Congratulations to the CBE’s Edwin Parr Teacher Award Recipient

Mar. 06, 2025


​​​​​​​​​The Calgary Board of Education is incredibly proud to announce that Hanna Prasad has been selected as the CBE’s recipient of​ the prestigious Edwin Parr Teacher Award. This award celebrates those truly special first-year educators who make a real difference in their classrooms. 

Hanna is a food studies and drama teacher at Thomas B. Riley School​. From the moment she walked through the school doors, her incredible ability to connect with students and staff has filled the school with a warm, supportive energy.

Building a Family, Not Just a Community 

​Hanna has a gift for creating genuine connections. She prioritizes building trust and open communication, making everyone feel seen and valued. Her drama classes, where she starts with a welcoming circle, are a beautiful example of this. It’s like stepping into a cozy living room. And her colleagues can’t stop singing her praises. Her collaborative spirit and inclusive leadership shine through in everything she does — whether it’s coaching, directing musicals, or teaching Career and Technology Foundations​ (CTF) courses.

As Hanna notes: “Teaching is often described as a calling, and I wholeheartedly agree. It is a vocation that demands passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student. This year I learned that my foundation of teaching stems from a fundamental principle: to truly know my students. I believe that the heart of education lies in the relationships we build. When students trust me, we embark on a beautiful journey of exploration, creativity, and growth." 

A Love for Learning — Especially in Food Studies

Hanna is a true inspiration when it comes to lifelong learning. When she took on teaching Foods, she dove in with such enthusiasm. She quickly earned her certifications and mastered everything she needed to know. Her CTF classes are filled with delicious discoveries and hands-on fun.

Her commitment to student growth is evident in her professional learning community work, where she uses practical cooking activities to help students learn. And the collaborative sessions have helped her create an even more supportive and engaging classroom.

Honoring Indigenous Cultures

Hanna’s passion for Indigenous cultures is evident in her teaching. She beautifully integrates Indigenous perspectives and practices such as talking circles, creating a rich and respectful learning environment where everyone feels valued and understood. 

Making Memories Beyond the Bell

Hanna’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She stepped in to direct the school’s production of “Shrek Jr.” and made it a truly magical experience for the students involved. She also coaches basketball and leads clubs, providing students with wonderful opportunities to connect and grow. 

“From her first day, Hanna has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her students and our school community,” says Principal Tiffany Austin. “Her ability to build meaningful relationships, her innovative teaching practices, and her dedication to lifelong learning make her an exceptional educator. We are incredibly fortunate to have her, and this nomination is a testament to her outstanding contributions.” 

Hanna’s dedication, her warm heart, and her ability to connect with students make her a valu​ed staff member at Thomas B. Riley. Congratulations Hanna!!

Honouring CBE'​s Other Edwin Parr Award Nominees

Principals also nominated four other outstanding first-year teachers. We're delighted to recognize their contributions.

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