Burdett teacher nominated for Edwin Parr award
Karen Reimer, a first-year teacher at Burdett School has been nominated by her peers for an Edwin Parr award for her dedication and commitment to her students.
In a written statement, principal Laurie Cooper said, “She is just a really dedicated, extremely organized person, who works very hard at making learning hands-on and differentiated. Our school population is very unique. We have a lot of children without strong language skills and Karen works really hard at making sure they meet the requirements necessary to be successful.”
Reimer said she was surprised and honoured when Cooper approached her about putting her name forward for the award.
“I was surprised because it’s not something you expect. To have this approval is very humbling,” said Reimer.
The nomination would come as no surprise to those who work with her, including her students.
Reimer, originally from the Okanagan area grew up in a big sports-oriented family. When she left home in 2003 to go to college, becoming a teacher was not in her plans. Instead, she was a Science major at Lethbridge
In 2003, she left B.C. for Lethbridge College where she was a Science major. It was here that she met her future husband, a young farmer from the Burdett area.
It was also during this time that she would learn how to overcome test anxiety, something she would be able to share with her students in future years.
She took things she was learning from her university professors and applied them to her own situation and found success.
“My anxiety went down and my learning and understanding went way up and I want to be able to help my students with this,” she said.
Prior to becoming a full-time teacher, Reimer spent six years working as an educational assistant at Burdett School.
“I was working with special needs’ students and felt like something more I could do,” she said. “I learned how to love learning.”
Her dedication to her students did not go unnoticed by her colleagues who encouraged her to complete her education degree.
“Working in the school as an EA was such a rewarding experience. It was then that I realized that teaching kids was something I wanted to pursue as a career.”
Most of the students at the Burdett School are Low German speaking Mennonites, some who have little or no English when they first enter the school system, so there are additional challenges for the teachers at the school and Reimer has taken on her role with enthusiasm and patience.
“As an EA, I have watched this kids grow. There is one who is in Gr. 8-9 who is doing very well and plays basketball at Senator Gershaw. It shows that the amount of work you put in is well worth it,” she said.
“I try to teach my students a growth mindset. I always say, it is ok that you made that mistake, but how are you going to make it better? My students push me to do the same thing. You are not going to do everything right the first time, or even the second time. You are going to make mistakes and you are going to have to be ok with that. You’re always on a path of growth and as long as you’re moving forward, then you have the right perspective.”
Besides teaching Science, Health, Physical Education, and two CTF courses, she also coaches the basketball team,.
The winner of the Edwin Parr award will be announced at the ASBA Zone 6 awards banquet on May 15.