Bailey Clarkin, a Kindergarten teacher at Huntsville School, has been selected as Palliser School Division’s 2024 Edwin Parr Award Nominee.
Huntsville School Principal Daniel Grimes acknowledges the profound challenges faced by first-year teachers, especially in the dynamic environment of a Kindergarten classroom. Clarkin, Palliser notes, is admired for her exceptional ability to manage and educate a classroom full of energetic Kindergarten students.
“She is warm and energetic, but she has the poise and demeanour of a much more experienced teacher,” says Grimes.
Palliser says the Kindergarten classroom at Huntsville School presents unique challenges. “It is a space where students, many of whom speak Low-German as their primary language, are introduced to English for the first time. The teacher’s role extends beyond academic instruction to include instilling structure, routines and the social skills necessary for effective participation and learning.”
Clarkin, Palliser adds, has succeeded in this challenging environment by engaging her students and respecting their needs.
Shari Rogerson, the Early Learning Coordinator for Palliser, praises Clarkin for her remarkable ability to keep students engaged through multimodal learning approaches.
Melissa Easthope, the Learning Support Teacher specializing in English as an Additional Language (EAL) students says it will be exciting to see how the foundation for early literacy Clarkin has provided will carry these students through the next years of learning at Huntsville School.
Grimes emphasizes the steep learning curve faced by first-year teachers, highlighting the importance of support, flexibility and a positive attitude toward learning from experiences.
“Bailey’s ability to embrace this ethos, actively seek advice and incorporate feedback from colleagues and staff demonstrates her commitment to professional growth and her exceptional potential as an educator,” says Palliser.