As a first-year teacher, first at Leduc Composite High School (LCHS) and then at the Black Gold Distance Learning (DL) program, Alexis Stuehmer has deeply impressed her colleagues with her maturity, flexibility and commitment akin to a professional with many years of experience.
“Her passion and dedication to teaching, along with her strong interpersonal skills and natural talent for building positive and productive relationships makes Ms. Stuehmer an excellent nominee for the 2022 Edwin Parr Teacher Award,” said Board Chair Devonna Klaassen. “We are fortunate to have her, along with so many other great teachers, in our Black Gold family.”
Each year the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) honours six outstanding first-year teachers with the Edwin Parr Teacher Award. School boards may nominate any first-year K to 12 teacher who has taught in an Alberta school jurisdiction that is a member of the ASBA.
An alumni of LCHS, Alexis felt right at home at the school. Her first year in the teaching profession took place In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it forced her to be highly flexible and adaptable. She was often given challenging assignments that involved teaching a number of Grade 10 and 11 split-level courses, including a wide variety of English courses, as well as Physical Education, and CALM.
“She was forced to move between delivery modes with very little notice,” said LCHS Principal Brad Clarke, who co-nomined Alexis. “Working in close collaboration with other teachers, she developed her classroom materials in such a way that she was able to flow seamlessly between online and in-class instruction.”
As a brand new teacher, Alexis was commended for her collaborative spirit and her desire to bring depth to her practice. She continuously sought to diversify her teaching strategies, and created a variety of learning opportunities for her students. This approach allowed Alexis to support her students by meeting their individual needs and creating a strong sense of community in her classrooms.
“Fostering supportive relationships with students is a highlight of Alexis’ practice, which allows her to rise to the different teaching roles she has been given,” said DL teacher Trish Hrytsak, who mentored Alexis.
Alexis’ enthusiasm reached beyond her formal teaching position and into a coaching role with the junior girls basketball team at LCHS. “With the lifting of restrictions on extracurricular activities, Ms. Stuehmer volunteered to co-coach our JV Girls basketball team,” said Principal Clarke. “The team’s success can be seen not just In the fact that they played for the Division championship, but In the excitement and happiness clearly evident on their faces.”
Black Gold Distance Learning principal Denise Harrison, who co-nominated Alexis, sees her as a dedicated teacher who strives to improve her students’ learning daily, as well as her own personal practice. “She is a highly respected teacher and champion for all our students,” said Harrison. “Alexis is always well-planned, well-prepared, organized, and has shown great flexibility and adaptability in her teaching assignments. She has shown herself to be very resourceful and gifted in her ability to successfully manage different learning environments.”
“I was so surprised to find out that I had been nominated,” said Alexis. “My first year of teaching was such a whirlwind. I was unable to do my first practicum due to the pandemic, and going into my larger practicum it felt like I was lagging behind. However, with the support and guidance of my amazing colleagues, I was able to quickly adapt to adversity and become successful with the kids in the classroom.”
“This experience has given me the confidence that I am capable of handling and overcoming difficult situations.”