Three Sylvan Lake teachers were recognized for their exemplary teaching skills, when they were named semi-finalists for the province’s 2014 Excellence in Teaching Awards, last Friday.
Mandy Cuellar and Angela Sola of École Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School, and Jeremy Ziebart of École Mother Teresa Catholic School are among more than 130 semi-finalists for the awards.
They’ll find out if they are one of its 20 recipients in May.
“Our semi-finalists use their expertise and creativity every day to make a powerful and lasting impact in the lives of their students,” said Minister of Education Jeff Johnson, in a news release. “These teachers exemplify the vision of Inspiring Education and are helping to build Alberta for an even brighter future.
“We are proud of their achievements and thank them for their contributions.”
All semi-finalists will receive a certificate as well as access to professional development funding. They’ll also be recognized formally during an event this month.
Although not a semi-finalist, another Sylvan Lake teacher — Stevie Philpott of École Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School — was also nominated for the award.
All of Sylvan Lake’s nominees came from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, and board trustee Liam McNiff couldn’t be any happier to see them recognized.
“They’re very, very dedicated teachers, and they work extremely hard, and always try to do what’s best for the children,” he said. “It’s nice to see that dedication and hard work being recognized.”
École Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School principal Jodi Smith said she felt “blessed” to have two of the semi-finalists come from her school, and spoke highly of their teaching skills.
“One of (Cuellar’s) biggest assets to our school is the positive effect she has on her classroom climate, which in turn extends to the entire school,” she said. “She fosters the development of intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual growth within each one of her students.”
About Sola, she said: “(She) truly motivates the children to be the best that they can be, and as a faculty member, she is willing and able to help her colleagues any way that she can.”
École Mother Teresa Catholic School principal Dorice Swensrude similarly had no shortage of good things to say about Ziebart’s abilities as an educator.
“(He) is a most deserving nominee for the Excellence in Teaching Award as a result of his innovative teaching strategies, leadership, commitment to excellence and passion for creating high learning opportunities for all,” she said.