134 Alberta teachers recognized for creativity and innovation in classroom

Edmonton... The 2009 Excellence in Teaching Awards Program is recognizing 134 creative and innovative teachers as award semi-finalists for their exceptional work in Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms. Semi-finalists were selected from 365 eligible nominations from across the province.

“Teachers and principals connect with hundreds of students every day, providing support and mentorship that helps shape the lives of Alberta’s youth,” said Education Minister Dave Hancock. “These awards celebrate the teaching profession and shine a light on the important efforts of teachers and principals to inspire students to enjoy learning while working toward their goals.”

Nominees must show leadership, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work collaboratively with colleagues, and create positive and stimulating learning environments that motivate students to exceed their own expectations. Each nomination includes statements of support from the nominee’s principal or superintendent, a teaching colleague, and a member of the public.  Semi-finalists and award recipients are selected by a committee made up of representatives from the education community.

The program honours teachers across the province and encourages them to further develop their skills by providing funding for their professional development. Semi-finalists are invited to a special celebration that includes an afternoon of professional development and a dinner, and they can access up to $1,500 for additional professional development. Twenty award recipients can access up to $4,000 for professional development and are formally honoured at a dinner and awards ceremony with the Education Minister. The three teachers who receive SMARTer Kids Foundation Innovative Use of Technology Awards will receive a comprehensive technology package, which includes a SMART board. This year’s 23 award recipients, who are selected from the 134 semi-finalists, will be honoured in Edmonton on May 30.

“The Excellence in Teaching Awards give the community a chance to thank teachers for their positive contributions to students’ learning experiences, said Hancock. “I applaud all nominees and semi-finalists for their hard work in classrooms across this province and encourage them to continue with their unique and effective teaching methods.”

Alberta Education hosts the 21st Annual Excellence in Teaching Awards with the support of the Alberta School Councils’ Association, the Alberta School Boards Association, The Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Council on Alberta Teaching Standards, the Edmonton Journal and the SMARTer Kids Foundation.  Albertans have celebrated Excellence in Teaching since 1989, with more than 8,000 teachers nominated and more than 400 award recipients. For more information about the Excellence in Teaching Awards, visit / and click on the teachers tab.

Backgrounder

2009 Provincial Excellence in Teaching Awards Semi-finalists

Barrhead

Bonnyville

Brooks

Calgary

Edmonton

Forestburg

Lethbridge

Medicine Hat

Okotoks

Olds

Ponoka

Red Deer

Rimbey

Seba Beach

Sherwood Park

Spirit River

St. Albert

Tilley

Two Hills

2009 SMARTer Kids Innovative Use of Technology Awards Semi-finalists

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