St. Paul Education is proud to announce Kylie Neitz, cosmetology teacher at Ashmont School, as our 2025 Edwin Parr Teacher Award nominee!

The Edwin Parr Teacher Award recognizes outstanding first-year teachers in Alberta who demonstrate excellence in teaching and a strong commitment to student learning. Each school division across the province nominates one exceptional new teacher annually, and Kylie is St. Paul Education’s nominee for 2025.

From the moment she joined the team, Kylie has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, innovation in teaching, and a deep passion for her craft. In just her first year, she has transformed the cosmetology program into a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging space where students are excited to learn and grow.

Kylie creates a welcoming classroom environment where students of all backgrounds feel valued and supported. Her open-door policy, hands-on learning opportunities, and focus on student leadership have helped her learners thrive both personally and academically. She actively promotes a culture of mentorship, pairing older and younger students to foster connection, confidence, and collaboration.

Beyond technical skills, Kylie integrates meaningful cultural learning into her curriculum. She incorporates First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories and traditions, hosting initiatives like the “Boys with Braids” presentation and classroom visits with Elders to deepen students’ respect and understanding. Her dedication to cultural inclusion is especially impactful in a school community with a strong FNMI population.

Outside the classroom, she is an active contributor to the broader school community—supporting extracurricular activities, planning field trips, and helping students prepare for real-world experiences like Skills Canada. She continuously seeks out professional learning, collaborates with colleagues, and brings in industry experts to enhance the student experience.

"I’ve known since high school that I wanted to be a teacher," Kylie shares. "I had such a deep appreciation for the teachers who believed in me and helped me discover my potential, and I always hoped that one day I could do the same for others."

That dream initially led her to teach in the post-secondary sector. However, stepping into a junior and senior high classroom brought a new and even deeper sense of purpose.

"There's something incredibly meaningful about working with younger students, watching them explore who they are, supporting them through challenges, and helping them build confidence not just in their skills but in themselves," she explains.

Reflecting on her first year, Kylie notes that the most rewarding part has been building relationships and seeing students grow.

"Whether it’s a student lighting up after mastering a hands-on skill, stepping up to help a classmate, or just finding the courage to try something new, those moments are the ones that stick with me," she says. "My biggest goal has been creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and full of possibility. Every little win, every breakthrough, every smile reminds me why I love what I do."

Ashmont School principal Corina Idzan adds, "Kylie’s positive attitude, dedication, and ability to build meaningful relationships with students and staff alike make her a role model within our school. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and student-centered approach set her apart as an outstanding educator."

We are proud to recognize Kylie’s inspiring contributions and congratulate her on this well-deserved nomination!

The Zone 2/3 Edwin Parr Awards Banquet will take place on May 23rd in Edmonton.