Elk Island Public Schools has selected Ethan Laflamme, a first-year teacher at Sherwood Heights Junior High, as its nominee for a provincial award that celebrates exceptional new educators. The nomination for the 2026 Edwin Parr Teacher Award was officially reported to the school board during its meeting on February 19, 2026. This recognition is significant for families in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, as it highlights the high calibre of teaching within the local public school system.
Laflamme teaches French Immersion and was chosen based on the impact he has made in the classroom during his first year on the job. The Alberta School Boards Association oversees this annual honour, which was created to remember long-time school trustee Edwin Parr. Each year, the school division picks one teacher who demonstrates a strong commitment to their students and the provincial standards for teaching.
Fort Saskatchewan is represented on the school board by trustees Ralph Sorochan and Tiffany Bergmann, who were both elected to their roles in October 2025. These local officials help oversee the division that serves the city’s students and supports the professional growth of its staff. The nomination of a French Immersion specialist reflects the ongoing support for bilingual education programmes in the region.
As part of the selection process, a committee will visit the classroom to observe the teacher in person. A final winner for the regional zone is expected to be named in late May or June 2026. This award serves as a benchmark for the quality of new educators entering the division and shaping the future of local junior high students.
