Division News Article

Swan Hills teacher nominated for provincial award

March 6th, 2019

Each year the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) recognizes first-year teachers for their outstanding efforts, with the Edwin Parr Teacher Award. This year the school board received recommendations from principals for two very deserving first-year teachers; however, each school board is allowed to submit only one nominee.

We are pleased to announce that Swan Hills Teacher Michelle Tran has been selected by the school board as this year’s nominee. Michelle teaches Junior and Senior High Science and Math at Swan Hills School and, according to Principal Slade Sekulich, she stepped into a challenging situation at the school last fall. Her teaching assignment included a variety of combined grades and combined classes. For example, in addition to delivering Science 10, she also taught Science 20 classes at the same time in the same room.

Michelle immerses herself in PD opportunities, often staying behind after PD sessions to follow up with presenters. She is also very involved with activities outside the classroom, including volunteering to be assistant coach for the school’s Jr. High Volleyball team.

Sekulich says, “Michelle has been an excellent addition to the Swan Hills School staff. She is a teacher who builds special rapport with students and prepares them for the road of life ahead of them. Her efforts to provide engaging educational opportunities, both in and out of the classroom are appreciated by all.”

Pembina North Community School Grade One Teacher Ariana Sterling was also recommended for the division nomination. Principal Raime Drake says, “Miss Sterling has built a classroom community where all students feel a sense of belonging both socially and academically. She is incredibly patient and takes the time to listen to her students’ stories and notices when they might need a little extra time or a different way of learning a new concept.”

We want to thank both these teachers for their hard work and dedication—we are proud to recognize the excellent work they do as first-year teachers in our division.

Congratulations to Michelle and we wish her the best of luck as her nomination will be submitted to the ASBA Zone 2/3 selection committee. From there, two nominees will advance to be considered for the provincial ASBA Edwin Parr Teacher Award.

In the school foyer with some of her students, Michelle Tran (far right) holds the gift basket she received from the school board

In the school foyer with some of her students, Michelle Tran (far right) holds the gift basket she received from the school board

Teacher Ariana Sterling and Trustee Jackie Comeau with gift basket

Trustee Jackie Comeau presented PNCS teacher Ariana Sterling with a gift basket on behalf of the school board