Three of Red Deer Public Schools finest teachers have been nominated and are among 12 finalists for the Canadian Family Teacher Award.
Gaylene McKay, specializes as an English as a Second Language teacher at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. McKay is nominated for her outstanding work in providing students with opportunities to succeed both at school and within the community. She acts as a liaison between ESL students and their outside agencies. McKay ensures her students have proper access to medical, social and community supports. Her dedication is further demonstrated through her countless hours organizing and leading the International Student Association which organizes events for students with refugee status at Lindsay Thurber.
Amy Nye from a Ecole Barrie Wilson School is noted for her remarkable teaching methods, demonstration to the well-being of her students and her drive for continued professional development outside the classroom. Amy has become independently certified in mediation and mindfulness and is developing programs at the school to help students deal with anxiety and anger.
Karen Sveinson is a school counsellor at Central Middle School and is committed to inspire and instill sound confidence in her students. This dedication is demonstrated through the extracurricular activities she makes readily available to her students to promote unity and equality. Specifically, she serves as the main contact and support for Safe Spaces at Central Middle School providing support for LGBTQ+ students.
The finalists were selected by a judging panel who looked at key characteristics and skills that separated the top 12 finalists as truly extraordinary.
The 12 finalists will participate in an online vote to determine the top three winning teachers in Canada who will be receiving $2500 for programming and supplies.
