(L-R) Chinook's Edge School Division Board Chair Holly Bilton, Madeline Pereira, Innisfail High School Principal Wayne Pineau, Superintendent Kurt Sacher. (Chinook's Edge School Division)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Innisfail High School Teacher

Chinook’s Edge School Division announces Edwin Parr nominee

Apr 7, 2022 | 12:38 PM

When she was a young student, Madeline Pereira always wanted to discover more about what she was learning in the classroom. That sense of curiosity is said to be what the Innisfail High School teacher is now determined to draw out of her own students, say officials with Chinook’s Edge School Division.

“I had excellent role models when I was in school and they always made me want to know more, which is what I love to do for my students now,” says Pereira. “I try to teach in a way that peaks their interest in a similar way. Sometimes I think I’m more excited about science than my students, because there is always so much to discover and learn!”

“But more than my love of the subject is my compassion for my students – I care about them as people and I want to help them with skills to build success in school,” adds Pereira.

Whether it’s in her science class with Grade 9 students adjusting to high school or with her Physics 30 students preparing for final exams, Pereira is described as making deeper connections to the learning by involving students in a variety of activities.

For instance, Grade 9 students research and write short profiles of the work and impact of a featured scientist each month, while Grade 12 students might be found working in pairs to tackle a highly academic concept. Whatever the activity, Chinook’s Edge officials say Pereira always ensures a safe, caring and collaborative environment where she builds exemplary relationships with her students, parents and peers in the school.

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“Teaching is busy, but it’s incredibly rewarding and I’m enjoying it so much,” shares Pereira, whose strong teaching talents resulted in her being named the Chinook’s Edge Edwin Parr nominee this year. “I am proud to be recognized in this way, although I’m also thinking of all the other first year teachers in Chinook’s Edge who I know and am impressed with. I feel a duty to represent all the hard work that we all do for our students.”

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without the level of support I’ve received from colleagues in my school, as well as the division’s incredible mentorship program,” she points out.

In her formal observation, Division Principal Jody Dennis indicates Pereira “is a very strong teacher who thoughtfully reflects after each lesson and adjusts her approach to accommodate each student in her classroom. She works hard to provide a wide range of learning activities for her students, which enhance their ability to retain information in her class. She maintains trust, respect and dignity in the room, but also has high expectations and a firm disciplinary presence.”

Innisfail High School Principal, Wayne Pineau, agrees.

“Maddie’s level of understanding of the curriculum allows her to teach at a very high level. Her students love her and work hard for her, and they are reaching such great success. She has a strong positive presence with her peers, as well, and she impacts the school as a whole.”

The ASBA Edwin Parr Award recognizes teachers who are new to the profession who show significant promise in their first year. Each of the eight school divisions in Zone 4 select a nominee to be honoured at the annual Edwin Parr event, which will be held on May 30 this year.