2008 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient Biographies
Middle row: Peter Weeks, Catherine Knudskov, Helen Hammel, Joan Kaupp, Myrna Dembicki, Lorelei Crawford, Sheila Klein, Julian Pacholik
Back row: John Davidson, Mark Haak, Annabel Duncan-Webb, Bill Holmes, Brenda Mulder, Kelli Holden, Lindsey Bates
Lorna Adrian
Claresholm Elementary School
Livingstone Range School Division
Lorna Adrian possesses an innate curiosity and constantly seeks to find and reinforce the positive qualities in each of her students. Her colleagues describe this Grade Three teacher as an insightful, caring, and motivating role model.
Lorna’s classroom is a stimulating, open, and cozy environment with an abundance of books. She has high expectations of her students and works well with exceptional learners. Lorna teaches in a “conversational approach” in which the skill of seeking the most appropriate questions is often more important than the answers. Lorna uses facts as a starting point, not an end point.
Lorna has successfully led colleagues in integrating three-way conferences and student portfolios and received a sizeable AISI grant to help establish a pyramid of interventions model for reading in a number of schools. Lorna, a divisional lead teacher for Social Studies, is highly regarded by students, colleagues and parents as “the best Grade Three teacher ever.”
Lindsey Bates
J. R. Robson High School/Mannville School
Buffalo Trail Public Schools Regional Division
Lindsey Bates, currently teaching at J.R. Robson High School in Vermilion, is also responsible for teaching Biology 30 to Mannville School students via video conferencing. Lindsey has a special ability to inspire his students to enter the field of science. He also takes responsibility for the Special Education students at J.R. Robson High School.
Lindsey continually engages his students by providing a variety of learning experiences through the use of labs and computer programs that allow students to track, manipulate and make inferences from data. More importantly, he is able to make their learning experiences in science relate to their everyday lives in a rural community setting.
Lindsey regularly participates in the Mentoring Program for new teachers and works with the Teacher’s Convention Board to ensure there are relevant and meaningful professional development opportunities for his colleagues. Lindsey was the recipient of BP Education Foundation Funding in 2007 that added several exciting dimensions to his Biology classroom and laboratory environment.
Jeff Boddez
St. Clement Catholic Elementary Junior High School
Edmonton Catholic Separate School District
Jeff Boddez is described by colleagues as a dynamic and engaging teacher who believes it is as important to teach his students how to become responsible, caring citizens as it is to teach them Language Arts concepts. He has high expectations for his students and they do not disappoint.
Jeff provides a safe and caring classroom environment that positively reinforces each student’s unique perspective. He scaffolds his instructional delivery so that all students experience success at their optimal level. Jeff fosters the development of the “whole” student by promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and emphasizing social characteristics such as responsibility and respect.
Jeff is a quiet leader who supports his peer team at St. Clement by helping to develop instructional and assessment materials in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Jeff routinely mentors new teachers to the IB program and is considered very much to be “the heart and soul” of his school.
Simmee Chung
George P. Nicholson School
Edmonton School District
Grade Three teacher Simmee Chung believes in the importance of educating the whole child. Her students are challenged daily to become responsible citizens, critical thinkers and life-long learners.
Simmee’s students are eager to tell you how she is strict but fair. They’ll tell you she knows how to make learning fun (like the time she dressed up as an astronaut!). Simmee’s approach is described as one of “thematic immersion” in which a selected theme or period of history is woven throughout all the subjects.
Simmee is a lead teacher in her school. She continues to work with colleagues and visiting scholars from other provinces and countries developing the principles and practices of honouring diversity in our classrooms, schools, and home communities. Simmee has presented in New York to the American Educational Research Association’s annual conference. She is - as a colleague states - “one of those quiet gifts to the education of our children”.
Lorelei Crawford
Bowness Senior High School
Calgary School District
Lorelei Crawford’s belief that “people were born to move” is vibrantly and visually evident in the exceptional dance classes she offers to her students and in her ability to influence colleagues to incorporate movement into their regular curriculum.
Lori inspires students to take risks. She consistently offers students experiences in all types of dance. By bringing numerous dance clinicians into her space, she ensures that she and her students are constantly challenged to try new, innovative styles and techniques. Her patient and considerate approach to teaching ensures the success of even the most awkward or reserved students.
Lori was pivotal in the conversion of one of the school’s car bays into a practice room for dance, choir and drama. She was also successful in incorporating CTS Media Studies and Computer Science demonstrations into her dance productions. Although a part-time teacher, Lori’s commitment to the Dance Program has helped establish it as one of the premier programs in Calgary.
John Davidson
Bow Valley High School
Rocky View School Division
By consistently and creatively relating his daily Social Studies lessons to the events happening in today’s world, John Davidson effectively engages his Grade 9 – 12 students with the curriculum. By building caring and trusting relationships with his students, John ignites their passion for learning.
John understands the learning needs of all of his students. He differentiates his instruction in intentional, purposeful, and focused ways. John “walks the talk”. He models active living and encourages his students to take care of themselves physically as well as mentally. As one of two directors of the school’s Leadership Program, John helps to promote school spirit and develop social responsibility among the students.
John is a long-time standards-setter for the current Social 33 Diploma Exam and collaborated extensively with colleagues to develop the new Social Studies 10 curriculum. He was instrumental in creating inquiry-based activities to foster critical thinking, historical analysis, and collaborative learning into that curriculum.
Myrna Dembicki
Coalhurst Elementary School
Palliser Regional Division
As a self-confessed “PD junkie” Myrna Dembicki brings a wealth of knowledge to her Grade One/Two combined class. She also brings international experience gleaned from a wide range of teaching adventures in places such as Germany and Swaziland as well as from hosting a guest teacher from Japan.
Myrna plans her lessons by taking into account the diversity of students’ special needs, ethnicity, religion and gender within her class. She is known to record written materials on tape for those parents who do not read English. Myrna’s student-led conferences for parents are eagerly anticipated events and, between reporting periods, she regularly organizes evening “Portfolio Parties” to inform parents of their child’s progress.
Myrna is a lead teacher in the district and has presented at other schools, university classes and conventions as well as serving as the on-site literacy expert for her school colleagues. One such colleague states that Myrna could be the “poster teacher” for life- long learning and continuous improvement.
Azmina Dewji
Stratford Elementary Junior High School
Edmonton School District
Parents claim their children “meet the world” in Grade One teacher Azmina Dewji’s classroom and that the meeting couldn’t happen in a more comfortable or pleasantly challenging place. Azmina gives one-on-one attention to every student but the class progresses as a learning community inside a totally educational environment. Parents believe that being in Azmina’s class is a perfect first step for children to begin their journey through school.
Azmina’s approach to teaching involves her use of the “Smart Board” as a learning tool for her students. By designing amazing lessons, utilizing numerous web sites and creating a variety of teaching tools, she demonstrates for her colleagues how even the youngest learners can be effectively engaged with technology.
Azmina’s leadership skills positively impact the district through her mentoring of new teachers and her work with Alberta Education on various planning committees. Azmina continuously displays for her students and colleagues her belief that growth is realized through learning.
Annabel Duncan-Webb
Westmount School
Edmonton School District
As a junior high Language Arts teacher, Annabel Duncan-Webb believes the ability to read is the single greatest life-long tool. The knowledge that reading serves as an indicator of school completion motivates her to inspire even the most reluctant of her students to succeed.
Annabel works tirelessly with the “at risk” readers in the Transitions program at Westmount. She focuses on teaching reading across subject areas, effectively integrating the skills of predicting, questioning, clarifying and summarizing.
Annabel also teaches P. E., Health and Foods and oversees extra curricular sports as she believes that success in these areas helps connect the students to the school community on a broader, more public basis.
Colleagues describe Annabel as so much more than a classroom teacher, “she is a LIFE-changer.” She believes that with students considered “at-risk”, the biggest risk is somehow giving them slightly less than everything you can.
Justin Flunder
St. Martin de Porres School
Red Deer Catholic Regional Division
Grade Five teacher (and Drama Specialist for Grades 2 – 5) Justin Flunder is described by his colleagues as a master teacher who - by action and example - motivates his students to believe in themselves and achieve success beyond their own expectations.
Justin attends to the individual needs of his students by differentiating instruction through modifying content, process and product as well as implementing peer assessment and self assessment strategies. His lunchtime support groups ensure that this “student helping student” initiative benefits all.
Justin wrote, directed and coordinated a theatrical production called Youth Criminal Justice Act about the issue of bullying that made a very successful tour of Alberta. Jason was also invited by the ATA to present his Differentiated Instruction Workshop at their “Leaders in Learning” conference in Edmonton and recently wrote a book entitled The Change Agent Revolution: Empower Your Life by Design. Justin continues to empower his students, colleagues and parents on a mass scale.
Mark Haak
W. P. Wagner School of Science and Technology
Edmonton School District
Mark Haak’s creativity and sense of humour are as legendary as is his ability to make the most complex scientific concepts easily understood by his students. In fact, these three skills are related to and, perhaps, directly responsible for his success. His love of learning is obvious, as is his passion for sharing this knowledge with students.
His classroom is alive with the wonders of science and passersby are often drawn in to see why Mark’s students are once again laughing so loudly and so fully engaged. Students describe the “Haak experience” as being unforgettable.
Mark was named “Teacher of the Year” in 2005 by the ATA Science Council and he was one of the co-authors of the new Science 20 and 30 textbooks. He contributes willingly to the Professional Development Committee and Instructional Leadership Team and has most recently been appointed Department Head of the innovative F.I.R.S.T. (Focus in Research, Science and Technology) program. Get ready for another series of “Haak Experiences”.
Helen Hammel
Olds Koinonia Christian School
Chinook’s Edge School Division
Helen Hammel works primarily with Grade 9 – 12 students. Her passion for teaching Math is well known and, at her suggestion, the school now offers a Math 10 Prep course that is enabling more students to experience success in the Pure Math stream.
The budget challenges of a small school simply stimulate Helen. Four years ago she single-handedly expanded the computer department to offer computer animation and website construction programming. She also developed a photography course to offer as part of the CTS program.
As a lead teacher, Helen heads up the AISI project in Assessment for Learning. She also coordinates the monthly professional learning community and PD activities. Her commitment and devotion to learning reach far beyond her classroom. As a student commented, “she could teach anywhere because she provides the stimulating environment just by being herself.”
Bill Holmes
Cayley School
Foothills School Division
Principal Bill Holmes leads his school team with heart, humor and passion. Parents believe that his boundless enthusiasm and unstoppable energy help to create the wonderfully positive environment within Cayley School.
Bill’s team-centered approach to leadership inspired his staff and the community to work together to develop the Youth Environmental Stewardship Program. This unique approach integrates environmental education into all aspects of Kindergarten to Grade Eight curriculum. Bill consistently advocates for ongoing staff development and motivates staff to implement technology such as SMART boards, video conferencing and video clips to reach and teach students.
Bill’s commitment to healthy living is demonstrated in his daily P. E. initiative and his daily celebration of student sports and extra-curricular activities. By organizing divisional school dances he facilitates the transition between middle and high school levels as well as broadening the friendship base of youth in small rural areas. Bill truly believes that no dream is too difficult to achieve with and for Cayley School.
Joan Kaupp
St. Louis School
Medicine Hat Catholic Separate Regional Division
Grade One teacher Joan Kaupp is recognized as a master teacher by colleagues and parents. During the last three decades she has worked to quietly change the cycle of poverty for the families of children within her school. She started by asking herself what she could do to ensure success for each child.
Through Joan’s structured, skill-based teaching and highly individualized programming she has helped to turn non-readers and non-writers into literate, contributing members of society. These successes are always based on her genuine caring for students and her belief in applying basic, proven teaching techniques.
Joan is a true educational leader and mentor. She is responsible for starting a Home Literacy program in the community. Her efforts resulted in the school’s winning the Indigo Love of Reading Fund that brought thousands of dollars worth of books to the school. Clearly Joan believes that learning is like living - a daily habit.
Sheila Klein
Exshaw School
Canadian Rockies Regional Division
During her twenty-one years of teaching, Sheila Klein has been and continues to be a leader of teachers and a driving force behind school improvement as well as facilitating educational opportunities that support all types of learners.
As a Reading Specialist for Kindergarten to Grade Four, Sheila has provided her colleagues with ongoing support in their literacy journeys. She provides assistance throughout the school to create and support literacy development programs for all students.
Whether by developing the daily Volunteer Reading Program, reading (and playing hockey!) with the students or being part of the “Snacketeria” Food for Learning Initiative, Sheila continuously fosters an environment where all children can demonstrate their literacy achievements.
Sheila’s leadership qualities shine in her ongoing involvement in AISI committee work as well as in her past involvement with the ATA. It is evident that Sheila’s guiding principle continues to be “always providing what is best for students”.
Catherine Knudskov
Ponoka Alternative Supports School
Wolf Creek School Division
Parents of her students describe Cathy Knudskov as “their children’s biggest cheerleader.” Cathy provides successful programming for her students where more traditional and even other alternative schools have not succeeded. Her students are between 10 and 18 years old and have been diagnosed with psychiatric and/or emotional conditions and severe behavior challenges.
Regardless of the diagnosis, Cathy’s focus is on the behaviors and social skill development her students need in order to become more successful in school and in life. She ensures that each student is working at a level where they are sufficiently challenged but can also experience success. Amazingly, Cathy has taught her students to use rubrics to determine for themselves what they need to do to improve.
As AISI leader Cathy has helped to develop a comprehensive Social Skills curriculum. She has a real passion for her job and she successfully and continually provides her students with emotionally comfortable places in her heart as well as in her classroom.
Brenda Mulder
Londonderry School
Edmonton School District
Brenda Mulder, as both a Grade Nine Language Arts teacher and Assistant Principal, demonstrates a high level of flexibility and commitment in addressing the individual needs of the students.
In Brenda’s classroom learning is supported by allowing mistakes to be made - and learned from! Giving and receiving feedback as well as teaching self-assessment strategies are all essential parts of Brenda’s educational process. Colleagues remark on Brenda’s daily demonstrations of compassion, fairness and taking the time to really listen to student concerns.
This past year Brenda presented at the Alberta Assessment Consortium. Brenda’s vision of collaboration has had a powerful impact within her department and inspired the respect and admiration of her colleagues. She creates and eagerly shares teacher-friendly, hands-on resources. All these resources are completely curriculum-aligned and promote differentiation and achievement.
As a parent states, “Brenda is able to reach out and touch her students and instill in them the self-confidence to transition successfully into High School”.
Julian Pacholik
M.E. Lazerte High School
Edmonton School District
Julian Pacholik is known by students, teachers and parents to have a certain creative ESP. He has the ability to see where change is needed and the skills to make it happen.
Julian has built the RAP Program at M.E. Lazerte into one of the largest and most successful programs in all of Alberta. In addition to coordinating the RAP Program,
Julian created a hands-on Landscaping course, a program called Mechanics in Motion as well as the Hummin Hospitality course to allow many “at risk” students to complete their high school requirements. These practical courses enabled those students not eligible for RAP to prepare for future employment as well.
As a leader, Julian endears himself to his colleagues by the crazy suggestions he makes -and then executes - in a continuous improvement strategy to develop a more positive school community. His Welcome BBQ in place of “Meet the Teacher” night was a great success for all and has become the Annual Hospitality Hoedown.
Brant Parker
University Elementary School
Calgary School District
Principal Brant Parker uses every resource he can muster bringing together students, teachers, parents and staff to create learning environments that allow everyone to excel. He makes a point of acknowledging individual students on the playground and in the hallways as well as knowing the names and occupations of every student’s parents.
Brant encourages his teachers to work from an inquiry-based model and facilitates this by creating professional development opportunities with Galileo Network and the University of Calgary, Faculty of Education. He works with his staff to create on-line learning platforms that enable students and teachers to access learning at any place and any time.
Brant is currently working to implement a new program with Ronald McDonald House which would allow the non-hospitalized siblings to continue their education while away from their home school, yet still be able to stay in contact with their own class using video conferencing. Brant is a true champion of public education.
Peter Weeks
Botha School
Clearview School Division
Peter Weeks demonstrates his passion for, knowledge of and dedication to teaching on a daily basis as Principal of Botha School. He continually applies the concepts and skills he is teaching to the real world situation of his students with great success.
Peter is well known for his organization of project-based, cross-grade, cross-curricular programs to maximize learning opportunities for his students. His Medieval Literacy Faire included jousting, student presentations and community involvement. The implementation of such themes throughout each subject area stimulates learning in all subjects.
A national and international presenter, Peter is clearly a team leader in Clearview School Division where he has helped to develop an Emerging Technology Committee. He also led Clearview teachers on a trip to New York to attend the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Peter is passionate about the education of the students and remains an enthusiastic learner himself.
2008 SMARTer Kids Innovative Use of Technology Award Recipients
Daniel Bado
Gerard Redmond Community Catholic School
Evergreen Catholic Separate Regional Division
Daniel Bado, a relatively new teacher, has developed an excellent rapport with his students, his colleagues and the community at large. He has become a champion for the advancement of technology within his school.
Daniel’s calm, patient approach to even the most challenging student ensures that all students experience success in their computer-based projects. Daniel’s “you can do it” attitude encourages students when they become frustrated. His infectious enthusiasm and high level of expertise have been instrumental in engaging students to complete higher levels of digital and computer-based projects.
Daniel takes an active role in leading professional development opportunities for his colleagues. He is responsible for developing an impressive school web page as well as a new computer-based reporting system which allows parents direct entry and immediate reporting on their child’s learning. Daniel is currently working to develop a wireless network in the school. New frontiers are available for students because of new teaching techniques from teachers like Daniel.
Kelli Holden
Millgrove School
Parkland School Division
Kelli came to Millgrove with an extensive background in technology and a desire to incorporate new technologies into as many of her classroom lessons as possible.
Kelli has taken the time to share her technological expertise with other staff. It is important to Kelli to demonstrate to others how daily use of technology does not only assist student learning but also enhances that learning. The results are evident in the increasing academic achievement of the students and young peoples’ palpable excitement about the nature of learning and the fun to be had at school. The classroom environment has become one where students can take risks, assume responsibility for their own learning and thrive in the process.
Kelli is also involved in a research study with two other schools from the Parkland School Division, the University of Alberta and Alberta Education in a joint program investigating student response systems and student engagement.
Brenda Stumbur
Millgrove School
Parkland School Division
Outstanding teaching occurs in Mrs. Stumbur’s grade three classroom. The key to this outstanding teaching is in the daily use of technology. Brenda uses the Smart Board, Elmo-visual presenter and lap tops to enhance student learning, differentiate instruction and create a learning environment where all students experience success.
Brenda demonstrates a passion for teaching and her expertise is freely shared with their colleagues. Her positive attitude and innovative teaching techniques have created a classroom environment where the students thrive, take risks and are excited about learning.
In February Brenda’s students participated in Megaconference Jr. 2008. This participation in a global learning community involved web interaction with other students in Egypt, Ohio and California. Material from their classroom was broadcast over the Net to 14 countries around the world. Brenda’s approach shows students that it is “one small step” from local learning to global learning.
