Chinook's Edge School Division is welcoming 38 teachers in the 2023-24 school year. These new staff members, as well as six teachers who joined the school division during the 2022-23 school year, have been attending the New Teacher Orientation in Innisfail at Division Office this week. NTO is an annual three-day orientation and mentorship program for teachers new to the profession or the division. It was developed to increase new teachers' understanding of the culture and expectations in Chinook's Edge.
"We're so pleased to welcome new teachers to our division," said Kurt Sacher, Superintendent, Chinook's Edge. "Teachers play such a critical role in our schools, and have a significant impact on students and their learning. It's important our newest teachers are supported early and often so that they get off to an amazing start. We are purposeful about connecting new teachers to our culture and the genuine support that is available. We know they will create a high quality learning environment for all of their students if we can ensure they feel valued by our school division and get what they need to address the challenges they face."
Nicholas Schultz, a first year teacher at Delburne School teaching high school math, said he is glad he could attend. "I am impressed with the level of support the division is offering," he said. "All combined it is very motivating and supportive."
Schultz grew up in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and attended a rural high school. After graduating from the University of Alberta with a degree in physics and education, he began subbing in Delburne School last year. "I like the perspective that rural students have," said Schultz. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with students more deeply this year."
After three years of loving working with students as an educational assistant at Ecole Olds High School, Allison Duane is excited to take on the role of teacher this year - specifically in high school math - at Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs.
"The staff at Ecole Olds High School were so encouraging to me," said Duane, who grew up in Olds. "As I watched a couple of teachers, I admired their down-to-earth teaching style and strong connection with students. They are inspiring, and helped me to see myself as a teacher." Duane earlier had earned a Bachelor Degree in Science, and spent the last two years working as an E.A., while also earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary.
Cheyenne Cocke is another Chinook's Edge graduate who will be teaching in the division. Cocke attended Bowden Grandview School and will be teaching Grade 6 at Delburne School. "I am excited to be teaching in a K-12 school. My dream was to teach at a rural school because I know, from my own experience, how valuable that is." Cocke earned a Bachelor of Education at Red Deer Polytechnic.
Cocke has also appreciated NTO. "It's been very informative. It's daunting to start a new job and especially with something as important as teaching. This has given me insight into what to expect and how to best help students. I especially appreciate the emphasis on establishing a quality learning environment for my students. I experienced that as a student in Bowden. It's good to see so much emphasis and work on it. They've come back to that repeatedly this week and it's really hit home for me."
January 13, 2025
