Northern Lights has selected Brittany Norton as its nominee for the Alberta School Boards’ Association 2017 Edwin Parr Teacher Award.
Norton teaches Social Studies and Drama at Glendon School. “We’re honoured to select Brittany as our nominee,” said Northern Lights Vice-Chair Arlene Hrynyk. “She clearly does marvelous work and cares deeply about what she does and the children she works with.”
The Edwin Parr Teacher Award recognizes outstanding first year teachers. Norton was nominated by her school administrators – Principal Janice Muench and Assistant Principal Nicole Yadlowsky.
“Brittany has been instrumental in ensuring that Glendon School’s Student Leadership program is alive and strong,” said Glendon School Principal Janice Muench. “She has added an emphasis on student voice in our junior leadership group, as well as continuing with our senior group’s altruistic goals. Brittany’s ability to differentiate and support a variety of learning needs is remarkable for a new teacher. We are excited to see what she will achieve in her career.”
Norton was interviewed, along with other first year teachers, by a committee, which recommended her nomination to the Board. “Brittany is intentional in ensuring students have positive learning experiences in her classroom and remains focused on building upon the individual strengths of every child,” said Terry Moghrabi, Associate Superintendent – Human Resources. “Student assessment clearly informs her instruction and she implements multiple accommodations to ensure every student has a chance to experience success in her classes.”
Brittany’s nomination will be submitted to Zone 2/3 of the ASBA. Each Board in the zone has the opportunity to nominate one teacher. Zone 2/3 will select two winners who will be recognized at the ASBA’s Fall General Meeting in November.
“I am very honoured to be nominated for the Edwin Parr Award, especially since I have had the opportunity to get to know some of the other first year teachers in the division and I know they are working very hard and doing an incredible job,” said Norton. “I think any teacher who has been through their first year can attest to the fact that it’s a whirlwind and that it can be very overwhelming at times. However, it’s through these challenges that you grow as an individual and I am very grateful for this opportunity to continuously grow and learn. I am also very grateful to the staff at Glendon School who have supported me through this year through sharing resources, advice, coffee and welcoming me into the Glendon School family.”