A Blackfalds teacher has been nominated for a first year teaching award.
Carly Andersen, a junior high science and options teacher at Iron Ridge Campus in Blackfalds has been nominated for the Edwin Parr Award for outstanding first year teachers.
“Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is honoured to recognize Carly Andersen as our WCPS Edwin Parr nominee,” said Director of People Services Corrine Thorsteinson in a press release. “Our nomination is based on the outstanding skills, knowledge and attitudes that Carly brings to her classroom and students each and every day.
“Carly exemplifies the various aspects of Inspiring Education, most notably her innovative and creative approach to establishing engaging learning environments for her students.”
Andersen said that teaching at Iron Ridge Junior Campus has been a gratifying and memorable experience so far in this first year. “I am very appreciative of the many opportunities I have had to learn and grow under the mentorship of my colleagues, school administration and WCPS,” she said. “I have enjoyed the relationships I have developed with my students.
“For me, teaching is truly the most rewarding career and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I am extremely honoured and humbled to be this year’s WCPS Edwin Parr Award nominee.”
Iron Ridge Junior Campus Principal Alda Lovell stated that Andersen was nominated for the prestigious award as she exemplifies Parr’s beliefs around education, children and community.
“In her classes her students come first,” she stated in a release. “She is genuinely interested in her students and her natural calm, caring, humorous demeanor allows her to quickly develop meaningful relationships with adolescents that she works with.
“She purposefully provides opportunities to involve all of her students to make real life connections to the world of science each and every class. She is a gifted teacher and role model for young people whose enthusiasm for both the students and the learning will greatly benefit generations of students. One would never guess upon walking into her classroom that Carly is a new teacher.”
Lovell and Thorsteinson believe that the relationship Andersen has built with her students is one of her strongest qualities.
“Carly demonstrates a high level of enthusiasm and enjoyment of learning,” said Thorsteinson. “She approaches teaching and learning with passion and purpose. Carly is a confident, capable educator whose classroom is characterized by hands-on, engaging instruction, projects that encourage students to deepen their understanding and an environment where students are comfortable taking risks and seeking assistance.
“She provides her students with an appropriate balance of guidance and support while also developing independence and self-efficacy.”
The Edwin Parr Award is presented each year to one first-year teacher in each zone of the Alberta School Boards’ Association (ASBA), who had demonstrated excellence in teaching.