This year's Red Deer Public Edwin Parr Nominee is no stranger to the classroom as her journey has taken her from Educational Assistant to Teacher.
Gwenaelle Londechal, a Grade 4/5 French Immersion Teacher at École Barrie Wilson, said she was surprised and honoured by the nomination.
"I was shocked! I did not expect it, but it is an honour, she said.
Originally from France, Gwenaelle discovered her passion for working with children after spending time as an au pair.
"I went back to university in France to complete my Degree in English and later took my Masters," she said, adding that she came to Canada when she was 27-years-old.
Gwenaelle later joined Red Deer Public as a French Assistant at École Mountview Elementary before securing a full time role as an Educational Assistant. After four years supporting students in that role, she completed her Bachelor of Education and stepped into her own classroom this year. She added her experience as an Educational Assistant has shaped her approach to teaching.
"Being an EA has helped me so much in my first year of teaching. I understand the behaviour behind students, how to help them with concepts and I feel like I have more patience and training to help them," she said.
Gwenaelle's classroom focuses on creating a supportive environment where students feel safe and accepted.
"In my class you can be who you are. If you're not happy today, you don't have to be. If you need a snack, have one," she said. "I am really working on regulation with my students, my question to them is often, "What does your body need?" And as a former EA, it gives me a greater understanding of this."
Gwenaelle said the connection she has built with her students has been one of the most rewarding parts of her first year.
"I love the smiles and feeling like they can feel safe and be who they are - it's what I want" she said.
And that relationship goes both ways.
"I can have a bad day as well, and they will tell me It's okay Madam, tomorrow will be a better day'. We take care of each other and I truly love them," she said.
While teaching a split Grade 4/5 class has brought challenges, Gwenaelle said the support of her colleagues has made a difference.
"It has taught me a lot and I'm really happy because I have an amazing team of teachers that I am able to work with," she said.
Nicola Golby, Associate Superintendent of People Services, said Red Deer Public is thrilled to nominate Gwenaelle for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award.
"Gwenaelle brings compassion, patience and a deep understanding of students to her classroom," she said. "Her experience as an Educational Assistant gives her valuable insight into student needs, and she has created a classroom where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn."
Each year the Alberta School Boards Association honours six outstanding first-year teachers with the Edwin Parr Teacher Award. 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. Nominees for the Central Zone 4 ASBA Region will be celebrated at an upcoming banquet in May.
