A first-year teacher at École Pine Grove Middle School in Edson, Liam Mines, has been selected as the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division’s (GYPSD) nominee for the 2026 Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Edwin Parr Teacher Award.
The division says Mines showcased a high level of instructional talent as a new teacher, earning him the nomination.
As part of the selection process, Mines and another potential nominee conducted a hands-on learning activity with the GYPSD Board of Trustees, mimicking their classroom experiences. Mines challenged board members to construct a “triorama,” a 3D pedagogical tool, to represent the division’s four strategic priorities.
“We are very fortunate to have such talent in our division,” noted the Board of Trustees. “The knowledge of pedagogy and the recognition of student uniqueness demonstrated by these nominees — understanding that education is not ‘one-size-fits-all’— felt more like the work of seasoned educators than first-year teachers.”
Mines will represent the division as the Zone 2/3 candidate for the award. Six award winners will be chosen from across Alberta, and the awards will be presented at the ASBA Fall General Meeting later this year.
The Edwin Parr Teacher Award was established in 1964 and honours outstanding first-year teachers who demonstrate excellence in instructional delivery, student relationships and professional growth.
