A teacher's first year is often filled with steep learning curves and unique challenges as they find their rhythm in the classroom. Despite these challenges, first-year teachers across Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) are adept in finding ways to succeed in their new roles. One of those teachers is Ethan Laflamme, a French Immersion teacher at Sherwood Heights Junior High. He's also EIPS' nominee for the 2026 Edwin Parr Teacher Award organized by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) to recognize excellence among first-year teachers. Nominees will gather May 22 for ASBA's annual awards banquet, where the winners will be announced.
EIPS Edwin Parr nominee Ethan Laflamme with Board Chair Colleen Holowaychuk.
"As a Board, we're all proud to nominate Ethan Laflamme as this year's Edwin Parr nominee," says Colleen Holowaychuk, the Board Chair for EIPS. "He's an outstanding first-year teacher and has already demonstrated excellence in the profession. I think what impressed us most is the passion he brings to teaching his classes and his drive to continue growing. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow as an educator and make positive, lifelong impacts on his students."
Laflamme's nomination highlights his exemplary teaching practices, exceptional learning environment and creative activities to get students excited about school. He has also garnered a reputation for his commitment to continuous learning and adapting to meet his students' needs traits he developed while working in the oil and gas industry before beginning his career in education. "One thing I've learned this year is that teachers need to be both proactive and reactive," says Laflamme. "While having a year plan is a necessity, you also have to be ready to shift and change things on the fly to meet your students' needs in ways you might not anticipate."
Not one to take all the credit, he attributed a large part of his success to those around him and the guidance he received from the administration at Sherwood Heights Junior High. Their support has helped him gain confidence, enabling him to create safe and engaging learning environments in every classroom he teaches. "Ethan is an incredible addition to our French Immersion team," says Helene Hewitt, the Principal of Sherwood Heights Junior High. "He is passionate about making learning fun and engaging for students while providing them with a warm and safe classroom environment. We are so proud that we have him on our team."
While the praise he is receiving now is warmly welcomed and a nice boost to the young teacher's confidence, he's still striving to become a better teacher. "I'm excited to get better at what I'm doing now," says Laflamme. "I'm looking forward to bringing all of the lessons I have learned this year into my classes next year to find new, more effective ways to connect students with the material."
Congratulations to Ethan Laflamme for his dedication to his students. EIPS congratulates all Division first-year teachers who continually show initiative and passion in their roles this year.
