Vilna teacher nominated for Edwin Parr Award

A Vilna teacher is nominated for the Edwin Parr Award, presented each year by the Alberta School Boards Association to six first-year teachers across the province.

Steven Yakimec teaches Grade 8 and 9 at Vilna School and was nominated for the award by the Aspen View Public Schools Division.

According to Brenda Mykytiuk, the principal at Vilna School, Yakimec has excelled in adapting to the ever-changing situation of learning throughout a pandemic and provided well-planned, thoughtful, and engaging classes.

“His students respond well to him and want to be successful. His lessons are well-paced and he is able to modify content in response to student involvement, engagement and level of understanding. He is reflective, open to feedback and is always keen to collaborate with peers and others to improve his pedagogy. His use of technology is impressive in the classroom and at the school,” said Mykytiuk.

In her comments to the Aspen View Public Schools Division board of trustees, she commended Yakimec’s can-do attitude.

Also nominated in ASBA Zone 2/3 is Lac La Biche teacher Haley Ozga.

According to ASBA President Lorrie Jess, each school division selects a nominee for the award and submits it to their zone. The zone selection committee decides on one recipient from those nominated, except for Zone 2/3 which selects two because it is an amalgamation of Zone 2 and Zone 3.

Each zone hosts their own recognition event for all nominees, and then announces the provincial recipient at the ASBA Fall General Meeting in November.

“We have the privilege of honouring outstanding teachers who dedicate relentless energy to ensure Alberta’s students continue to receive a world-class education. I am grateful to take part in this recognition and look forward to celebrating all nominees and recipients at this year’s awards ceremony,” said Jess.

The Edwin Parr Award was established in 1964 to honour former association president Edwin Parr, who served as a long-time trustee and established an annual teacher award in his school jurisdiction in the early 1900s.