For Sarah Abouali, AJ School is more than a place to work. It is home.

A former student who attended the school from kindergarten through high school, Abouali has returned to teach in the same classrooms where she once learned. Today, she works alongside some of her former teachers and remains part of a school community that shaped her life.

“AJ has always been a part of my world,” she shared. “My family is connected to the school, and now coming back as a teacher feels really special.”

Although in her first year as a certified teacher, Abouali brings several years of experience working with youth through camps, programs, and volunteer work. Those experiences helped guide her decision to eventually pursue a career in education.

“I always knew I wanted to study English because of my passion for literature,” she said. “As I gained more experience working with youth, I realized I loved teaching. It just made sense to teach what I love.”

At AJ School, Abouali teaches Grade 9 Humanities along with English Language Arts for Grades 10 and 11. Her classroom is structured and welcoming, with students beginning each class with quiet reading or reflection before moving into lessons that encourage discussion, critical thinking, and real world connections.

“I love hearing students’ perspectives,” she said. “Those conversations and connections are what make teaching so rewarding.”

She is also involved in school life beyond the classroom, supporting weekly student gatherings, supervising athletics, and helping lead an upcoming student exchange trip. She also teaches a journalism course where students work together to create a digital school newspaper.

Like many new teachers, her first year has come with challenges. Learning new curriculum areas and managing a full teaching schedule has required strong organization and adaptability. She is also mindful of the responsibility that comes with the role.

“You are preparing students for their future, and that is always on my mind,” she said. “It is a lot of responsibility, but it is also what makes the work meaningful.”

She credits her colleagues for creating a supportive environment where staff share ideas, resources, and guidance.

When she learned she had been nominated for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award, she was both surprised and grateful.

“I did not even know what the award was,” she said. “I feel very grateful. It is nice to be in a place where there is so much room to grow.”

Principal Ramy Elhamalawy says Abouali stood out early in her first year.

“Sarah brings a level of care and intention to her teaching that is not common for someone in their first year. She builds strong relationships with students and creates a classroom where they feel comfortable sharing their thinking and taking risks in their learning.”

“She is reflective, open to feedback, and always looking for ways to improve her practice. Combined with her strong connection to the school community, those qualities made her an easy choice for this nomination.”

The Edwin Parr Teacher Award, presented by the Alberta School Boards Association, recognizes outstanding first year teachers across the province. Each school division selects one nominee who demonstrates excellence in teaching, strong relationships with students, and the potential for a successful career in education.

CIS Akram Jomaa Campus, along with sister school CIS Omar Bin Al Khattab Campus, joined Prairie Rose Public Schools last summer. The Calgary based schools serve approximately 1,600 students.

Abouali has been named Prairie Rose Public Schools’ nominee for the 2025 to 2026 Edwin Parr Teacher Award and will represent the division at the Zone 6 award banquet on May 20 in Taber.