Graminia teacher wins Edwin Parr Award
June 5, 2024 - An annual award to recognize excellence among teachers and their first year on the job has gone to a fantastic teacher in Parkland School Division.
Isabela Ramos, a music and physical education teacher at Graminia School, was selected as this year’s winner after a nomination from Principal Treena Neumann.
“It was nice that my administration believed in me and what I could do. I felt supported and I felt like I pretty much could do anything,” Ramos said. “I’m proud to be able to do this for my school division and I hope to continue making us proud.”
Ramos graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor’s degree in music and physical education and a graduate from the University of Alberta with an after degree in Secondary Music and Health. Her two specializations are equally valued at the school as she keeps students engaged, laughing and learning.
“Her ability to relate to kids, to actually get the curriculum, to not get overwhelmed with teaching Grade 7 phys-ed as well as kindergarten music is phenomenal,” Neumann said. “Normally, any regular teacher would be overwhelmed with what we asked of her but we fondly called her the unicorn.”
Ramos also coaches volleyball and basketball, with Neumann stating she has an innate ability to build relationships with the students.
“It was overwhelming at first and its been special. It is very, very special to be nominated in the first place and now to be able to represent Graminia and Parkland School Division at a higher level, it is an honour and a privilege to be able to do that,” Ramos said.
Neumann added that Ramos quickly gained the trust and respect of her colleagues, the students and the school community.
About the Edwin Parr Teachers Awards
In 1964, the Alberta School Trustees’ Association (the ASBA’s predecessor) established the Edwin Parr Teacher Award to remember the long and meritorious service of past President Edwin Parr. Nominees of the award are selected based on their:
- Knowledge of student learning styles;
- Skill in utilizing a variety of student evaluation methodologies;
- Skill in diagnosing the entry knowledge and/or skill of students for a given set of instructional objectives;
- Skill in assisting students to develop a positive self-concept;
- Involvement in professional development;
- Involvement in extracurricular and community activities; and,
- Interpersonal skills with students.
For more information, contact:
Parkland School Division
Email: divisionoffice@psd.ca
Phone: 780-963-4010