Chinook's Edge celebrates Edwin Parr nominee: Clancy Pennock
Chinook’s Edge School Division is pleased to announce it has selected Penhold Elementary School teacher, Clancy Pennock, as the 2024-25 Chinook’s Edge nominee for the Edwin Parr Award, for outstanding first year teachers.
“Clancy is an exceptional first year teacher,” says Jeff Thompson, Chinook’s Edge Division Principal. “She demonstrates a skill set consistent with that of a teacher who has been in the profession for 10 years or more. Clancy prioritizes the emotional well being of her students, and has created a positive and inclusive learning environment in her classroom, actively engaging all of the learners.”
Thompson says, “Clancy exhibits a growth mindset in her teaching and shares that with her students. Students feel safe to explore, take risks, and make mistakes so they can grow and thrive in their learning journey. We are very impressed with the skills and attributes that Clancy brings to the teaching profession and we are thrilled to have her working with our students.”
“From the moment Clancy started as a student teacher at Penhold Elementary, we knew she was going to be a key part of our school family,” says Lisa Baird, Principal, Penhold Elementary School. “She has flourished as a teacher.”
“Relationships are at the heart of everything Clancy does,” says Baird. “She truly believes that in order to work with a child, she needs to get to know who they are first. She catches students where they are at, so they are ready to come and learn. Clancy is also skilled at engaging her students. Students work hard for her because she pulls that out in them. She has a true, strong work ethic, and expects the same from all of her students.”
“I am incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award,” says Pennock. “I truly believe it was a collaborative effort. I appreciate learning alongside so many incredible teachers. My grade team and the rest of the staff have been everything for me. They have helped me through everything.”
Pennock also credits her mother, who is currently a school principal in Chinook’s Edge, for her start in the teaching profession. “Growing up, I watched my Mom change lives. I watched her develop young children into who they’ve become.”
Pennock’s approach to teaching prioritizes relationships with students. She says,“That is definitely my foundation for teaching: creating a safe space students want to be in, that they enjoy learning in, and that they are excited to come to everyday.”
Pennock adds, “Now that I am in the profession, I couldn’t be happier doing what I do. It’s the kids. It’s the staff. It’s the community involvement, and the parents. Every part of the job brings me joy.”
The Edwin Parr teaching award goes to six outstanding first year teachers in Alberta’s public school system annually, and is presented by the Alberta School Boards Association.
Watch a video of Clancy Pennock in her classroom: