Chinook's Edge School Division is pleased to share that Emily Wilson, a Grade 3 teacher at Carstairs Elementary School, has been selected as the winner of the Edwin Parr Award in the Central Alberta area. Wilson was one of seven nominees from Central Alberta school divisions considered for the award.
The Edwin Parr Award is given to exceptional first year teachers, and is presented by the Alberta School Boards Association. ASBA Zone 4 Trustees announced Wilson was the recipient of the Award at a special banquet they hosted on Monday, May 27, 2024. She will be honoured with other provincial recipients in Edmonton later this year.
"We are incredibly proud of Emily. She represents a very strong contingent of first year teachers in Chinook's Edge School Division, and she is truly exceptional" said Kurt Sacher, Superintendent, Chinook's Edge School Division. "To have been selected in Zone 4 is a significant comment about Emily's abilities and the difference she is already making for our students."
"On behalf of the Board, a huge congratulation goes to Emily!" said Holly Bilton, Board Chair. "We are so pleased that our Zone has given her this award! We are impressed with the way Emily engages with students, positively impacting and encouraging each one," said Melissa Copley, trustee for the Carstairs and Cremona area.
Mike Garrow, Division Principal, Chinook's Edge School Division, said, "We are thrilled for Emily. It has been a great honour to observe and support the exceptional teaching and learning in her classroom. Emily's planning, instructional design, differentiation, and fun learning activities engages students and inspires them to have a love for learning. The care and love for her students' success is admirable and we are so proud of her and this accomplishment."
Emily Wilson said when her name was announced as the winner, she was shocked. "To listen to the other nominees speak - all of the first year teachers - I could see how each was so deserving of this award. I just feel blessed to be among them," said Wilson.
Wilson said her remarks Monday evening included a reflection on her journey to becoming a teacher. Both of Wilson's parents are teachers and that has had a significant impact, she said. "I thank both of my parents for that example," said Wilson. "And my Mom is still a teacher who is dedicated to her work, and is beloved by staff and students. Having my Mom as an example and mentor has been inspirational for me."
Wilson also shared that although she was interested in teaching as a career early in her life, "doubt derailed me for a while." Wilson said in high school there were some experiences where others didn't see her potential and that was a struggle she had to overcome. Working as an educational assistant reminded her of her strength in working with children, and her family and friends encouraged her. Wilson acknowledges her efforts to achieve her dream has impacted the way she sees her students.
"My goal is to provide a safe place and foster a classroom culture that inspires, empowers and uplifts every student who enters my classroom. I want them to feel that what they bring is enough, and that they will all go out into the world and do great things with what they have to offer."
Wilson added, "Thank you to ASBA Zone 4 for this honour, and thanks to Chinook's Edge for believing in me and for the ongoing support you have provided as I've started my teaching journey."
