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Bachelor of Education program celebrates ATA Gold Medal recipient

Always ready for a challenge and committed to her students, Hailey Hoffart has been named the recipient of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Gold Medal Award for the Bachelor of Education program, a collaborative degree between Medicine Hat College (MHC) and Mount Royal University.

During their final poster presentation of the semester, education students were surprised with the award announcement. Hoffart -both unsuspecting and excited - was especially grateful that the news was given by the instructors who helped guide her through the program. 

“I think it would be humbling for anybody, especially if you weren't expecting it,” says Hoffart, who is the first student at MHC to receive the award. 

The honor acknowledges academic achievement, successful practicum performance, contributions beyond the classroom, and a commitment to teach in Alberta. Hoffart’s dedication to coaching basketball and giving her all in her practicum helped her earn the recognition.

“Getting to be in different schools, meeting different kids, and just experiencing new things was something that I really challenged myself with,” says Hoffart. “I think from my first year at the college I was a very scared person. Just seeing the growth in myself, and my instructors seeing me grow through my experience, is something I really value and appreciate.”

Described by her instructors as hard working, open-minded, kind, friendly and collaborative, Hoffart stood out for her involvement in the school communities and her student-first mindset. 

“The learners in her future classroom will benefit from her unique attitude, since learning happens best when you are pushed just slightly out of your comfort zone, says MHC Bachelor of Education instructor, Colleen Andjelic. “As a model of being open to a challenge, Hailey will be able to coach her students to be more resilient educational risk-takers, which is an attitude that will increase their learning exponentially.”

With less than two weeks until convocation, Hoffart has already accepted her first teaching job at Christ the King school in Brooks. Andjelic says future learners will benefit from being in her classroom.

“We are always so impressed by our graduating Education students here at MHC,” adds Andjelic. “In their first year, they are nervous and don't know what it takes to be a teacher, yet by the end of their program, they have developed such an impressive skill set and knowledge base. They are confident, ready, excited to teach, and eager to make a positive impact with their future students. As an instructor, it is incredible to watch this significant transformation.”