First-year teacher Nicole Adrian was recently recognized for her tenacious dedication to her students, and her outstanding work as a new educator. 

Red Deer Regional Catholic School Trustees have selected Nicole Adrian from St. Gregory the Great Catholic School in Blackfalds as Division Finalist for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Edwin Parr Award, which is an honour given to just six first-year teachers each year. 

Adrian said she feels her passion for students is what could have led her to the recognition. 

“I strongly believe that the students learn best when they have that connection, and feel safe to learn and safe to make mistakes. That’s when they are going to learn best,” she explained. 

“[I love] being able to challenge them in different ways, and meeting all of their needs to best that we can. It’s also [part of] understanding that every student comes to school with a story and being that, I guess, fan for them, or whatever their need is - I want to try to be that person.”

Adrian said the mentorship and guidance from the Red Deer Regional Catholic School team has given her the tools to feel confident in being able to support her students as individuals and as learners. 

She said the Division is active in providing support for teachers by allowing them opportunities for growth, connection and integrating their faith into their education. 

As students, staff, and parents adjust to an unconventional finish for the school year, Adrian said she’s confident in how the district has been and will continue supporting students as best they can. 

“Throughout the year, we’ve already been trying to set up these students to be rational learners and to be agents of their own learning. We have tried throughout the year to set that up, so I think we need to continue to provide them with those tools as we go through this online,” she said.

“I think it’s important to be preparing and planning as much as we can, however, there are always things that come up. As teachers, we try to be ready for all of these changes and curveballs life may throw at us and are willing to adapt and adjust as we need - we’ll get through this. I strongly believe we can come out better on the other side.”

“We chose Nicole as our Edwin Parr Division Finalist because of her ability to form strong meaningful connections with not only her Grade 2 students but also with her Grade 9 students. The ability to foster those connections is paramount to student success. It is important to recognize and celebrate our talented new teachers as they form the foundation for the future of our school division,” said Vice-Chair Trustee, Murray Hollman at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

Adrian was one of two teachers nominated for this award from across the division. Brittany Glover from St. Matthew Catholic School in Rocky Mountain House was also nominated. (pictured below)