Photo provided by Chinook's Edge School Division.
The Chinook’s Edge School Division is welcoming 48 new teachers for the 2024/2025 school year.
Kurt Sacher, Superintendent, said the division is pleased to see growth in the number of new teachers this year. Adding that the increase is largely due to an anticipated increase in student enrollment this fall and to teacher retirements at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Sacher welcomed the teachers last week, at the division’s new teacher orientation event.
“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,” Sacher said. “We want to ensure that new teachers receive the support they need to be successful in creating high-quality learning environments.”
Mike Garrow, the division's Associate Superintendent of People Services, and Jeff Thompson, division principal, 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,” said 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, a Grade 2 French Immersion teacher at Ecole Steffie Woima Elementary School in Sylvan Lake, said she is excited to help students learn a new language, and use it with ease.
“Knowing a second language sets students up for great opportunities,” Nowochin said. “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,” she said.
