Photo submitted/Chinook’s Edge School Division.
Chinook’s Edge School Division has nominated Penhold Elementary School teacher, Clancy Pennock for the 2024-25 Edwin Parr Award.
“I am incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award,” said Pennock. “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 was inspired to join the teaching profession after watching her mother, who is a school principal in Chinook’s Edge.
“Growing up, I watched my mom change lives. I watched her develop young children into who they’ve become,” she said.
Pennock’s foundation for teaching includes creating a safe space students want to be in, where they enjoy learning and are excited to come to every day.
“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,” Pennock said.
“Clancy is an exceptional first-year teacher. She demonstrates a skill set consistent with that of a teacher who has been in the profession for 10 years or more,” said Jeff Thompson, Chinook’s Edge Division Principal. “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.”
Pennock’s growth mindset earned her the nomination.
“Students feel safe to explore, take risks, and make mistakes so they can grow and thrive in their learning journey,” Thompson said. “We are very impressed with the skills and attributes that Clancy brings to the teaching profession, and we are thrilled to have her working with our students.”
Lisa Baird Principal of Penhold Elementary School said Pennock 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, so they are ready to come and learn,” said Baird. “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 Edwin Parr teaching award goes to six outstanding first-year teachers in Alberta’s public school system annually and is presented by the Alberta School Boards Association.
**With information provided by Chinook’s Edge School Division
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