Curiosity led Maddie Pereira to teaching and in turn, her excellence in the field led to an Edwin Parr nomination.
The Innisfail high school science teacher is the Chinook’s Edge School Division nominee for the Edwin Parr Award, which recognizes teachers who are new to the profession and who show significant promise in their first year.
Each of the eight school divisions in Zone 4 selects a nominee to be honoured at the annual Edwin Parr event, which will be held on May 30 this year.
Pereira said she’s been determined to draw curiosity out of her students in her first year in the classroom.
“I had excellent role models when I was in school and they always made me want to know more, which is what I love to do for my students now,” she said.
“I try to teach in a way that peaks their interest in a similar way. Sometimes I think I’m more excited about science than my students, because there is always so much to discover and learn! But more than my love of the subject is my compassion for my students – I care about them as people and I want to help them with skills to build success in school.”
From grade 9 science students adjusting to life in high school to later years Physics students, Pereira uses a wide range of activities to try and keep her students engaged in the course material.
“Teaching is busy, but it’s incredibly rewarding and I’m enjoying it so much,” she said.
“I am proud to be recognized in this way, although I’m also thinking of all the other first-year teachers in Chinook’s Edge who I know and am impressed with. I feel a duty to represent all the hard work that we all do for our students. I wouldn’t be able to do it without the level of support I’ve received from colleagues in my school, as well as the division’s incredible mentorship program.”
Division Principal Jody Dennis explained that Pereira is a “very strong teacher who thoughtfully reflects after each lesson and adjusts her approach to accommodate each student in her classroom. She works hard to provide a wide range of learning activities for her students, which enhance their ability to retain information in her class. She maintains trust, respect and dignity in the room, but also has high expectations and a firm disciplinary presence.”
That was seconded by Innisfail High School principal Wayne Pineau.
“Maddie’s level of understanding of the curriculum allows her to teach at a very high level. Her students love her and work hard for her, and they are reaching such great success,” he said.
“She has a strong positive presence with her peers, as well, and she impacts the school as a whole.”