NWP Grads Nominated for First-Year Teacher Award

Three Northwestern Polytechnic Bachelor of Education graduates have been nominated for a prestigious teaching award. Jenny Keddie, Isabelle Kenny, and McKenzie Lindstrom have each been chosen by their school divisions as nominees for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award, which recognizes outstanding first-year teachers across the province. The three nominees completed their education in the 2024/25 cohort at NWP and share a friendship as well as a profession.

Representing Peace Wapiti Public School Division, Jenny Keddy teaches at Whispering Ridge Community School. Jenny began her Education degree in 2007 before taking a break to start her family. The pull of teaching was strong, though. “Every time I pulled up to the school to drop off my youngest, I thought, I would love to be in there,” says Jenny. When she decided to return to NWP, Jenny found the transition straightforward and supportive. 

“The small classes, collaboration with other students, and the chance to have daily one-on-one conversations with professors were highlights,” says Jenny. “You can’t do that in a class of 200 students.”

McKenzie Lindstrom of St. Catherine Catholic School, part of the Grande Prairie Catholic School Division, is honoured to be nominated. She speaks highly of NWP’s focus on instruction that’s uniquely suited to northern Alberta and the authentic experience her teachers brought to the classroom. 

“I loved the community of my cohort,” McKenzie recalls. “We were a close-knit small class.”

Isabel Kenny teaches in the Grande Prairie Public School Division at Isabel Campbell Public School, and says that this recognition is incredible, as was her experience at NWP.

“NWP and the TEN (Teacher Education North) program have set me up for success. As teachers, it’s all about collaborating. Because NWP is such a tight-knit experience, it definitely made me ready to work as a team,” says Isabel.

Jenny agrees and appreciates the range of ages in her NWP classes. “We learned to collaborate across age groups,” she says. “NWP made it easier to go back to school. Because they offer lots of support, they make it accessible.”

When asked for advice for future first-year teachers, Jenny suggests taking on extracurricular activities. “Seeing kids have fun outside the classroom is a highlight of the job,” she smiles. Isabel wants new teachers to be open to feedback. “Be true to yourself and teach the way you would have liked to be taught.”

McKenzie’s advice? “Believe in yourself. Take a deep breath and enjoy where you are. In the classroom, there’s so much joy.” 

NWP is proud to have helped launch these outstanding educators and wishes them continued success in the classroom and beyond.

If you see yourself leading from the front of the classroom, take the next step at NWP.me/Education.