Each year, the Alberta School Boards Association honours six outstanding first-year teachers with the Edwin Parr Teacher Award.
One teacher from each zone across the province in recognized, as school boards may nominate any first-year Kindergarten to Grade 12 teacher who has taught in an Alberta school jurisdiction which is a member of the ASBA.
Lethbridge School Division is excited to announce Jamel Sayyad, a Math, Science and Physical Wellness Teacher at Winston Churchill High School, has been nominated to represent the Division as the 2023 Edwin Parr nominee.
"I am beyond grateful to have even been considered for this award, let alone nominated," said Sayyad. "I love my job, and I love my Churchill family, so it is very important to me that I give them the best version of myself everyday. The love and support I get from my community is what allows me to be successful in what I do, and it is a tremendous honour to represent them and Lethbridge School Division. Thank you so much."
After completing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a Minor in General Science, Sayyad returned to the University of Lethbridge where he completed his Bachelor of Education in Mathematics. Since graduating Jamel has had the opportunity to join the Winston Churchill team where he has been able to share his passion for teaching with his colleagues and students.
Sayyad has always looked for opportunities outside of his classroom to connect with his students, from creating a Pokémon Go club for students, to being the Co-Director of Winston Churchills fall production, Murders in the Heir, and most recently joining the coaching team for the Winston Churchill rugby program, Sayyad is always looking for opportunities to connect with our students and community.
"The Winston Churchill High School's administrative team is so proud that Jamel Sayyad is the Division's nominee for the Edwin Parr Award," said Tracy Wong (Principal), Jamie Bach (Vice-Principal), Aaron Fitchett (Vice-Principal) and Morgan Day (Vice-Principal). "Jamel is not only an outstanding teacher but a truly exceptional human. His ability to build positive, nurturing and meaningful relationships for the purpose of learning is remarkable. Jamel creates a wonderful, welcoming and safe learning environment where students know they are cared about and their learning is prioritized. He makes mathematics fun and accessible for all students by creating curiosity, wonder and confidence. Jamel is an exceptional teacher and we are so very proud that he calls Churchill home."
