The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Alberta’s kindergarten to Grade 12 teachers and principals were recognized in Calgary on May 26 as recipients of the province’s Excellence in Teaching Awards. The 23 award recipients were nominated by students, parents, colleagues and communities. Recipients were selected from 341 eligible nominations.

Since 1989, the Excellence in Teaching Awards Program has recognized the innovative and outstanding teaching that takes place every day in classrooms across Alberta. This program provides Albertans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many contributions teachers make to student learning.

“When I was in school, I had a special teacher who helped set the path to where I am today,” said Jeff Johnson, minister of education. “Educators greatly influence the lives of students, which is why I am pleased we have this program to recognize those who inspire and encourage students to reach their full potential.”

Award nominees show leadership, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work collaboratively with colleagues and create positive learning environments that motivate students to excel. Semifinalists and award recipients are selected by a committee of representatives from the education community.

In April, 130 semifinalists were recognized at two regional celebrations and awarded access to $1,500 for professional development.

Alberta Education hosted the 24th ­Annual Excellence in Teaching Awards with the support of the Alberta School Councils’ Association, the Alberta School Boards Association, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Association of Alberta Deans of Education, the College of Alberta School Superintendents, the Council on Alberta Teaching Standards, the Edmonton Journal, and SMART ­Technologies.

Albertans have celebrated Excellence in Teaching since 1989, with more than 9,000 teachers nominated and 492 receiving the award. The list of award recipients and semifinalists is available online at www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/­excellence.aspx.

Excellence in Teaching Awards recipients

The Excellence in Teaching Award ­recipients will be able to access up to $4,000 for professional development.

• Calgary
Pamela Bates, Saddle Ridge School
Kristy Martens, Westmount Charter School
Lynelle Pierzchalski, F. E. Osborne School
Danielle Spencer, Westmount Charter School
Gary Thoreson, Bishop Grandin High School

• Cochrane
Stephanie Bennett, Cochrane High School

• Drumheller
Jason Rasmussen, Drumheller Valley ­Secondary School

• Edmonton
Aaron Dublenko, Queen Elizabeth School
Susanna Nigro-Vecchio, St. Paul Catholic School
Doug Romanchuk, M. E. LaZerte School

• Fort McMurray
Valerie Gondek, Thickwood Heights School

• Grande Prairie
Laura Tapson, Mother Teresa Catholic School

• Leduc
Gayle Monsma, Covenant Christian School

• Lethbridge
Dean Hawkins, Galbraith School

• Olds
Darlene Kusick, École Olds Elementary School
Gayla Moore, Olds High School

• Red Deer
David Khatib, St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School
Colette Pedde, Mattie McCullough ­Elementary School

• Sylvan Lake
Judith McIntyre, Our Lady of the Rosary School

• Vulcan
Kenneth Garinger, County Central High School

SMART Technologies Innovative Use of Technology Award recipients

Teachers who receive the SMART ­Technologies Innovative Use of Technology Award will receive a comprehensive technology package, which includes a SMART Board.

• Calgary
Jennifer Turner, Sir John A. Macdonald School

• Canmore
Gilles Robert, École Notre-Dame des Monts

• Edmonton
Colin Veldkamp, Harry Ainlay High School