Hunting Hills High School math teacher Shari Jensen has been awarded one of 20 Excellence in Teaching awards for 2013.

“It’s hard to be singled out when I think it’s more of a team effort, but it’s an absolute honour for sure,” said Jensen.

Recognized by the Alberta Government, each recipient of the Excellence in Teaching award received up to $4,000 for professional development.

Nominations for the award were compiled and submitted by Hunting Hills administration in September; Lesley Young, an ESL teacher at Hunting Hills, was also nominated.

“Probably the reason I won was because of my relationship with the kids. I get to know them on a personal level and I care about them, like my own kids.”

Excellence in Teaching award recipients are required to demonstrate outstanding instruction through the use of creative and innovative teaching, community leadership, working harmoniously with colleagues and creating positive learning environments to motivate students to excel.

“Hunting Hills is a great, positive place to be. We have a super administration, and I have all the technology tools at my fingertips. I don’t think some teachers are as lucky.”

Jensen credits the technology as being a big factor in her success as a teacher. The math has not changed, but the way it is presented has, and it has benefited the students, said Jensen.

“The individuals chosen for this award are nothing short of remarkable, they represent the best of Alberta,” said Education Minister Jeff Johnson.

“These teachers put their heart and soul into the classroom, and in doing so they are shaping our next generation to be engaged, ethical, and entrepreneurial – ready to continue building Alberta.”

Members of the education community in Alberta were part of a committee that scrutinized each of the 129 semi-finalists, and chose the final 20 recipients.

Since 1989 more than 9,000 teachers from across Alberta have been nominated, while over 500 have received an award.

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