By rdnewsNOW staff

fresh faces

Chinook’s Edge welcomes 15 new teachers

Sep 1, 2020 | 9:09 AM

Chinook’s Edge School Division welcomed 15 new teachers at the New Teacher Orientation program last week, and found the group’s enthusiasm to be off the charts.

The annual three-day orientation and mentorship program involves teachers who are either new to the profession or new to the division, and is broadly considered to be one of the most extensive programs of its kind in Alberta. It was developed to increase new teachers’ understanding of the culture and expectations in Chinook’s Edge, and this year it included a full immersion into teaching practices during Covid-19.

“I think this is an exciting time to enter the profession, because I think there’s even greater need for teachers to share a positive influence as students arrive back to school,” said Allan Ellingsgaard, whose wife Judith is also a new teacher in Chinook’s Edge.

“I grew up on Faroe Island near Iceland and had a chance to teach in a remote village in my early 20s, only because they couldn’t find a qualified teacher. But I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do and now here I am finally doing it – 20 years later! I really can’t wait to get into the classroom and meet my students, especially after spending three days with other teachers. I feel like many people in highly respected roles were part of the New Teacher Orientation, willing to do whatever it takes to help us succeed. The leadership style is commendable, with people truly wanting to serve. That is so impressive about Chinook’s Edge, and that culture has a huge impact on students.”

While Allan will teach high school Science at Olds Koinonia Christian School, Judith will be up the highway teaching Math at Innisfail High. Their three children are all Chinook’s Edge students in Olds schools.

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“Our three kids have had three different responses to the school disruption, so as a parent I can see the struggles some students may be having with back to school jitters,” said Judith, who grew up in Northern Ireland. “But I also see how much they are looking forward to returning – our whole family is excited to be in school. For Allan and I, we are fulfilling a long held dream. We’ve had other opportunities along the way but we’re finally here, about to start our dream jobs at the same time. It is great to be in a division that is working so well in the midst of all the health restrictions. We have had it modelled so well for us at the Orientation, and I know everyone is ready to make school great for our students.”

Superintendent Kurt Sacher told the new teachers the Chinook’s Edge system is set up to ensure they succeed. “We work hard in our school division to ensure your voice is heard and acted upon. It is designed so that you have a number of ways to find support from your colleagues and from other resources the division makes available to you. We want you to take responsibility for taking care of yourself, knowing that everyone around you wants you to be successful,” Sacher told the group.

“When you feel that support and confidence as a teacher, you will find it so much easier to bring joy and energy to the classroom for your students. As a teacher in Chinook’s Edge you will make a profound difference in the lives of your students. Everyone is wanting you to do well and we are so lucky to have you with us!”

(Sandy Bexon, Chinook’s Edge School Division)