Red Deer Public’s Edwin Parr nominee continues family legacy of teaching

For Kelsey Lalor, education isn’t just a career - it’s in her DNA. This year’s Edwin Parr Award nominee for Red Deer Public Schools is following in the footsteps of her parents, both longtime educators who have made a lasting impact in the classroom and in the gymnasium.

“Both of my parents were teachers in Red Deer Public, and they both taught PhysEd at Lindsay Thurber,” she said. “My mom is still teaching, and my dad retired a few years ago and now coaches baseball. They’ve spent their lives teaching and coaching, and I’ve seen firsthand the difference they’ve made in the lives of their students. The opportunities they’ve created for students throughout their careers are incredible.”

Kelsey also credits inspiring teachers and mentors throughout her own schooling for shaping her path that ultimately landed her in the classroom.

Now, in her first year as a teacher, she splits her time between the gym and the classroom, teaching PhysEd to students in Grades 5-8 each morning and leading a Grade 5 classroom in the afternoons.

“It’s amazing because I get to build relationships with so many students,” she said. “I initially wanted to be an elementary teacher, but the opportunity to teach and coach middle school students has been such a great experience. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Kelsey added her first year in the classroom has been extremely rewarding.

“When you see a student push through a challenge, keep going, and finally have that ‘aha’ moment, it’s so cool,” she said. “Now that we’re in the second half of the school year, we’re really seeing those breakthroughs. Watching students succeed after all of their hard work is definitely a highlight.”

As for being named Red Deer Public’s Edwin Parr nominee this year, she said it’s an honour.

“There is so much that goes into teaching,” she said. “As a first year teacher, I’ve had the chance to meet so many incredible educators in the Division. To be nominated among them is truly special.”

Sandre Bevan, Principal at Glendale Sciences and Technology School, said Kelsey has been a great addition to the school.

“Miss Lalor has made an incredible impact on our students in such a short time. She builds strong, trusting relationships, makes learning exciting and accessible, and helps every student believe in themselves, no matter their background or ability,” she said. “Her students look up to her, not just because of her athletic accomplishments, but because she shows up for them every single day. We’re so proud to have her as our Division’s Edwin Parr nominee.”

Corrine Thorsteinsen, Associate Superintendent of People Services, said Red Deer Public is thrilled to nominate Kelsey for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award.

“Red Deer Public is proud to have such a deserving nominee for the Edwin Parr Award,” she said. “Kelsey exemplifies excellence in teaching in all aspects of her classroom and connections with students, staff and parents. She has embraced her role as a teacher in our Division with dedication and commitment to the values of Red Deer Public, the Glendale Sciences & Technology School community, and the teaching profession. Congratulations, Kelsey on your well-deserved nomination!”

Each year the Alberta School Boards Association honours six outstanding first-year teachers with the Edwin Parr Teacher Award. School boards may nominate any first-year Kindergarten to Grade 12 teacher who has taught in an Alberta school jurisdiction which is a member of the ASBA. Nominees for the Central Zone 4 ASBA Region will be celebrated at an upcoming banquet in May.