Shyanne La Sorsa has always had a profound love of learning, and now, it's her turn to spark that same passion in her own students.
Her dedication to providing excellent Catholic education is among the reasons Lakeland Catholic School Division has nominated her for the 2023 Alberta School Board Association's Edwin Parr Award.
This award is presented annually to first year teachers from across the province who excel in their field.
La Sorsa is a Grade 5 French Immersion teacher at Dr. Bernard Brosseau School.La Sorsa completed her Bachelor of Arts in Études Françaises with a minor in Religious Studies and Certificate of Bilingualism while finishing her Bachelor of Education in the Concurrent Education Program
"As a first year teacher, Shyanne has demonstrated that she is exceptional in her beginning teaching practice," Dr. Bernard Brosseau School Principal Joe Marion wrote in the nomination letter. "Through her continuous efforts, Shyanne has formed bonds with students... These relationships result in students who are confident and eager to take academic risks."
La Sorsa was inspired to become an educator by the impact her own teachers' had on her as a student.
She said, "My love of learning was fostered by the diverse teachers in my life who helped me achieve those a-ha' moments and made me feel valued by eagerly encouraging my undying sense of curiosity. The impact of their kindness inspired me and I knew that I wanted to become that person for others, so I became a teacher."
When asked what she enjoys most about teaching in Catholic education, La Sorsa said it's being able to contribute to her students' spiritual growth.
"Faith is an incredibly powerful learning tool. It's permeable across all subject matters and can act as a pivotal factor in concept attainment. The learning rendered in Catholic Education actively promotes virtues and establishes a sense of belonging to a community rooted in love that expands far beyond the classroom walls," she said. "I am blessed to work in a career that celebrates and fervently accompanies me through the furtherance of my personal faith journey."
La Sorsa was nominated for the award because of the impact her ongoing learning has had on her teaching. Collaboration with Classroom Support Teachers, fellow educations, and administration has ensured her teaching practices to align with the most current and effective teaching methods.
"As a first year teacher, Shyanne stands out in the education field, proving she has found her true calling. Her kind, patient nature, knowledge of her students, and her love of learning result in learning experiences that are tailored to the students in her classroom," Marion said in the nomination letter.
La Sorsa said, "It feels surreal being nominated for such a prestigious award. I am deeply honored. It's truly an indescribable feeling to be recognized in a field that houses such incredible talent and to know that my work has positively impacted others."
