Burnaby math teacher receives 2024 McEwen Family Teacher Recognition Award

Danny Young, a teacher at Moscrop Secondary School in Burnaby, has received the 2024 McEwen Family Teacher Recognition Award from the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Applied Science.

The award, now in its fourteenth year, celebrates a high school teacher who goes above and beyond for their students. The award recognizes teachers who not only help their students succeed academically, but personally as well. 

Young was nominated by Elin Lee, a third-year biomedical engineering student at UBC Engineering, with supporting letters from four other former students.

The five students highlighted Young’s creative and thoughtful approach to teaching in a subject that many find intimidating—math.

Young's passion for math shines through his innovative teaching methods, which focus on applying mathematics to real-world financial scenarios. 

By helping students understand concepts like amortization, the impact of changing interest rates on investments, and the benefits of early investing in a TFSA, Young equips them with valuable skills for their financial future. His goal is to give students a practical advantage in life beyond the classroom.

Recognizing and supporting students’ needs

Part of Young’s innovative teaching style is his ability to adapt to the pace of individual students. 

Lee arrived in Canada at the end of grade nine and felt her growth in math stagnating.

“Despite my limited English proficiency, and demonstrating his commitment to student potential, Mr. Young entrusted me with a year's worth of Honours class homework, challenging me to complete it over the summer break,” she said.

“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.”

Another former student explained how Young would go out of his way to connect with elementary school students who showed a passion for math, offering mentorship and support. His goal was to ignite a deeper love for mathematics in these young learners while helping them develop skills and strategies that would extend beyond the classroom. 

By providing advanced practice material tailored to their abilities, he aimed to give these students a strong foundation for future success in high school math.

Opportunity for all

Young's commitment to nurturing student potential extends beyond the classroom, as he actively encourages participation in math competitions across Canada. To ensure all students have the opportunity to compete, he works tirelessly to help cover contest fees by organizing fundraising efforts, and seeking financial support from school administration to subsidize costs. 

"I want every student to have the chance to excel in these competitions, without financial barriers standing in their way," Young shared. 

It is no surprise that Moscrop students consistently achieve top results at both provincial and national math competitions.

In Young's classroom, hard work is emphasized as much as talent. He teaches practical skills essential for success, focusing on areas many students overlook. One key lesson is the importance of attentiveness.

“You need to be as focused as a hawk, letting nothing escape you,” he often says. He also stresses that doing homework is crucial for growth, which builds the foundation for success, and is not just a chore. Mr. Young aims to instill habits that help students thrive both in and beyond math class.

A community for learning

In addition to regularly helping students after school, Young teaches a locally developed course at Moscrop Secondary called Advanced Algebra. This course challenges students with problems that go beyond the standard curriculum, focusing on enhancing their problem-solving skills. 

Every Thursday after school, around 60 students join him in the library to tackle complex problems in areas such as number theory, geometry and more. His goal is to create a dynamic learning environment where students can deepen their passion for mathematics.

Young also created an online resource called BCmath.ca, where he offers free access to online lessons, homework worksheets, and practice quizzes for students, parents and teachers. 

His classroom is open after school at least three days a week, where students from any grade can seek help. During these sessions, he moves between groups of students, full of energy, providing guidance and presenting new challenges to further their learning. 

Just like his website, these after-school math sessions run on his own personal time.

Celebrating an outstanding teacher

UBC Applied Science hosted an event on September 20 to celebrate Young’s dedication to helping students meet their full potential, and his receipt of the 2024 McEwen Family Teacher Recognition Award. Attendees from the McEwen family included Dr. James (Jim) McEwen, his daughter, Jenn Alberts and his son, Jeff McEwen. Danny Young attended with his wife, Vienca Ho. Members of the Applied Science community included student nominator Elin Lee and Dean James Olson.

Young received $2,500 for use towards his own professional development and $5,000 for school enrichment activities. He will also nominate a current high school student to receive a $7,500 scholarship to attend UBC. Lee received $2,500 in recognition of her efforts as the student nominator.

Current Applied Science students can nominate a former teacher who had a significant impact on their own success. 

Nominations are now open for the 2025 McEwen Family Teacher Recognition Award