BOWDEN — Bowden Grandview School teacher Amy Severtson has been nominated by Chinook’s Edge School Division for the Edwin Parr Award for exceptional first-year teachers in Alberta.
Each year, the award is given to six first-year teachers in Alberta. One is given in central Alberta, and the winner of that award is recognized by the Alberta School Boards’ Association.
Among her duties, Severtson teaches classes in physical education, career and technology foundations, and health to middle school students.
She also teaches math, science and social studies to Grade 5 students.
Severston grew up in rural central Alberta, graduating from Innisfail High School. She has degrees in education, and science in kinesiology.
“Amy has been a tremendous addition to our Bowden Grandview family,” Bowden Grandview School principal Jeff Thompson says.
“She takes her position and job seriously, but yet continues to have fun while she is doing it.
“She cares deeply for her students and has developed deep and meaningful relationships with them. The kids know this and they work hard for her. This shows in their success academically and as they strive to become well-rounded students.”
Severtson impressed her colleagues this year not only with her exceptional teaching and relationship building skills, but also by developing an opportunity for students to connect with the community and get a taste for business.
Severtson applied for and was granted money from the division and board, available for innovative projects. With that funding, she developed a Christmas farmers’ market.
“The kids were allowed to research a business of their own, develop products, and market them,” says Thompson. “The market was so successful that all the kids basically sold out in 20 minutes.”
“Amy exceeds the teaching quality standard,” says Jody Dennis, the division principal at Chinook’s Edge School Division.
“She creates such an amazing atmosphere in her classroom. She is so inclusive with all of her students and she fosters effective relationships with her students, staff and the community as well.
“She already understands how to differentiate for the variety of learners in her class at an advanced level.”
Chinook’s Edge School Board of Trustees chair Holly Bilton says the board was happy to nominate Severtson for the award.
“We are impressed with the teacher Amy has become so early in her career. The way her students speak about her is inspiring.
“Thank you, Amy, for joining our Chinook's Edge team and for making a difference with students."
Severtson says she was honoured to receive the nomination.
“My colleagues here at Bowden Grandview have been so supportive and the division has been amazing,” she said.
I feel I have been really set up for success. Also, I want to credit my students. My favourite part of teaching is the opportunity to build relationships with the students I teach.”
Laurette Woodward is with the Chinook’s Edge School Division communications department.
