LAKELAND – A teacher is more than a familiar face in a classroom – they are mentors, leaders and role models. Teachers spend their days teaching and their nights preparing lesson plans and marking assignments.
While the teaching profession may be rewarding in itself, it also requires a lot of time and commitment. Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) is recognizing four of its teachers that go above and beyond in the classroom by nominating them for some of the most prestigious awards in Alberta and Canada.
Edwin Parr Award
Shyanne La Sorsa has always had a profound love of learning, and now she uses that passion to spark the same joy of discovery in her own students.
Just beginning her teaching career, La Sorsa is a Grade 5 French Immersion teacher at Dr. Bernard Brosseau School in Bonnyville.
Her dedication to providing excellent Catholic education is among the reasons Lakeland Catholic has nominated her for the 2023 Alberta School Board Association’s Edwin Parr Award.
“As a first-year teacher, Shyanne stands out in the education field, proving she has found her true calling. Her kind, patient nature, knowledge of her students, and her love of learning result in learning experiences that are tailored to the students in her classroom,” Dr. Brosseau School Principal Joe Marion wrote in La Sorsa’s nomination letter.
The Edwin Parr Award is presented annually to first year teachers from across the province who excel in their field.
La Sorsa completed her Bachelor of Arts in Études Françaises with a minor in Religious Studies and Certificate of Bilingualism while finishing her Bachelor of Education in the Concurrent Education Program.
“My love of learning was fostered by the diverse teachers in my life who helped me achieve those ‘a-ha’ moments and made me feel valued by eagerly encouraging my undying sense of curiosity. The impact of their kindness inspired me, and I knew that I wanted to become that person for others,” said La Sorsa.
“It feels surreal being nominated for such a prestigious award. I am deeply honoured. It’s truly an indescribable feeling to be recognized in a field that houses such incredible talent and to know that my work has positively impacted others.”
Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence
Lakeland Catholic has also nominated three educators for the 2023 Prime Minister’s Awards for teaching excellence and teaching excellence in STEM – science, technology, engineering and math.
“Students who have never experienced success in a math class find it in Chantal Sakowich’s classroom, and those who breezed through mathematics in their early years find a challenge and invitation to discover more... This is all a result of Chantal’s dedication,” described a nomination letter for the Assumption Jr/Sr High School teacher.
These are among the reasons Sakowich’s was nominated for the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM by the school’s Acting Principal Elaine Ernst and the division.
Sakowich began her teaching career in 2003 after graduating with a combined Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degree from the Campus Saint-Jean at the University of Alberta. Over the years she has become a mentor and leader among other teaching staff in Cold Lake.
Teaching Excellence
Creativity, passion, and innovation are some of the words used to describe Meredith Keizer, Assumption School’s Music Teacher and Band Conductor.
In her nomination letter, Keizer was described as “passionate about not only Music Education, but also nurturing the musical and creative talents of each of her students.”
Keizer started teaching in 1995 after graduating from Brandon University. She began teaching at Assumption School in 2010.
Under her guidance and instruction, the school’s band has been recognized at the Provincial Band Festivals each year, and the 2018 and in 2022 bands were even presented the Adjudicator’s Award.
Despite all of these accolades, some of the moments that stand out to Keizer have been watching the band program grow over the course of her career and seeing students find their passion for music.
Keizer said it is not only an honour to be nominated for the award as an individual, but to see music take centre stage.
I am very passionate about musical education, and it’s truly wonderful to see it put in the forefront through this nomination.”
Early Childhood Education
Kind, caring, patient. These are some of the reasons why Stacey Reid has been nominated for the Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
“Under Stacey’s care, children don’t only learn and grow – they flourish. By fostering a warm, caring and safe environment, Stacey has allowed students to feel comfortable coming out of their shells and to be who they are.”
In her nomination letter, St. Dominic Elementary School Principal Jacqueline Densmore described Reid as patient, passionate, and dedicated to growing her knowledge in her field. St. Dominic Elementary is in Cold Lake.
Reid graduated with honors from Portage College in 2014 and was the recipient of the Governor General’s Bronze Collegiate Award for highest academic success across Canada. She joined Lakeland Catholic 10 years ago and was instrumental in the creation of the Power Play Program at St. Dominic in 2019.
“I was so surprised to learn I was being nominated for this award,” Reid said. “It’s nice to be recognized for the work I am doing in the classroom, but when it comes down to it, it’s really about the children and how I can help them grow into kind, caring human beings.”
