Alberta is known for having the best public education system in Canada.
Part of that comes from the funds we pour into our schools. The other part comes from the care our teachers pour into their students.
Fifteen educators across the province have just received recognition for the remarkable approaches they’ve taken toward teaching Alberta kids everything from math to art to preparing them for life after graduation.
Two educators received the most prestigious Prime Minister Award for Certificate of Excellence, six received the Certificate of Achievement in STEM and 7 received the Certificate of Achievement.
These are the amazing people who are shaping our kid’s future. So we thought they deserved some special recognition. That’s why we’ve rounded up the award winners so you can match names to faces and celebrate the work they’re doing to grow Alberta’s youngest and brightest!
Certificate of Excellence Recipients
Amarah Ishaque
Grades 9-12, Math and Science – Ignite Centre for eLearning, Edmonton
“She consistently demonstrates mastery as she successfully moves students through the phase of “learning to use technology” to the phase of “using technology to learn.” Her passion for teaching math is infectious, and students respond to this enthusiasm with a new sense of personal wonder about how math can play a role in their lives.” Principal
Isaac Ward
Siksika Nation High School, Siksika – Senior High, Science, Biology and Chemistry
“Indigenous learning uses all senses of the body, mind, emotions, and spirit to comprehend how the world works. Mr. Ward is a teacher of discovery, which is transmitted to his students. His excitement for learning translates into success and academic achievement for his students.” Principal
Certificate of Achievement in STEM
Kathryn Richards
Grades 5/4, All subjects – St. Andrew School, Calgary
“Ms. Richards is an educator who thinks about the world ahead and goes beyond just liking technology in the classroom. She is a dedicated leader for our students and our school community in STEM. She gives students the ability to develop skills and sets them on the path to becoming engaged, respectful, and committed to becoming well-rounded citizens.” Assistant Principal
Melanie Beebe
École Oriole Park Elementary School, Red Deer – Grade 5, Math, Science, French Language Arts, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Phys Ed
“Madame Beebe is a model teacher and leader in our school and our community. Her work with the French Immersion students in their STEM learning and their coding projects provides an exciting and enthusiastic class of students who are engaged in their learning and see endless possibilities in how far they can take their projects. They are building skills that are transferable to all other areas of learning and life.” Principal
Deepali Medhekar
Headway School, Edmonton – Grades 7-12, Science, Biology and CTS
“At Headway School, Mrs. Deepali Medhekar is the veritable personification of Digital Technology and STEM. (…) If you want information on biology, computers and their application or gardening, she is the go-to person in our school community.” Associate Principal
Marion Rex Howard
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Spruce Grove – Grade 5, Math, Social Science, Science, Phys Ed & Wellness, Art and Religion
“I am convinced that she is a one-of-a-kind teacher. Her pursuit of excellence in all that she undertakes is exemplified by the success of her students. (…) It is that desire to see students succeed and her life-long commitment to prepare students, teachers and schools to the rapidly evolving digital and innovation-based world that has kept Marion in the teaching profession for as long as she has.” Former Principal
Chantal Sakowich
Assumption Junior/Senior High School, Cold Lake – Grades 7-12, Mathematics, Religion
“Students leave Chantal’s classroom as numerate, inquisitive global citizens, well prepared to take on the next level of academic mathematics. She teaches students to be good people first, using her natural ability to build strong relationships, and supports their success by always putting their needs first.” Deputy Superintendent
Michael Saretzky
St. Patrick’s Community School, Red Deer – Grades 6-9, Language Arts, Science, Digital Media, Video Game Design, Laser and Vinyl Design
“As a lifelong learner, his expertise and creativity in lesson planning, delivery and assessment provide his students with a foundation of strong academics, an innate sense of security within his classroom and trust that they will leave knowing more about the world around them.” Principal
Amelia Adamowicz
Headway School, Edmonton – Grades 7-12, Social Studies, Sikh History, Career Tech Studies
“In my decades of teaching, I have not seen a teacher who demonstrated more dedication to high standards, creativity, and leadership than she does. (…) She is a member of my profession who truly gives me hope for the future.” Colleague
Jocelyn Encinas
Ralston School, Ralston – Grades 6,7,8,9, Science, Math, Music, Robotics, Foods, French
“In the classroom with Jocelyn, you can clearly see why the students are drawn to her. She is humble, approachable, and most of all, she encourages students to think, read, question, discuss, and challenge themselves. All the qualities of a superior STEM educator.” Science consultant
Leanne Jordison
Duclos School, Bonnyville – Kindergarten
“Leanne’s drive and ability to reach each of her students and bring the best out of them is exemplary. Her efforts and leadership toward meeting division and school goals have been invaluable through the years of mentorship she has provided to teachers and support staff. We need more teachers like Leanne who put in everything it takes, each and every day, no matter what.” Principal
Paige Kindopp
Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Center, Lloydminster – Pre K– Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Arts Education, Physical Education, Health, Religion
“The truly special thing about Paige is that not only does she use her talents, skills and creativity with her students, but she passes on and supports her colleagues in extending it to all students at Mother Teresa ECEC, and to her community. There is no detail left uncovered with Paige when she tackles a project with her Grade 1’s.” Colleague
Shelley Sinclair
Irma School, Irma – Grades 7 – 12, Mathematics, Career and Life Management, Art and Home Economics
“Shelley strives to lead with competence and expertise while providing a learning environment that is reinforced with compassion, acceptance and unabated encouragement. (…) She is our unsung hero, always going above and beyond, ever the champion of our small but mighty Irma School.” Colleague
Sarah Steinbach
École H.J. Cody High School, Sylvan Lake – Grades 9-12, Science, Biology, Forensic Science, Physical Education
“Sarah empowers her students to acquire, demonstrate, and value the knowledge and skills that will support them as life-long learners. She inspires them to participate in and contribute to the community and to the global world.” Colleague
Aaron Thacker
Dr. Donald Massey School, Edmonton – Grades 6,7,8,9, Science, Math, Music, Robotics, Foods, French
“I am thankful that Dr. Thacker chose a career of service as an educator. He has changed lives and inspired kindness and confidence. After leaving his class, students will be more prepared for the world ahead.” Assistant Principal
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All these teachers have engaged in innovative teaching techniques that stand out from the crowd!
To learn more about each of them and why they were selected for this shout-out, you can look through their profiles here.
