Wild Rose School Division is proud to announce that Mr. Matt Nielsen has received the Zone 4 Edwin Parr Beginning Teacher Award. Mr. Nielsen received this prestigious award last night at the Alberta School Boards Association gala dinner in Lacombe. This award recognizes the work of outstanding first year teachers in Alberta who provide quality teaching and exemplary work in their profession. Mr. Nielsen was one of eight first year teachers who were nominated for this award from the Central Alberta school divisions that compose Zone Four. He received this award because of his exceptional ability in the areas of planning, lesson preparation, presentation, classroom management and involvement in school activities.

“I was very honoured to even be considered for this reward, let alone to be chosen to receive it.” stated Drayton Christian School Teacher, Matt Nielsen. “Receiving an award like this is a truly humbling experience that really affirms a sense of personal calling for me.  I am honoured just to work with young people and to daily strive to be an intentional, positive influence in their lives.”

“From the initial interview there was a sense that Matt was special and would be a very good fit in the Division,” stated Superintendent, Brian Celli. “His ability to see the impact teaching can have on all of his students and his drive to ensure all of his students are successful and looked after makes him a truly remarkable individual and teacher.”

Mr. Nielsen is currently in his first year teaching at Drayton Christian School in Drayton Valley. Mr. Nielsen his wife, Melanie and their 3 children moved to Drayton Valley from Abbotsford British Columbia for the start of the 2014-2015 school year.  Daily, he can be found investing everything he has in the school community as he works diligently to ensure all of his students have their learning needs met. The passion for learning and ethic of care he demonstrates daily in his actions allows him to inspire the students and staff he works with.

“Having Matt in our school is an incredible honour and helps not only our students but also our staff,” stated Drayton Christian School Principal, Lisa Golding. “His ability to see everyone at their best allows him to work with everyone he comes into contact with and helps everyone here at DCS be successful. He always demonstrates an exemplary ability to create a learning community that has students highly motivated and engaged in their own learning and growth and because of this I know that he is a worthy recipient of this award.”

The Edwin Parr Award is given out to first year teachers in Alberta who go above and beyond in their work as a teacher. It was created in 1964 has always represented quality teaching and exemplary work.