explicit instruction in foundational reading skills, a collaborative approach and her use of assessment results to identify student needs and track progress, she has strengthened literacy instruction, supported colleagues in building their practice and helped improve outcomes for Yukon learners.
McDiarmid has contributed to stronger literacy practices across the Yukon through inter-school partnerships and sharing evidence-based teaching approaches.
Denise McDiarmid’s dedication to literacy and student success has had a lasting impact on her school community and on education in the Yukon. Through her leadership, collaboration and commitment to evidence-based teaching, she is helping to strengthen literacy practices, support educators and ensure more Yukon students develop the skills they need to thrive. Congratulations to Denise for this well-deserved recognition.
Denise McDiarmid exemplifies the dedication and leadership that helps Yukon students develop the lifelong literacy skills they need. Through her commitment to evidence-based instruction, collaboration and lifelong learning, she has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and educators. Congratulations to Denise and thank you for your tireless effort to improve the lives of Yukon’s youth through literacy.
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McDiarmid’s approach uses assessment results to identify student learning needs, track progress and help determine the next steps for instruction and support.
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Through mentorship, collaboration and professional learning, she has helped strengthen literacy practices among teachers and educational assistants.
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Her contributions to collaborations among schools have supported the sharing of literacy practices, resources and approaches within the Yukon education community.
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She has supported the development of Student Support Plans and Individualized Education Plans that help guide personalized learning supports for students.
- The Council of the Federation was established in 2003 to enable Canada’s 13 Premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation.
- The Council of the Federation Literacy Award recognizes excellence of learners, educators, volunteers, community organizations and businesses for outstanding achievements, innovative practices and excellence in adult literacy.
- Yukon recipients have been recognized in the past for contributions to literacy in Yukon First Nations languages and French languages, for leadership in literacy organizations and for those learners who have strengthened their literacy as adults.
- Each year, the award winner is chosen by a review committee from eligible nominees. Yukoners submit nominations for the award to recognize contributions to literacy.
- Award recipients receive a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion, a gift and a certificate signed by the Premier at an awards ceremony that takes place around International Literacy Day.
- International Literacy Day was declared by UNESCO on October 26, 1966, at the 14th session of UNESCO's General Conference. It was celebrated for the first time in 1967.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Manon Touffet
Communications, Economy, Tourism and Culture
867-667-8980
[email protected]