It may only be her first year teaching, but Glendon School's Brittany Norton is already being recognized for her skills in the classroom.
The Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) board of trustees announced last week that Norton has been selected as their nominee for the Alberta School Boards' Association (ASBA) 2017 Edwin Parr Award.
“We're honoured to select Brittany as our nominee,” said board vice-chair Arlene Hrynyk. “She clearly does marvelous work and cares deeply about what she does and the children she works with.”
The Edwin Parr Award is presented annually to first year teachers in Alberta who go above and beyond in their classroom and school. Each school board is allowed to nominate one teacher, which they submit to their zone of ASBA. For Northern Lights, that's Zone 2/3.
“It's an honour, it really is. I know a lot of the other teachers, so just to be chosen is very humbling because I know they do a lot of hard work and they're doing great things too,” said Norton.
Growing up in Millet (just south of Leduc), Norton's path into teaching started early on. Working daily with children and youth through the Boys and Girls Club of Leduc while she was in high school, a transition into teaching came naturally. She attended the University of Alberta for four years to obtain a bachelor of education degree.
During her post-secondary schooling, Norton jumped at the opportunity to broaden her horizons by completing a practicum in Macau at the International School of Macao.
“It was one of those things that just kind of happened. They had it advertised for applicants so I thought ‘might as well apply.' They selected me, so I went with it,” said Norton. “I loved it, it was such a wonderful experience and the perfect way to end my university career.”
Returning to Canada, after graduation Norton headed to northern Alberta for her first full-time teaching position with Northern Lights Public Schools. Currently, she teaches high school humanities – social studies and English – as well as drama, at Glendon School. On top of teaching class, she is also the facilitator for the school's student leadership program.
“I was pretty open-minded about where I wanted to teach. I knew that prospects were a lot more optimistic in northern Alberta because they're always looking for more teachers,” said Norton, adding having an uncle who works for NLPS also helped in the decision.
“I'm really liking it. I think I've kind of found my place now that I've been more involved with the leadership group and the community. I enjoy it.”
The staff at Glendon School enjoy having her; Norton was nominated for the Edwin Parr Award by principal Janice Muench and assistant principal Nicole Yadiowsky.
“Brittany has been instrumental in ensuring that Glendon School's student leadership program is alive and strong,” said Muench. “She has added an emphasis on student voice in our junior leadership group, as well as continuing with our senior group's altruistic goals.”
For Norton, heading up the student leadership was a no-brainer. A program that she was involved with as a student herself, the first-year teacher understands the benefits of growing youths' leadership skills.
“I know that program helped me a lot so I'm just returning the favour and wanting to do the same for the students in the school.”
In the classroom, Norton's teaching abilities are beyond her years, as she strives to help every student be successful.
“Brittany's ability to differentiate and support a variety of learning needs is remarkable for a new teacher. We are excited to see what she will achieve in her career,” said Muench.
NLPS associate superintendent of human resources Terry Moghrabi added, “Brittany is intentional in ensuring students have positive learning experiences in her classroom and remains focused on building upon the individual strengths of every child.”
The Zone 2/3 selection committee will review all of the nominations submitted by school boards, choosing two winners to be recognized at the ASBA fall general meeting.
