Chinook's Edge School Division is celebrating the selection of one of its teachers as the winner of the Edwin Parr Award for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Zone 4. Amy Severtson, who is a first year teacher at Bowden Grandview School, was chosen from eight school divisions that make up ASBA Zone 4, all of which can each nominate one teacher annually for the Edwin Parr award. There were five nominees in Zone 4 this year. The award winner was announced at a Zone 4 event in Innisfail on May 25, 2023.
"We are incredibly proud of Amy and are pleased she has received this honor,"said Kurt Sacher, Superintendent, Chinook's Edge School Division. "Having strong teachers, like Amy, in our schools is very important for our students. We are so glad Amy has chosen to work in Chinook's Edge and share her gifts and abilities to encourage and inspire our students."
"Amy approaches her teaching experience with the energy, enthusiasm, determination and passion to learn of a first year teacher but also with the patience and wisdom of a 15 year veteran,"said Jeff Thompson, Principal, Bowden Grandview School. "Her ability to connect at a deep and personal level with her students has created a trust in her that allows her students to take risks and push themselves academically as well as socially. This award is well deserved and we are thrilled for Amy."
"I would like to thank everybody involved in Chinook's Edge School Division for the time and effort they put into supporting first year teachers," said Amy Severtson. "To my fellow teachers, administrators, and support staff at Bowden Grandview School thank you for your continued support."
Severtson said, "I feel very fortunate to begin my career in a K-12 school. Going to work everyday, teaching, guiding, and learning alongside my students has truly been the most rewarding experience. I look forward to continuing teaching in my rural community. Also, thank you to Chinook's Edge for nominating me and to the Edwin Parr selection committee. The nomination and award are a tremendous honor."
Severtson is a Chinook's Edge graduate. Severtson will be recognized as one of six ASBA Zone winners by the Alberta School Boards Association at a future event.
The Edwin Parr Award is given to exceptional first-year teachers in Alberta. Edwin Parr was the President of the Alberta School Trustees' Association (now ASBA) from 1956 to 1962. During his time as a Board Chair he established an award for first-year teachers in his school division. The ASTA (now ASBA) established the Edwin Parr Award in his memory.
January 13, 2025
