(Red Deer Public Schools/ submitted)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Teacher Award

Kelsey Lalor named Red Deer Public School’s Edwin Parr nominee

Mar 27, 2025 | 2:33 PM

Red Deer Public Schools has announced its Edwin Parr Award nominee is first-year teacher Kelsey Lalor.

Each year the Alberta School Boards Association honours six outstanding first-year teachers with the Edwin Parr Teacher Award.

Officials note, Lalor is carrying on her family legacy of teaching, following in her parents footsteps who were both long time teachers.

“Both of my parents were teachers in Red Deer Public, and they both taught PhysEd at Lindsay Thurber,” she said. “My mom is still teaching, and my dad retired a few years ago and now coaches baseball. They’ve spent their lives teaching and coaching, and I’ve seen firsthand the difference they’ve made in the lives of their students. The opportunities they’ve created for students throughout their careers are incredible.”

Each day, she splits her time between teaching PhysEd to Grade 5-8 students in the morning followed by leading a Grade 5 classroom in the afternoon.

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She gave credit to the teachers and mentors she had growing up for shaping her path to ultimately becoming a teacher.

“It’s amazing because I get to build relationships with so many students,” she said. “I initially wanted to be an elementary teacher, but the opportunity to teach and coach middle school students has been such a great experience. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

In addition, she said being named the Edwin Parr Award nominee was an honour.

“There is so much that goes into teaching. As a first year teacher, I’ve had the chance to meet so many incredible educators in the division. To be nominated among them is truly special.”

Corrine Thorsteinsen, Associate Superintendent of People Services, said Red Deer Public is thrilled to nominate Kelsey for the nomination.

“Red Deer Public is proud to have such a deserving nominee for the Edwin Parr Award,” she said. “Kelsey exemplifies excellence in teaching in all aspects of her classroom and connections with students, staff and parents. She has embraced her role as a teacher in our Division with dedication and commitment to the values of Red Deer Public, the Glendale Sciences & Technology School community, and the teaching profession. Congratulations, Kelsey on your well-deserved nomination.”

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