for new teachers. The division offers a two-year mentorship, pairing new hires with experienced educators to guide them through their first years in the classroom. “We’re very proud of that,” Sacher says, emphasizing that this program has been instrumental in helping new teachers feel confident and supported as they navigate the challenges of their profession. This mentorship, combined with reasonable class sizes—a policy the board has consistently maintained over the past decade— creates a working environment where teachers can thrive. Sacher also highlights the division’s expectations regarding instructional quality.“We expect teachers to be current and progressive, utilizing appropriate assessment practices,” he explains. With Alberta rolling out new curriculum initiatives, the division has made it a priority to provide ample support for its teachers, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to implement the new content successfully. HIGH SCHOOL TO CAREER: EARNING COLLEGE CREDITS EARLY Chinook’s Edge School Division’s dual credit program provides students with exposure to potential careers while actively accelerating their progress toward them. Holly Bilton is the Board Chair, and her expertise shines through as she discusses its leadership in dual credit programs. “In full transparency, I manage school engagement for CAREERS, so this is something I’m deeply familiar with,” she says, pointing out that Chinook’s Edge School Division is second only to the much larger Calgary Board of Education in the number of dual credit offerings. The scope of Chinook’s Edge School Division’s dual credit program is extensive, covering both trades and academic fields.“We offer courses in trades like welding, heavy equipment, carpentry, and industrial mechanics,” she explains. “We also have dual credit partnerships in areas like veterinary technology, 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 CHINOOK’S EDGE SCHOOL DIVISION
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