A significant part of that plan involves expanding the division’s approach to adaptive learning—something Sacher is passionate about. When asked to elaborate, he explains that adaptive learning is about meeting the varied needs of students who don’t fit the mold of a traditional classroom.“We have students with all kinds of learning needs,” he says.“Take, for example, students who are part of an elite figure skating group, or are on the rodeo circuit, traveling across the United States.They don’t have the time to sit in a traditional classroom. So, we’ve had to get creative— using online tools and other innovative approaches.” A significant part of that plan involves expanding the division’s approach to adaptive learning—something Sacher is passionate about. When asked to elaborate, he explains that adaptive learning is about meeting the varied needs of students who don’t fit the mold of a traditional classroom.“We have students with all kinds of learning needs,” he says.“Take, for example, students who are part of an elite figure skating group, or are on the rodeo circuit, traveling across the United States.They don’t have the time to sit in a traditional classroom. So, we’ve had to get creative— using online tools and other innovative approaches.” BUILDING A CULTURE OF TEACHER RETENTION As teacher shortages become a growing concern across North America, Chinook’s Edge School Division takes an intentional approach to recruitment and retention. Sacher is candid about the division’s philosophy regarding staff retention. “We haven’t utilized incentives like some U.S. locations might,” he notes. “What we’ve prided ourselves on is really trying to make our school environments where a teacher wants to work.” According to him, this environment is built on open communication and a deep understanding of the challenges teachers face. The division’s “Teachers Matter” group is a key part of that process, providing an ongoing platform for educators to voice their concerns and ideas.“We listen to them on an ongoing basis and try to respond as an organization to some of their difficulties,” he adds. A cornerstone of Chinook’s Edge School Division’s support system is its robust mentorship program 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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