Claresholm teacher nominated for award

By Rob Vogt
A teacher at Willow Creek Composite High School in Claresholm has been nominated by the Livingstone Range School Division for the 2026 Alberta School Boards Association’s Edwin Parr Teacher Award.
On March 13, the division announced it nominated MacKenzie Martin for the award which honours outstanding first-year teachers in Alberta.
Robert Rodgers, principal at Willow Creek Composite High School, said Martin’s nomination is well-deserved.
“MacKenzie demonstrates a classroom presence, instructional skill set, and professional mindset that extend well beyond her experience level,” Rodgers said. “She actively seeks feedback, reflects on her practice, and shows a clear desire to continue growing as an educator. These qualities, combined with her strong instructional practice and leadership within the school community, make her an outstanding representative for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award.”
Martin graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Education with Great Distinction.
She completed her Professional Semester I internship at West Meadow Elementary School in Claresholm and her PSIII at Crowsnest Consolidated High School in Coleman.
It was noted Livingstone Range School Division’s values drew her back and she was hired as a first year teacher at Willow Creek Composite High School for fall 2025.
She currently is the sole high school English-Language Arts teacher at the school.
“My high school English teacher encouraged me to become a teacher so that I could help students who struggle or have challenges, as I did,” said Martin. “English is a realm of inclusivity where students can connect with a variety of texts, ideas, and each other. I’m honoured to be recognized for the impact I’ve had so far in my classes, as the Edwin Parr Award nominee for Livingstone Range School Division.”
School boards across the province nominate one exceptional candidate for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award to their Alberta School Boards Association zone committee each year.
The successful nominees from each zone are honoured at the Alberta School Boards Association Fall General Meeting.