By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Chinook’s Edge to hire six Social Emotional Specialists

Jan 16, 2022 | 1:00 PM

Trustees for Chinook’s Edge School Division have approved a three-year project which will see the hiring of six Social Emotional Specialists.

The hirings will be funding through financial reserves, with the initiative’s approval coming after a detailed presentation from Associate Superintendent of Student Services, Dr. Marcie Perdue.

Dr. Perdue outlined strategies to address a growing mental health challenge, which is impacting teachers, administrators, school staff and classrooms.

“Students are arriving at school facing a growing complexity of mental and social emotional hurdles that need to be addressed before they can achieve success in learning. COVID-caused learning disruptions, isolation, a deepening impact of social media, adapting to the changing nature of family life – these are just a few of the elements that are creating stress for students and families,” explains Dr. Perdue.

“However, there is a percentage of students who are exhibiting more complex mental health challenges, who require specialized expertise and sometimes individual therapy to meet their needs. We don’t want to be alarmist, but our schools are facing the reality that entire classrooms are being detrimentally affected by this at times.”

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Perdue also stated that it’s become an almost impossible task for teachers to provide the necessary help for all students, under the current level of support.

“I am incredibly grateful that our board clearly saw the growing challenge facing our schools.”

The board of trustees voted unanimously in favour of the hirings. It comes with a subsequent motion approving a letter to be written to the provincial government inviting them to share responsibility for establishing these kinds of staff roles.

“Our board fully supported an initiative of this magnitude because we truly believe it is what’s best for Chinook’s Edge students, families, staff and communities,” said Board Chair Holly Bilton. “We are also advocating to various levels of government for their involvement and support going forward, because this is an issue that is increasingly impacting Albertans as a whole. The mental health of our kids is paramount.”

The direct investment by Chinook’s Edge is $1.2 million over three years.