Stefanie Hatala, Ponoka Elementary School Grade 6 teacher. (Wolf Creek Public Schools)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Stefanie Hatala

WCPS nominates Ponoka Grade 6 teacher for Edwin Parr Award

Mar 23, 2022 | 10:53 AM

The Board of Trustees for Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) have announced their nominee for this year’s Edwin Parr Teacher Award.

Stefanie Hatala, Ponoka Elementary School Grade 6 teacher, is described as having strong relationships and a positive influence among students and staff at Ponoka Elementary School, leading to her nomination.

The Edwin Parr Teacher Award is awarded annually to a first-year K to 12 teacher who has taught in an Alberta school jurisdiction, which is a member of the Alberta School Boards’ Association (ASBA).

“Miss Hatala has committed herself to understanding her students’ different needs and learning styles to create a classroom environment that allows her students to thrive in their learning experiences,” said Nathan McEntee, principal Ponoka Elementary School.

“She has demonstrated a unique level of dedication in the classroom where she genuinely strives to support and create lifelong learners of each and every one of her students,” McEntee added. “Her naturally kind and caring nature has extended beyond the classroom into the hallways and staffroom. She quickly built strong relationships within her grade team and around the school.”

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Hatala, a local to the rural Ponoka area and a volleyball coach, feels fortunate to be back teaching in her home community.

“Being fortunate enough to begin my career in the community I grew up in has provided me with the opportunity to form deeper connections and relationships with the individuals within the school. There is something remarkable about creating and being a safe place for students to mold into the best versions of themselves,” said Hatala.

The Edwin Parr Award is annually given to one first-year teacher in each zone of ASBA, who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Each school division nominates one candidate, and then a committee selects one of the candidates to receive the award for the zone.

Edwin Parr Award recipients are recognized at the ASBA Fall General Meeting.