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(Chinook's Edge School Division/ supplied)
Clancy Pennock

Penhold Elementary teacher named Edwin Parr nominee

Apr 10, 2025 | 2:54 PM

Chinook’s Edge School Division has announced that Clancy Pennock, a teacher at Penhold Elementary School, is the division’s nominee for the Edwin Parr Award.

The award is presented annually to six outstanding first-year teachers in Alberta’s public school system by the Alberta School Boards Association.

Pennock said she’s honoured to be nominated.

“I truly believe it was a collaborative effort,” she said in a media release. “I appreciate learning alongside so many incredible teachers. My grade team and the rest of the staff have been everything for me. They have helped me through everything.”

She developed her love for teaching by watching her mother, who is now a principal in Chinook’s Edge. She said she watched her mom change lives and develop young children into who they are today.

Pennock focuses on prioritizing relationships with her students.

“That is definitely my foundation for teaching: creating a safe space students want to be in, that they enjoy learning in, and that they are excited to come to everyday,” she said. “Now that I am in the profession, I couldn’t be happier doing what I do. It’s the kids. It’s the staff. It’s the community involvement, and the parents. Every part of the job brings me joy.”

(Chinook’s Edge School Division/ supplied)

Meanwhile, Chinook’s Edge Division Principal, Jeff Thompson said Pennock is an exceptional teacher.

“She demonstrates a skill set consistent with that of a teacher who has been in the profession for 10 years or more. Clancy prioritizes the emotional well being of her students, and has created a positive and inclusive learning environment in her classroom, actively engaging all of the learners,” Thompson said.

“Clancy exhibits a growth mindset in her teaching and shares that with her students. Students feel safe to explore, take risks, and make mistakes so they can grow and thrive in their learning journey. We are very impressed with the skills and attributes that Clancy brings to the teaching profession and we are thrilled to have her working with our students.”

In addition, Penhold Elementary Principal, Lisa Baird said right from Pennock’s first day they knew she was going to be a key part of the school and has flourished as an educator.

“Relationships are at the heart of everything Clancy does,” Baird said. “She truly believes that in order to work with a child, she needs to get to know who they are first. She catches students where they are at, so they are ready to come and learn. Clancy is also skilled at engaging her students. Students work hard for her because she pulls that out in them. She has a true, strong work ethic, and expects the same from all of her students.”