When Mandi Dushanek started her first post-schooling teaching job at Byemoor School last September, she didn’t think that in just five months she would make such an impact on her colleagues and students that she would be nominated for an award.
Dushanek is Clearview School board’s nomination for the district’s Edwin Parr Teacher Award, an award given to ‘outstanding novice’ teachers.
“I was really happy (when finding out about the nomination),” Dushanek said. “It’s very nice to be recognized.”
The board’s trustees had to choose between her and Stettler Middle School’s Amanda Hawkins, who was also recommended as a potential candidate for Clearview’s nomination.
At the board’s meeting on Feb. 25, board chairperson Ken Checkel said, “we get to pick one to put forward, (and) we have a tough decision.”
Board vice-chairperson Dave Goodwin commended both teachers on their hard efforts and their connection with students at their respective schools.
“Don’t consider not being chosen as losing,” he said, adding that being brought forward for nomination is quite the honour.
Later that evening, the board chose Dushanek as the board’s nomination, based on her presentation to the board and a strong recommendation package presented by Byemoor School.
Dushanek’s love for mathematics and science comes through clearly in her presentation to the board, as Dushanek praised her chemistry teacher for creating a love of the science in her through fun labs and class time.
“We did labs all the time, and he was funny,” she told the Independent after the meeting.
“This opportunity (teaching mathematics and science) at Byemoor is perfect for me. It’s very hands-on.”
One student, Avery Smyth, wrote a letter in support of Dushanek’s nomination. “Since September, I have had one of the best teachers I could possibly have,” she wrote. “She is always so kind and when you need help, she is there in a heartbeat ... she is very fun and these are just some of the things she does for Byemoor and us.”
Another student, Rachel Yates, wrote that Dushanek “always has fun games for us to play and explains to us our work.” Yates also noted that Dushanek’s quick turnover of marked assignments helps her keep track of her progression.
Byemoor’s school board noted that Dushanek “is doing a good job with (student learning styles), as she tarts with a plan that she adjusts as she goes along, according to how the students are doing.”
Some of the words used to describe Dushanek’s teaching are “unafraid,” “meticulous,” and “enthusiastic.”
In central Alberta, there are eight school boards, including Clearview. Just one award is given per district, meaning Dushanek now has a one-in-eight chance of claiming the award as hers.