The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Excellence in Teaching award recipients honoured

Twenty outstanding teachers and principals from across the province have been recognized by the Alberta government with Excellence in Teaching awards.

“The individuals chosen for this award are nothing short of remarkable; they represent the best of Alberta,” said Education Minister Jeff Johnson. “These teachers put their heart and soul into the classroom, and in doing so they are shaping our next generation to be engaged, ethical and entrepreneurial—ready to continue building Alberta. I’m grateful for this opportunity to recognize these champions of student success and Inspiring Education.”

The recipients were honoured May 25 at an award celebration in Edmonton. In April, 129 semifinalists from across Alberta were recognized at regional celebrations in Calgary and Edmonton and awarded up to $1,500 for professional development (PD). The 20 Excellence in Teaching award recipients will receive up to $4,000 each for PD.

Excellence in Teaching award nominees are required to demonstrate leadership, creativity and innovation, work collaboratively with colleagues, and create positive learning environments that motivate students to excel. Nominations for the award are submitted by an educator’s own community members, including students, parents and colleagues. A rigorous process is undertaken by a committee made up of members of the education community to select semifinalists and award recipients. 

Albertans have celebrated ­Excellence in Teaching since 1989, with more than 9,000 teachers nominated and more than 500 receiving an award. Alberta Education administers the annual Excellence in Teaching Awards with the support of the Alberta School Boards Association, the Alberta School Councils’ Association, the ­Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Association of Alberta Deans of Education, the College of ­Alberta School Superintendents, the Council on Alberta ­Teaching Standards and the Edmonton Journal.

Recipients of the 2013 Excellence in Teaching Awards

Airdrie

Jennifer Williams, Bert Church High School

Calgary

Leslie Collings, Springbank Community High School
Brendan Hagan, Western Canada High School
Scott Hebert, Westmount ­Charter School
Colin Hill, Discovering Choices School–Start Outreach
Darlene Unruh, Panorama Hills School

Cochrane

Josée-Lyne Séguin, École Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School

Edmonton

Kristen Buchynski, A. Blair McPherson School
Sandra Carl Townsend, Forest Heights School
Yanick Jean-Proulx, Harry Ainlay High School
Jody Lundell, Westglen School
Tiffany Reed, Queen Elizabeth School
Linette Smith, Strathcona High School

Fort McMurray

Kitty (Kathleen) Cochrane, École Dickinsfield Public School
Trudy Dwyer, Sister Mary ­Phillips School
Diane Rizzuto, École ­Dickinsfield Public School

Jasper

Adam Robb, Jasper Junior/Senior High School

Lethbridge

Sharleen Albrecht, Senator ­Buchanan Elementary School

Red Deer

Shari Jensen, Hunting Hills High School

Spruce Grove

Carolyn Cameron, Greystone Centennial Middle School