Medicine Hat College Bachelor of Education student Hailey Hoffart (middle) was recently named one of 13 recipients of the Alberta Teachers' Associations Gold Medal Award.--HANDOUT PHOTO
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Hailey Hoffart has been chosen as the recipient of the Alberta Teachers Association Gold Medal Award for the Bachelor of Education program for demonstrating the highest overall general proficiency in her degree program.
The news was released by Medicine Hat College on Tuesday.
The annual awards recognize 13 graduating bachelor of education students from Alberta-based post-secondary institutions who have achieved overall excellence in their coursework as well as field experience programs.
“I think it would be humbling for anybody, especially if you weren’t expecting it,” says Hoffart.
Hoffart says the program, a collaborative degree with Mount Royal University, provided her the opportunity to interact with students during her practicum, which pushed her slightly out of her comfort zone.
“Getting to be in different schools, meeting different kids and just experiencing new things was something that I really challenged myself with,” explains Hoffart. “I think from my first year at the college I was a very scared person. Just seeing the growth in myself, and my instructors seeing me grow through my experience is something I really value and appreciate.”
Hoffart will be graduating from her program next week and has already accepted her first teaching job at Christ the King School in Brooks.
The awards expanded from four recipients to 13 last year, and Hoffart is the first MHC student to receive one.
“These awards recognize the talent of up-and-coming leaders in education and reinforce the ATA’s public commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence in the profession,” said president Jason Schilling.
Recipients of the ATA Gold Medal Award receive a solid gold medal as well as $2,000. Previously award winners only received a gold plated medal.
