Bowden Grandview School teacher Amy Severtson has been recognized as a top first-year teacher.
Severtson received the Zone 4 Edwin Parr Award from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) at a ceremony in Innisfail on Thursday.
She teaches phys-ed, career and technology foundations and health to middle school students in the K-12 school in Chinook’s Edge School Division. She also teaches math, science and social studies to Grade 5 students.
“I feel very fortunate to begin my career in a K-12 school. Going to work every day, teaching, guiding, and learning alongside my students has truly been the most rewarding experience,” said Severtson.
“I look forward to continuing teaching in my rural community. The nomination and award are a tremendous honour.”
Severtson grew up in rural Central Alberta, graduating from Innisfail High School in Chinook’s Edge. She has degrees in education, and science in kinesiology.
She was among five Zone 4 nominees and will be recognized as one of six zone winners by the ASBA at a future event.
“We are incredibly proud of Amy and are pleased she has received this honour,”said Chinook’s Edge superintendent Kurt Sacher. “Having strong teachers, like Amy, in our schools is very important for 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 Bowden Grandview School principal Jeff Thompson. “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.”
The Edwin Parr Award is given to exceptional first-year teachers in Alberta and is named in honour of a former president of the Alberta School Trustees’ Association.