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Andrew Schmitt has been teaching for three years, but he's already made a significant positive impact on his students, parents and fellow staff.

The elementary school teacher at Joyce Public School near Dufferin Street and Lawrence Avenue was presented with the New Teacher of the Year award at the Premier's Awards for Teaching Excellence ceremony this month.

"It's an amazing honour," said Schmitt, who comes from a family of teachers. "It's not something that was expected in any way."

But it was well-deserved, said school principal Cheryl Paige, who nominated Schmitt for the award after speaking with his colleagues, board superintendents, students and parents.

"The nomination was supported by everybody," Paige said. "It was 100 per cent endorsed."

She wrote a lengthy letter to an independent selection panel, chaired by Akela Peoples, president of Youth in Motion, highlighting Schmitt's many achievements to date.

For one, he learned how to use interactive SMART boards as an effective tool to teach his grades 4 and 5 students math.

Seeing the benefit of using such technology, he was able to get SMART boards for every classroom at Joyce Public School. Math scores at the school have increased for the past four years and are above the provincial average.

Schmitt also helped train staff from 14 other schools so they'd be more comfortable with the new technology, and has lectured on math and technology at conferences.

"He is really the total package," said Paige, noting Schmitt also helps out with the school choirs by playing the piano,

But, she added, his purpose and passion to help others is what's most appreciated and noticed by everyone.

"That's what makes a superstar teacher," Paige said. "It's an honour to nominate Andrew."

Schmitt refused to take credit for the award without acknowledging everyone that helped him become the teacher he is now.

"Every teacher at this school is outstanding," he said. "It's because of their guidance and ideas and incredible support I'm doing any of these things. When you have that kind of support, it drives you to want to do your best."