St. Patrick's Community School Principal Mandy Reed and Megan McCullough, the year's Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools finalist for the Alberta School Board Association (ASBA) Edwin Parr Award (Zone 4). (Image Credit: RDCRS)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Zone 4

St. Patrick’s Community School teacher named Division finalist for ASBA Edwin Parr Award

Mar 3, 2026 | 4:26 PM

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools has announced that St. Patrick’s Community School Grade 7 teacher Megan McCullough has been selected by the Board of Trustees as this year’s Division finalist for the Alberta School Board Association (ASBA) Edwin Parr Award (Zone 4).

Named in honour of past ASBA President Edwin Parr, officials note the Edwin Parr Teacher Award recognizes outstanding first-year teachers who demonstrate excellence in Alberta’s Teaching Quality Standard and show exceptional promise at the outset of their careers.

According to division officials, Megan McCullough, a middle school teacher at St. Patrick’s Community School, exemplifies the qualities celebrated by this prestigious award. They say from her first day in the classroom, Megan has distinguished herself as a dynamic educator and dedicated community builder.

The division says Megan creates welcoming and safe learning environments where students feel valued, seen, and understood. Her classroom is said to reflect a deep commitment to fostering belonging and nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional growth of each student. Through her energetic and authentic approach, officials say she builds meaningful relationships that inspire students to engage fully in their learning.

Combining solid pedagogical knowledge with creativity and innovation, division officials say Megan designs engaging learning experiences that meet diverse student needs while maintaining high expectations for achievement. Her practice is said to reflect a thoughtful integration of curriculum, faith, and student-centered instruction, embodying the spirit of Catholic education.

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“We are so proud of Megan who has demonstrated incredible passion and dedication as a new teacher in her first year of teaching,” said Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon, in a press release. “We are looking forward to what she will continue to accomplish as she moves forward in her career.”

“The Board of Trustees is honoured to nominate Megan McCullough for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award,” said Chair Chris Andrew of the Red Deer Catholic Board of Trustees. “Megan’s passion for teaching, commitment to excellence, and dedication to creating welcoming, safe and faith-filled learning environments makes her an outstanding representative of our school division.”

Next Steps in the Award Process

As the division’s nominee, officials say Megan will now advance to the Zone level selection process coordinated by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA). One recipient is selected from each ASBA Zone across the province. Zone winners are typically announced in the spring, with presentations taking place at local board meetings or special recognition events.

If selected as a Zone recipient, the divisions says Megan would then be recognized provincially alongside other Zone winners. Final announcements are generally made later in the school year, and recipients are celebrated for their exceptional contributions to education in Alberta.

The Red Deer Catholic Board of Trustees congratulates Megan on this well-deserved nomination and looks forward to celebrating the outcome of the Zone selection process in the coming months. Regardless of the result, RDCRS says her impact on students and the broader school community is already significant and deeply appreciated.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

St. Patrick’s Community School teacher named Division finalist for ASBA Edwin Parr Award

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