William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education Winner Ashwak Ahmad

Each year, the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) awards the William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education to the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education student who attains the highest general proficiency in the final two years of the Bachelor of Education program.

Ashwak Ahmad (BASc '24, BEd '26) was the recipient of the award at Spring 2026 Convocation. As she reflects on her ULethbridge experience, she says it will be the collaboration with others and her own hard work and resilience that she always remembers.

Meet Ashwak
Medal won: Alberta Teachers' Association William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education
Program: Bachelor of Education (After Degree) | Major: Mathematics Education

Describe your ULethbridge experience in three words.

Collaborative. Practical. Rewarding.

What drew you to your program and major?

What drew me to my field of study was a combination of natural curiosity and a desire to pass on the inspiration I found during my own school years.

In high school, I was simply good at mathematics and knew I wanted to pursue it further at the university level. At the same time, I found myself fascinated by how economies function both on a large national scale and at a collaborative, cooperative level. Choosing a double major allowed me to dive deep into both of those worlds.

However, as I advanced through my studies, my motivation evolved. I realized that I wanted to help other students find the same spark that I had discovered when I was in their shoes, especially those with the same immigrant experience as me. I wanted to step into the classroom not just to teach formulas, but to help every student genuinely enjoy the subject and see the incredible ways this knowledge can be applied across different sectors in the real world. Pursuing education had become the perfect way to turn my personal strengths and unique experiences into a career with the goal to inspire others.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

My most memorable experience was during my final practicum at Chinook High School. It was the exact moment where it finally clicked that I wasn't just a university student anymore, I was the one actually running the classroom and making an impact. Seeing the learning strategies I developed at ULethbridge genuinely click with students in a real-world setting was incredibly rewarding.

My four practicum placements completely shaped how I teach by giving me hands-on experience across every grade level. I started with Grade 1 at Jennie Emery Elementary and Park Meadows Elementary, moved to Grade 9 and Math 20-2 at Winston Churchill High School, and finished with a 14-week internship at Chinook High School teaching Math 10C and 20-3. These experiences allowed me to take what I learned at university and apply into these classes.

Were there any courses, professors, or experiences that changed your perspective?

The course that changed my perspective was EDUC 3502: Educational Psychology with Dr. Chris Mattatall. Keeping a "Connection Notebook" in his class allowed me to look back at my own journey and understand the actual science behind learning. I still continue the practice of reflecting and connecting theory to reality to constantly enhance my teaching.

What does this academic recognition mean to you?

Winning the ATA Gold Medal means the world to me, especially looking back at where my journey started. To go from that starting point to graduating with this kind of academic recognition feels like the ultimate validation of all the hard work, late nights and persistence it took to get here. It proves to me that the hurdles I faced weren't roadblocks, but they were exactly what taught me the resilience I needed to succeed. More than anything, this medal is a reminder of the kind of teacher I want to be: someone who helps every single student realize that no matter where they start, they are entirely capable of achieving great things.

What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at ULethbridge?

The most important lesson I learned is that hard work always pays off, but you don't have to do it alone. The people at the university are genuinely there for you, so you should never be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Between the support of the faculty and the connections I made with my peers, I realized that success is built on collaboration. It’s a lesson I carry into my own classroom today to remind my students that with dedication and the right community around you, you can overcome any hurdle.

What are your plans for the future?

Right now, my immediate focus is on my new role as a full-time high school teacher in Edmonton, where I am teaching math and science. I also intend to return to school in the near future to pursue further education within my field to continue growing as an educator.

What advice would you give to those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge? What would you tell your first-year self?

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone just starting out at ULethbridge, it would be: don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't try to carry the weight alone. Coming into university can feel incredibly overwhelming, but the professors and staff are genuinely there to support you, and reaching out is how you grow. Build strong connections with your peers, and trust that your hard work will pay off.