Haley Nelson - Alberta Teachers’ Association Gold Medal in Education

Jun 06, 2025
A woman in grad gown and cap smiles holding an RDP degree. A green gradient is overlayed with the text that says 61st RDP Convocation 2025
Haley smiles at the camera wearing a prink dress against a bright white background

For as long as she can remember, Haley Nelson has dreamed of becoming a teacher. From childhood moments spent teaching pretend lessons to her sister Emma in Hanna, Alberta, to shaping her skills through academic experiences, her passion for education has always defined her. Now, as a Bachelor of Education Middle Years graduate, that dream has become reality at Red Deer Polytechnic, where she has turned her aspirations into success.

Haley’s dedication to educating youth was recognized with the 2024/2025 Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) Gold Medal in Education, awarded to a student demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to teaching. This honour validates the years she has devoted to growing as an educator.

Receiving the ATA Gold Medal is deeply meaningful to Haley. She holds herself to lofty standards, striving for excellence in academics and professional development. The award confirms that her dedication has made a lasting impact—not only on her students but on her own growth.

Strong organizational skills helped Haley succeed. She balanced part-time work while maintaining exceptional grades as a full-time student. Her ability to excel in demanding situations was one of several factors to earning this prestigious medal.

Haley also benefited from unwavering support from family, friends, instructors and mentors. Her mother, Heather, a teacher, guided her through coursework and practicum placements, while close friends encouraged her. Mentor teacher Jacinta Sweiger profoundly shaped her teaching philosophy, confidence and ability, as well as RDP instructors providing invaluable guidance.

The positive learning experiences Haley encountered at RDP influenced her approach to teaching. Interactive lessons reinforced the importance of engaging education. Inspired by these moments, she brings enthusiasm into her classroom, ensuring students are immersed in learning.

Today, Haley is fulfilling her dream as a Grade 7 and 8 Humanities teacher at Delburne Centralized School, a position she took on shortly after graduating in December 2024. She hopes to secure a full-time teaching position in English Language Arts and earn her permanent professional teaching certificate, with future plans to mentor aspiring educators.

The ATA Gold Medal in Education represents Haley’s commitment to inspiring the next generation. Through resilience, passion and dedication, she is shaping the future of education, ensuring students experience meaningful, engaging and transformational learning—just as she did.

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