Chinook's Edge School Division is pleased to be welcoming 48 new teachers in the 2024-25 school year. The group includes teachers who are new to the profession, teachers who are new to Chinook's Edge, and teachers who joined Chinook's Edge part-way through the previous school year. This compares to 38 new teachers who started last fall, and 37 new teachers at the start of the 2022-23 school year.
Superintendent Kurt Sacher says the division is pleased to see growth in the number of new teachers this year. He says the increase is largely due to an anticipated slight increase in student enrollment this fall and to teacher retirements at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Sacher welcomed the teachers this week, at the division's new teacher orientation event. Sacher says the orientation is something the division has had in place for many years, because "the role of a teacher is very complex and those newest to the profession typically need the greatest level of support. Our students are the beneficiaries of confident teachers. We want to ensure that new teachers receive the support they need to be successful in creating high quality learning environments."
Mike Garrow is the division's new Associate Superintendent of People Services. He and new division principal Jeff Thompson will work with the new teachers throughout the school year to support them in their learning and growth. "I am excited about the individuals that are joining Chinook's Edge this year," says Garrow. "New teachers bring with them an excitement for the profession that is infectious. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact these individuals will make with students."
Anica Nowochin, who will be teaching Grade 2 French Immersion students at Ecole Steffie Woima Elementary School in Sylvan Lake, says, "I am excited to help students acquire a new language and become at ease using it. Knowing a second language sets students up for great opportunities." Nowochin says, "I am also looking forward to being a part of the Steffie Woima team. They have already been very welcoming to me."
Nowochin grew up in Red Deer, and completed her teaching degree at Burman University in Lacombe in 2023. She has been substitute teaching and covering leaves in Wolf Creek Public Schools and Red Deer Public Schools over the past year, with middle school students. "I will miss working with middle school students, but I am also looking forward to getting back to my roots and training of working with elementary aged children."
Eric Behr is joining Chinook's Edge after having taught Grade 8 students in High Level for three years. Starting in September, Behr will be teaching high school English at Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs. "Being at Hugh Sutherland will allow me to teach a subject that I am most passionate about. I am excited about that, and about the opportunities for my family here." Behr says his favorite part about teaching is "getting to know the students. Middle school and high school students are in transition, figuring out who they are. Being a part of that, and helping to build their confidence - being there for students - is awesome."
January 13, 2025
