Smithers Secondary art teacher wins national award
Published 7:00 pm Monday, October 27, 2025
A Smithers Secondary School art teacher has won a national award.
Perry Rath was selected as one of five recipients of the Rita L. Irwin Art Teacher Dissemination of Knowledge Award, presented by the Canadian Society for Education through Art (CSEA).
The award is given creativity, insight, and pedagogical leadership in the classroom.
Rath’s nomination package said he builds strong connections with students and the community through numerous arts initiatives, an inclusive class culture, and his advocacy for diversity and youth activism.
“Through images and words, Perry’s presentation to a national audience highlighted the creativity and community of Smithers and how he has been able to nurture those qualities through a range of amazing art works and projects,” the letter continued.
Rath said he was honoured, flattered, and shocked to receive the recognition.
“There are so many great art teachers across our province, and Canada, so the fact that a small-town teacher like me got this award is quite unexpected,” he said.
“My peers in the BC Art Teachers Association nominated me to represent B.C. for this award, and there were five winners across Canada from various provinces. Having a national recognition helps to emphasize that the things we do in every little corner of the country makes a difference, and that the ripple effect of teachers is everywhere.”
He said he wants to acknowledge how grateful he is to his provincial colleagues for forwarding his name.
“I know as art teachers, we all help young people make sense of themselves and the world around us, and make meaning with creative expression. I’m thankful for the support of my school in providing me the opportunities to create novel, inclusive environments for our students,” he said.
“While I feel very fortunate to be singled out for this award, I understand that it is a nurturing web of various mentor-figures in kids’ lives that help them feel empowered and valued.”
Rath has been teaching at the high school for over 20 years and said he has no plans to leave anytime soon.
“I will keep teaching, and keep learning. I feel so lucky to get to be in a creative environment with young people all day long – it’s always changing, never the same,” he said.
“There’s always new projects to develop with students, new things for me to learn along the way, always ways to refine our pedagogical and practical approaches. I learn so much from just being around so many diverse young people, and how to better meet their needs.
“I am also an artist, so being engaged in the process of creative problem-solving is important in my life, and helping kids through that process is very fulfilling.”
