Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
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Amanda Jobb, a Grade 2 teacher in Saskatoon originally from Southend, has received a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
The Certificate of Achievement recognizes her remarkable achievements in education and her commitment to prepare youth for a digital and innovation-based economy.
Read more:
- Tessier teacher earns prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence
- STF warns of teacher shortage and burnout despite classroom gains
- Gym class hero: Saskatchewan’s newest teachers step up to the plate
In particular, Jobb is honoured for blending language, culture and academic excellence in powerful and meaningful ways, as well as the vital role in strengthening Cree language and identity within the school community while helping young learners build strong reading, math and social‑emotional skills.
“I never wanted to be a teacher, but as time went on I felt there was a calling. You know when you have a gut instinct. This is what I want to be, ” Jobb explained.
“I saw my mom and the way she taught her classes and how she just put 100 per cent in school and work. I thought I wanted to do this, and when I decided I wanted to become a teacher, in my first year, I thought, why didn’t I do this a long time ago because I really enjoy teaching. It is so rewarding.”
Jobb, who is a member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, moved to Saskatoon 10 years ago. She earned a Bachelor of Education from the Indian Teacher Education Program at the University of Saskatchewan and has been a teacher at awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School for the last seven years.
Jobb was nominated for the prestigious award by administrators at the school.
“In a nutshell, they apparently saw my work ethic in my classroom and around the school. [They saw] how I’ve been working with the children and colleagues,” she remarked.
Jobb is known for creating a welcoming and joyful learning environment. She brings learning to life through hands‑on lessons that are rooted in a Cree world view. Through guided reading, targeted intervention, and thoughtful assessment, she designs a structured and engaging literacy program.
In addition, Jobb uses music, storytelling, Cree singers and culturally relevant texts to spark curiosity and build strong foundational skills amongst her students.
” I just pray my days go smoothly and I enjoy my job,” she said.
“It’s not even a job. I come here and I enjoy my time with my students, with my colleagues. It’s a good place to be.”
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