With a classroom full of kindergarteners and a heart full of rhythm, Ardrossan Elementary’s Janna MacLelland is striking all the right chords in her first year of teaching.
MacLelland, a French Immersion kindergarten teacher and music minor, has been named Elk Island Public Schools’ nominee for the prestigious 2025 Edwin Parr Teacher Award. The Alberta School Boards Association award recognizes excellence among first-year teachers across the province.
“There’s definitely been a big learning curve as a first-year teacher,” said MacLelland, “but I’ve been incredibly lucky to have such a supportive team around me.”
Known for her creative and student-centred approach, MacLelland has brought music, dance, and language together in her classroom, building confidence and connection with her young learners. “Singing and movement have been powerful tools for language learning,” she said. “It’s been such a valuable way for me to learn more about each of them, and even more rewarding to watch their confidence grow.”
Beyond the classroom, MacLelland leads the school’s dance club for Grades 4-6 students—one of the year’s highlights for her. “Creating a fun, welcoming space where students feel excited to learn is so important to me,” she said.
MacLelland also understands the importance of routines in her classroom, providing students with structure and security. “For young students, strong routines help build independence and comfort in the classroom,” she explained. “Routines provide a sense of security that allows students to focus on learning rather than wondering what comes next.”
MacLelland’s dedication to her students, creativity in the classroom, and commitment to creating an engaging learning environment have made her an exceptional first-year teacher and a worthy nominee for the Edwin Parr Award.
