Division selects its Edwin Parr Award nominee for 2020/2021 school year

On an annual basis, each school jurisdiction is invited to submit the name of one first-year teacher as its nomination for the Edwin Parr Award, which is sponsored by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA).  
One nominee from the zone is then selected as the zone nominee for the Fall General Meeting of the ASBA. With many outstanding beginning teachers in the Division, it was not an easy task to select a Division nominee.  
The Lethbridge School Division nominee for the 2021 Edwin Parr Award is Mikaela McNab, a teacher at General Stewart Elementary School.  
General Stewart principal Chris Harris describes McNab as an incredibly caring teacher who has gone above and beyond to form a connection with each and every one of her students and colleagues. “Mikaela has done a tremendous job since day one and has excelled in not only her position as our Kindergarten teacher but also in her role as the Learning Support Teacher,” said Harris. “She has learned an incredible amount in a very short time regarding policies, procedures, organizing and co-ordinating meetings with school staff, division staff, parents and outside agencies. Despite the circumstances of the 2020/2021 school year, she has continued to provide engaging lessons and creates innovative ways to support all of our students, in person and at home.” 
Harris added NcNab has gone above and beyond at General Stewart, and has not only done the job but has excelled in it.  
“As a first-year kindergarten teacher, I have found so much joy in celebrating the individuality that every student brings into the classroom,” said McNab. “My students at General Stewart inspire me to teach from the heart and to develop a genuine love for our shared learning community. I am passionate about creating an environment where learning is designed to be inclusive, dynamic, engaging, collaborative, and reflective of student voice.” 
McNab added there is definitely one highlight that comes with being a new educator inside an elementary school. 
“The most exciting part of being a first-year teacher is building sincere connections with my students, colleagues, parents and community members. I am truly honoured and humbled to be nominated for the Edwin Parr Award.”