Erskine Grade 1 teacher Courtney Gillespie thought she was “just doing my job.”
It turns out that her teaching efforts earned her a nomination for Alberta Education’s Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Gillespie and Caitlyn Prehn, who teaches at Gus Wetter School in Castor, are the Clearview School Division nominees.
The awards recognize “the innovative and outstanding teaching that takes place every day in classrooms across Alberta,” administrators say. “The program provides Albertans with an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions teachers make to student learning.”
Gillespie has taught at Erskine School for six years after one year at Rockyford.
She said she was “surprised and humbled” to be nominated.
“I thought I was just doing my job. The teachers at this school teach at such a level of excellence, I was just trying to keep up — they are amazing mentors.”
Erskine principal Deb Spiller nominated Gillespie.
Spiller said Gillespie’s strong leadership skills brought her to the forefront.
“She will step forward to lead — she goes above and beyond in new methodology. She initiated the Power of 10 math program and was facilitator for the All Kinds of Minds program.
“She is the whole package — an excellent teacher, has an enthusiasm for learning, is motivated and motivating.”
Spiller said Gillespie is an effective colleague — “approachable and keen to help.”
Gillespie said she didn’t expect to be nominated, but thought it was “cool” to be recognized.
The 2013 Excellence in Teaching Awards’ recipients are scheduled to be announced in May.