Northland School Division (NSD) is pleased to share that Meaghean Lehr, a teacher at J.F. Dion School, has been selected as NSD's 2026 Edwin Parr Teacher Award nominee. The award recognizes first-year teachers who show strong dedication and commitment to teaching.
"I would like to thank the Board of Trustees and J.F. Dion School for nominating me for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award," said Lehr. "What an unexpected honour this is. I also want to thank my students and colleagues for this nomination. I truly appreciate the gifts you all share and the wahkohtowin (kinships) that has brought us together. Every day is a ceremony as we connect, learn, and grow from one another. I am grateful to be a first-year teacher in my own community and to share sakihtowin (love) for culture and education. This is just the beginning. Kinanaskomitin. Heartfelt, I thank you."
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we congratulate Meaghean as the 2026 Edwin Parr Teacher Award nominee for NSD," said Tanya Fayant, Board Chair. "It is exciting to recognize a teacher from Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, one of the communities Northland serves. Meaghean's dedication to students and her connection to culture are clear in her work. We appreciate the care and effort she brings to helping students learn and grow."
Meaghean holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. She completed the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program through a four-year online cohort.
At J.F. Dion School, Meaghean has created a welcoming, student-centred classroom grounded in kisewatisiwin (compassion), where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. She builds strong relationships with students, families, and staff and uses a range of strategies to support student learning. As a Métis educator, she brings Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into her teaching, helping students connect to culture and community. Meaghean is a positive team member who contributes to the school and shows strong dedication early in her teaching career.
"Meaghean has made a strong impact at J.F. Dion School in a short time," said Cal Johnson, Superintendent of Schools and CEO. "She builds strong relationships with students and brings culture into the classroom in a meaningful way. Meaghean reflects our priority of connections supporting truth and reconciliation. We are proud to have her represent Northland."
Meaghean will be recognized at NSD's Long Service Awards. Each year, the Alberta School Boards Association honours outstanding first-year teachers from across the province. She will also be recognized at the ASBA Zone One Luncheon in the fall.
