PRSD8 Edwin Parr Nominee 2017
Schuler, AB - The first year can be a challenge for any new teacher, but to be a new teacher in a small school can be even more challenging. Multi-grading is common as classes are often combined and taught by division, and teachers can be required to teach everything from Language Arts to CTF, Science and Math. Moving between multiple grades and subjects can test even the most veteran teachers.
Alisha Sims, a first year teacher at Schuler School, has embraced those challenges and proven herself to be a very versatile, flexible, team player who is invested in collaboration. Sims was recently named the Prairie Rose School Division Edwin Parr nominee. The Edwin Parr nomination goes to a first year teacher who demonstrates excellence, ingenuity and passion for their profession.
“This is such a great privilege”, says Sims. “Teaching is something I’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t get a chance to pursue right out of high school. It wasn’t until I was settled in life and much older that I finally had the opportunity to become a teacher. Every day is different and every day is exciting. Students can change even your best plans.”
During her first year at Schuler School Sims has organized a school-wide novel project, volunteered to lead a ‘can’ design building project that will also lead into a school-wide donation to the food bank, and stayed in the community after hours to support community initiated events. In addition, she has brought new and interesting learning opportunities into her classroom. One example is the incorporation of social media to share student projects and promote successes.
“Alisha brings so much excitement and great ideas to her classroom and Schuler School,” says Schuler principal Jason Duchscherer who put forward Sims’ nomination. “We are very fortunate to have someone so committed to our students, our school and the Schuler community.”
“Ms. Sims is an excellent candidate to represent Prairie Rose for the 2017 Edwin Parr award,” says Prairie Rose School Division Board Chair Stuart Angle. “She has done so many extraordinary things with her students and parents. It is wonderful to see someone pursue a career passion as an older student and excel at it. Alisha’s passion for teaching is obvious and contagious.”
“I have such a great school,” says Sims. “I’m so honoured to be there. I always thought I’d work in a city school – but I know this is a perfect fit for me. Great kids and small class size, kids who are willing to take risks with you, and having staff that are open to my ideas.”
The Prairie Rose Board congratulates Alisha Sims on her nomination and wishes her success at the Zone 6 competition. The overall winner for the region will be announced at the ASBA Zone 6 Awards Banquet on May 10, 2017.
Source: http://prrdweb.com/view.php?action=object&id=37047&stream=Homepage%20News
Alisha Sims, a first year teacher at Schuler School, has embraced those challenges and proven herself to be a very versatile, flexible, team player who is invested in collaboration. Sims was recently named the Prairie Rose School Division Edwin Parr nominee. The Edwin Parr nomination goes to a first year teacher who demonstrates excellence, ingenuity and passion for their profession.
“This is such a great privilege”, says Sims. “Teaching is something I’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t get a chance to pursue right out of high school. It wasn’t until I was settled in life and much older that I finally had the opportunity to become a teacher. Every day is different and every day is exciting. Students can change even your best plans.”
During her first year at Schuler School Sims has organized a school-wide novel project, volunteered to lead a ‘can’ design building project that will also lead into a school-wide donation to the food bank, and stayed in the community after hours to support community initiated events. In addition, she has brought new and interesting learning opportunities into her classroom. One example is the incorporation of social media to share student projects and promote successes.
“Alisha brings so much excitement and great ideas to her classroom and Schuler School,” says Schuler principal Jason Duchscherer who put forward Sims’ nomination. “We are very fortunate to have someone so committed to our students, our school and the Schuler community.”
“Ms. Sims is an excellent candidate to represent Prairie Rose for the 2017 Edwin Parr award,” says Prairie Rose School Division Board Chair Stuart Angle. “She has done so many extraordinary things with her students and parents. It is wonderful to see someone pursue a career passion as an older student and excel at it. Alisha’s passion for teaching is obvious and contagious.”
“I have such a great school,” says Sims. “I’m so honoured to be there. I always thought I’d work in a city school – but I know this is a perfect fit for me. Great kids and small class size, kids who are willing to take risks with you, and having staff that are open to my ideas.”
The Prairie Rose Board congratulates Alisha Sims on her nomination and wishes her success at the Zone 6 competition. The overall winner for the region will be announced at the ASBA Zone 6 Awards Banquet on May 10, 2017.
Source: http://prrdweb.com/view.php?action=object&id=37047&stream=Homepage%20News
|
| ||||
Putting a face to the name
My name is Alisha Sims and I am filling a maternity leave position as a DIV III teacher at Schuler School in southern Alberta. I hold a BEd with majors in English Language Arts, and minors in Social Studies and CTS/CTF: Community Health Focus (with Great Distinction) and BA in English (with Distinction) from the University of Lethbridge.
My story starts in Swan River, Manitoba where I was born and grew up the eldest child in a family of six — my parents, two brothers and one sister. As a high school student, I started covering high school sports for the community newspaper. After graduating from Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, my part-time gig turned into a full-time career that spanned 20 years across all three Prairie provinces. I continue to work as a freelance journalist and annually volunteer as a judge for provincial newspaper competitions. I’ve spent my working years to date telling others’ stories, and the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life — one that takes me inside a classroom as a student and now a teacher. I am a mother of two children: One attends a public elementary and the other a high school in Lethbridge. Over the years, I have helped out in their classrooms as a parent volunteer tying skates during skating days, handing out food at hot-lunch days, and supervising track and field events. Outside of the classroom, I've volunteered as a judge for the Better Newspapers Competition for both the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association and Atlantic Community Newspapers Association. I've donated time at the registration table and green room during the Lethbridge Herald Southern Alberta Canspell Regional Spelling Bees in 2012, 2011 and 2008. I've also helped judge 4-H district public speaking competitions. I am thrilled about pursuing teaching as a career, and am looking forward to the opportunity to build great new professional relationships. You can also read more about me here: Previous Experience Breeds Academic Success |
