The Palliser School Division Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce this year’s Edwin Parr Teacher Award, Rachelle Warchola. Rachelle, a Grade 2 teacher at Jennie Emery Elementary School, has quickly established herself as a dedicated and innovative educator. Her skills and instincts in the classroom are impressive, especially considering she has been teaching for less than a year. Despite her short time in the profession, she has already achieved remarkable success with her students, which she attributes to her focus on hands-on and experiential learning.
She designs activities encouraging movement, such as literacy-based scavenger hunts, which help her students stay engaged and focused. Additionally, she has found great success using math manipulatives gifted by her teacher mentor, further enhancing her students' learning experiences. Rachelle capitalizes on her students' natural curiosity, integrating it into her lesson planning to create meaningful and interactive learning opportunities.
Her impact extends beyond academics. Rachelle actively invests time to foster a sense of community by participating in intramural activities and attending student events such as dance, choir, and sports. As her principal, Chris Spanos, notes, “It is evident that her students feel a strong sense of connection and belonging.”
Initially nervous about her second round of parent-teacher interviews, she was pleasantly surprised by the feedback she received. “Parents were telling me stories about how their kids were coming home excited about what they were learning and expanding on that learning with their families,” she recalls.
Her colleagues have been impressed by her collaborative attitude. From early on, she invited other teachers into her classroom to observe her lessons and provide feedback, demonstrating her commitment to growth and professional development. Chris highlights her dedication, stating, “Rachelle has demonstrated to be a dedicated and committed educator who presents as a skilled teacher well into her career.”
Rachelle fosters an inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued and supported. She encourages discussions about students’ interests, traditions, and family activities, reinforcing appreciation for differences and inclusivity. She also integrates mindfulness, movement, and brain breaks throughout the school day to promote positive peer interactions and help students reset for upcoming learning tasks.
Originally from Whitecourt, Alberta, Rachelle and her fiancé have fallen in love with southern Alberta and now proudly call it home. She enjoys exploring the coulees, reading, and spending time with her two cats.
Congratulations to Rachelle on this well-deserved nomination.