A teacher form Nicholas Sheran Elementary School has been selected as Lethbridge School Division's nominee for the 2024/2025 Edwin Parr Award.
Hayley Bedard, who is a familiar face at the school, as she completed her PS III practicum in Grade 5 at Nicholas Sheran, now teaches her own Grade 1 classroom.
Bedard is a proud 2024 graduate of the University of Lethbridge, where she earned a Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Education. Her dedication and hard work were recognized with the prestigious William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education, awarded to the Faculty of Education student with the highest general proficiency during the final two years of the program.
Her passion for supporting students has been evident throughout her educational journey. While pursuing her degree, she also worked as an Educational Assistant Substitute with the Lethbridge School Division.
Bedard credits much of her success to the mentors and supporters who have guided her along the way.
"I am honoured to be nominated for this award," said Bedard. "I feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the staff and students at Nicholas Sheran Elementary School. As a first-year teacher, I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I've received from my incredible colleagues. It's a privilege to represent my school and Division through this nomination."
Every year, the Edwin Parr Teacher Award - the namesake of past Alberta School Boards Association president Edwin Parr - recognizes outstanding first-year teachers who have demonstrated excellence in the Teaching Quality Standard.
According to Aaron Fitchett, principal at Nicholas Sheran, Bedard is certainly deserving of the nomination.
"Our school community is excited to celebrate Hayley and all her accomplishments as a first-year teacher," said Fitchett. "Hayley embodies the qualities and characteristics of the Edwin Parr Award, as she demonstrates excellence related to the Teaching Quality Standard. As a beginning teacher, Hayley is supported by her colleagues within our school, and yet she is also a trusted collaborator, mentor, and leader in her own right."
Fitchett added Bedard has gone above and beyond, from the moment her internship began, to establish connections that are meaningful, focused on growth and driven by her passion for supporting students.
"It is clear to all who meet Hayley that she holds relationships at the centre of her teaching philosophy," said Fitchett. "Understanding her students deeply is what motivates her to create exceptional learning experiences for each of them. Hayley is a reflective leader of learning in her classroom, and she sets a high bar for herself no matter the challenge. We are beyond grateful to have Hayley in our school and our Division, and we are excited to see what the future holds. Congratulations, Hayley!"
Steve Woodcock, vice principal at Nicholas Sheran, said Bedard's excellence and commitment to inclusive, engaging instruction and the students in the school makes her a deserving nominee for the Edwin Parr Award.
"Nicholas Sheran is thrilled that Hayley Bedard, a dedicated and passionate educator who places students at the heart of everything she does, is Lethbridge School Division's nominee for the Edwin Parr award," said Woodcock. "By building strong, genuine relationships, she creates a supportive environment where meaningful and impactful learning takes place. She ensures her students' success and growth in ways which recognize the unique learning needs of her students. Hayley is a reflective teacher who continually seeks growth, collaborates with colleagues and contributes to the larger Nicholas Sheran community in ways which benefits staff, students and families outside of her classroom. Congratulations Hayley!"
Lethbridge School Division is excited to have Bedard as part of the Division and can't wait to see the positive impact she will make in her classroom and beyond. On behalf of Lethbridge School Division, congratulations to Hayley Bedard for being nominated as the 2024/2025 Edwin Parr nominee!
