INNISFAIL - Penhold Elementary School teacher Clancy Pennock is the Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) 2024-25 nominee for the prestigious Edwin Parr Award for outstanding first-year teachers in Alberta, the division said in a release Tuesday.
“Clancy is an exceptional first year teacher,” says Jeff Thompson, Chinook’s Edge division principal. “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.”
The Edwin Parr Award goes to six outstanding first-year teachers in Alberta’s public school system annually, and is presented by the Alberta School Boards Association.
For her part, Pennock said, “I am incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award. I truly believe it was a collaborative effort. 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.”
Pennock credits her mother, a school principal in Chinook’s Edge, for inspiring her to become an educator.
“Growing up, I watched my mom change lives. I watched her develop young children into who they’ve become,” she said.
As for her students, Pence said a priority for her is “creating a safe space students want to be in, that they enjoy learning in, and that they are excited to come to everyday.
“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.”
Lisa Baird is the principal of Penhold Elementary School.
“From the moment Clancy started as a student teacher at Penhold Elementary, we knew she was going to be a key part of our school family,” Baird said.
“She has flourished as a teacher. Relationships are at the heart of everything Clancy does. 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.”
The winners of the 2024-25 Edwin Parr Award will be announced on May 26.
CESD is headquartered in Innisfail and has schools across the region.
