Chinook's Edge welcomes 51 new teachers
Chinook’s Edge School Division is pleased to welcome 51 new teachers to the division for the 2025-26 school year. The group includes teachers who are new to the profession, teachers who are new to Chinook’s Edge, and teachers who joined Chinook’s Edge part-way through the 2024 25 school year. This compares to 48 new teachers who joined the division in 2024-25, and 38 new teachers at the start of the 2023-24 school year. Superintendent Ryan Sawula says the increase came because of teacher retirements at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Sawula spoke to the new teachers at the new teacher orientation event on August 19. He says, “We are thrilled to welcome our new teachers to Chinook's Edge. We eagerly anticipate the positive contributions they will make to our culture and our shared dedication to student success. All educators are crucial in achieving this goal. We extend our sincere gratitude for their care and continued efforts on behalf of our students and school communities. We know these new members of the Chinook’s Edge team will contribute their unique skills and passions to this collective effort.”
Chris Adamson is the division’s new Associate Superintendent of Learning Services. He says, “Teacher orientation was filled with excitement and energy as our new teachers joined the division. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm, and I’m proud of the structure and support our team provided to help them feel welcomed and prepared. I look forward to seeing these educators grow in their practice and the positive impact they will bring to our students and communities.”
Cole Weststrate is an Innisfail High School graduate who is pleased to be starting his teaching career at Hugh Sutherland School, in Carstairs, as a Grade 7 math teacher. “I am looking forward to making relationships with the students. I want to be a support to them and hope to play a foundational role in their growth and success. I hope one day, they’ll look back and remember what they did in Mr. Weststrate’s class.”
A graduate from the University of Calgary, Weststrate came to the teaching profession after having observed his mom, Dawn Weststrate, who retired in June 2025 after many years of teaching in Chinook’s Edge. “When we were out in the community, and students and families would come to talk with her, I could see what a difference she had made. It is exciting to be following in her footsteps, but also nerve wracking because I have big shoes to fill. I am excited to forge my own path, and make a difference for the students in Carstairs.”
Kaitlyn Butt, who will be a Grade 5 teacher at Beacon Hill Elementary School this year, also has Chinook’s Edge roots. As a child, Butt attended Benalto School when it was open, and then C.P. Blakely Elementary School, Ecole Fox Run School and H.J. Cody School, all in Sylvan Lake, and graduated in 2018.
“It feels like I am coming home. Teachers I knew as a student make Chinook’s Edge feel like a family,” says Butt. After graduating from the University of Alberta, Butt taught a Grade 1 / 2 split class in Caroline, Alberta last year. She has also subbed in several Chinook’s Edge schools. “I like the environment in our schools. It’s friendly and welcoming.” As she starts the year Butt is focused on relationships. “Kids put a lot of trust in their teachers. I want them to feel safe and look forward to being at school. I am also excited to work with my colleagues.”