A Spruce View School teacher has been chosen as a semi-finalist in Alberta Education’s 2011 Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Teri Patterson, a Grade 6 teacher at Spruce View School, was selected from 326 nominations from across the province.
Patterson and Jane Atkins, a Grade 3 - 4 French Immersion teacher at École Olds Elementary School, were the only two teachers from Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) chosen.
They were both nominated by a parent at their school, and will now join other semi-finalists at a regional celebration with Alberta Minister of Education Dave Hancock on April 14.
Patterson is in her fourth year of teaching. She was also an Edwin Parr nominee for CESD in her first year of teaching, which is an Alberta Education award that recognizes teachers who are new to the profession who show significant promise.
“I was very happy and honoured to know I was being considered for an Excellence in Teaching Award, especially because I knew the nomination came from a parent,” said Patterson. “It is always nice when your colleagues comment on your effectiveness in the classroom, but it’s very meaningful coming from a parent. It means their child feels positive about what is happening in the classroom, and that is my biggest priority.”
Patterson is known for being innovative in the classroom, particularly in her use of technology to support learning. Her class has spoken with Canadian astronauts through video-conferencing, her students rehearse their plays on Flip cameras, and she is leading many new teaching methods that are catching on at the school.
“When I was a kid wanting to be a teacher, I was drawn to the idea of leading a group of children in their activities. Now that I’m actually in the classroom, it is all about building relationships and putting the learning in the students’ hands,” said Patterson.
“Having a connection with each student, creating a vibrant classroom culture and building strong relationships– those are my priorities. There are so many creative ways to engage students and discover how each of them learns best. I see my passion for the profession growing even more as time goes on.”
This year 135 semi-finalists are being recognized from 326 nominations. A final group of 23 award recipients will be honoured in Edmonton on May 28.
