SUPPORTING THE TEACHERS WHO SUPPORT THE STUDENTS Like many jurisdictions across Canada, Fort McMurray has faced recruiting and retention challenges. Yet FMPSD has consistently maintained full staffing on opening day—a testament to both careful planning and strong professional culture. “We invest heavily in our people,” says Associate Superintendent of Business and Finance, Kallal. “Every year, we bring in teachers from across Canada. What makes us stand out is our professional learning commitment.” The Board provides 13 professional learning Fridays each year, days when students stay home and staff strengthen their practice through professional learning and collaborative development. “It’s one of our best recruitment tools,” Nutter adds. “Those days help teachers build capacity, share expertise, and connect as professionals. Teaching today involves far more than academics; our staff need time and space to support not only student learning but also their own wellness.” That philosophy extends beyond pedagogy to emotional intelligence and regulation. ShelleyLewis explains that FMPSD has focused deeply on “student dysregulation and adult co-regulation,” training educators to model calmness, empathy, and restorative practice. Teachers have also participated in learning around executive function skill development—learning how to help students develop organization, self-monitoring, and focus. “You can’t get to the learning,” Nutter says, “if you don’t first address emotional safety and readiness.” TECHNOLOGY WITH PURPOSE Technology in the classroom has evolved quickly in Fort McMurray, but not recklessly. This year, the division launched a technology audit and is forming a committee to develop clear guidelines around artificial intelligence, usage standards, and digital wellness. “We’re gathering information on what students and teachers are already using,” Nutter says. “From there, we’ll craft policy that balances innovation with responsibility.” In the meantime, we were mandated through 242 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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