Several teachers from the Peace Country have been nominated for this year’s Edwin Parr Teacher Award that’s given out to six first-year K to 12 teachers province-wide.
Larissa Vant Erve. (Photo/HFCRD)
Holy Family Catholic Regional Division (HFCRD) has nominated Larrissa Vant Erve from Peace River’s Good Shepard School as their nominee. Vant Erve originally hails from the Manning area, and graduated from the University of Alberta (U of A)last year, earning her Bachelor of Education specializing in elementary education.
Sandra Ciurysek, the principal of Good Shephard School, calls Vant Erve an outstanding teacher who is considerate of students’ individual needs and learning styles.
“(Larissa) makes a conscious effort to include a variety of multi-sensory activities within her lessons and instruction,” said Ciurysek in a HFCRD news release. “She works hard and is dedicated to her goal of making a difference in the lives of students.”
Taryn Banach. (Photo/PRSD)
The nominee from Peace River School Division (PRSD) is Taryn Banach, who currently teaches junior high Social Studies, Language Arts and Health at Worsley Central School (WCS). Banach, who graduated from Fairview High School in 2011, got her Bachelor of Education from the U of A with a major in Social Studies and a minor in Biological Sciences.
In a PRSD news release, WCS Principal Mindy Rowe says that Banach is always looking for a variety of ways to engage her students.
“(Taryn) truly understands each student’s strengths, weaknesses, learning styles and embraces this knowledge to develop a classroom focusing on the student first,” said Rowe. “She is open, caring and a dedicated professional, well respected in the school community and puts forth extra effort in support her students inside and outside of the classroom.”
Taryn Beaupré. (Photo/HPSD)
Taryn Beaupré of Kinuso School is the nominee from High Prairie School Division (HPSD). Beaupré, who came to the Peace Country from Spruce Grove, is described in a HPSD news release as a stellar teacher by Kinuso School Principal Leon Tkachyk.
“(Taryn) is always creating new ways for her students to approach tasks,” said Tkachyk. “She’s full of innovative ideas, and instills a passion and energy for learning in all of her students.”
Candace Schmidt. (Photo/FVSD)
“Kids easily engage with her and communicate with her because of her warm and respectful demeanour,” added John Wiedrick, HPSD’s Assistant Superintendent from Human Resources. “Taryn shows good understanding of each student’s struggles, challenges, and successes. Observations and supervision indicate that she’s constantly checking in with students, and caring for their learning, as well as their social-emotional, needs.”
Fort Vermilion School Division’s (FVSD) nominee, Candace Schmidt, originally hails from the La Crete. After graduation, she went to Red Deer College for two years, and then transferred to the U of A, where in April 2016, she earned her Bachelor of Education.
“My first year of teaching has been an incredible experience of growth, building relationships and many memorable moments I’ll forever cherish,” Schmidt, who currently teaches Grande 2 at Hillcrest Community School in La Crete, said in a FVSD news release. “It’s an absolute privilege to work with such fabulous staff and students every day. I truly have the best career.”
The Edwin Parr winner will be announced in September 2017 by the Zone 1 Committee of the Alberta School Boards Association.
– Posted by BET
