First, second and third year teachers in the Hanover School Division have been attending the Summer Institute this week.

Assistant Superintendent Rick Ardies says it's a chance for new teachers to be introduced to what it means to work for the Hanover School Division, what the vision is and what the important things are in teaching children in the division. Ardies adds the institute has been

Teachers write out important area for 'Our Kid'
wonderful over the last couple years and they bring in the learning coaches team to help guide new teachers in different areas.

"The first half day is talking about 'Our Kid'," explains Ardies. "Everything we do is about those children and so our new teachers had a wonderful opportunity to refocus on that and just be reminded that, again, every class is focused on helping these children develop the skills and the knowledge and the dispositions and the values that they need to be successful throughout their lives. So that's one of the huge things that all of our teachers need to spend time being reminded of."

Samantha Unger is a second year teacher who will be teaching a Grade 4/5 class in Blumenort. She says she feels the three day institute is a great way for new teachers to start the year.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Gudzuinas and Director of Learning Darren Kuropatwa helping out with the barbeque for teachers at the Summer Institute."This is my second year doing this program," notes Unger. "Last year, being a new teacher, it honestly all went in one ear and out the other because it was too much information for me and this year I'm able to retain it a lot more. The assessment piece has been huge and also just kind of picking out the report card and looking at some of the things that we are assessing for and actually getting a definition as to what is critical thinking."

Sarah Barkman is a first year teacher who will be teaching math and science at Landmark Collegiate. Barkman says the focus of the institute has been learning about the division's priorities and how to provide deeper learning for students.

"I think the connections you make with other new teachers in the division is really important," notes Barkman. "It really supports you and you know that you're not along going into your school. Then also making connections with the divisions learning coaches has been huge, just getting to know them and knowing they're on your side and they're an ally in this process."

Ardies notes this year a lot of the leadership for the institute was given to the new Director of Learning, Darren Kuropatwa, so the teachers were able to meet him and be introduced to the ideas he has for the team.