DeWinton Teacher Wins Excellence Award

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By Todd Curran
In a surprise June 9th presentation in her classroom, Heritage Heights Grade 3 teacher Amy Park was honoured as a recipient of the 2011 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence.

The annual awards program recognizes extraordinary contributions by educators across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada who elevate the level of science literacy through creativity in the classroom and motivation of students. A total of 34 winners are selected annually based on the effectiveness of teaching methods, the plan for the use of grant money to improve science resources in their schools and an innovative science lesson plan showcasing inventive methods in the classroom.

Amy, also a recipient of the 2010 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History, is the only Alberta teacher and one of only 4 teachers in Canada to receive the award this year. Amy's friends, family and students were on hand to support and celebrate her achievement, which also raised welcome funds for the school. “I couldn't have done it without my students,” Amy says.

The $5,000 grant for Heritage Heights will be utilized for the expansion or enhancement of a school science program, for science resources or the professional development of its science teachers. “I thought I was just coming in to fix the SMART Board,” says a very surprised Amy. “All of my favourite people are here and I'm honoured to receive this award.”

This is Amy's last year at the school, as she is taking a position at Calgary Science School, but she's left a lasting impression on her students and a legacy for the next generation of Heritage Heights scientists.