SCHS teacher retention issues lead to virtual learning

By Jordan Parker

It’s been a months-long process at Oyen’s South Central High School to hire teachers to fill vacant positions, but two courses will be taught virtually as retention efforts come up short.

SCHS Principal Jason Duchscherer says the Prairie Rose School Division and his school have “really tried” to hire a teacher for math and science courses next school year, but they had to make a tough choice.

“We have been trying to hire since March, and it’s been a struggle. This isn’t unique to us – There are plenty of math and science jobs in the province unfilled,” he said.

“It’s the end of the school year, and we needed a plan. Our math, chemistry and physics will be taught by a teacher in Medicine Hat and a teacher in Burdett,” said Duchscherer.

“Prairie Rose will allow Mrs. Hagens to sit in on classes in physics and chemistry, and she will build capacity for the future.”

They are still determining who will be in the room for math, but they do know the teacher instructing the SCHS students will make multiple visits to Oyen as well. The teachers will not oversee classes during their timeslots with Oyen other than pupils at SCHS.

“It seems there’s just a large shortage overall in science and math in the province, and it’s been difficult to fill,” said the Principal.

The school is also looking for a full-time phys-ed teacher and a coach for their South Alberta Hockey Academy.

“We’ve posted the job, gone to social media, talked to the Deans of Education in the Maritimes about bringing graduates in, and have sent job ads to Medicine Hat College, the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and more,” he said.

“Unfortunately, a lot of young people right now aren’t overly excited to move to rural areas unless they grew up in rural areas themselves. It’s harder and harder to get them in.”

Prairie Rose School Division’s Chief Deputy Superintendent Mark Heinricks says it’s been difficult to get teachers in rural areas, period, and it’s not just Oyen.

“It’s just hard getting teachers to come. They have to sign, try to find housing or rentals, and figure out moving details. We are willing to help every step of the way, but then we also need to find incentives for them to stay,” he said.

“The health sector is having issues with retention too. My understanding is this isn’t just Oyen. The new generation would rather live in urban centres. Lethbridge and Calgary schools have tons of applications. If teachers aren’t willing and wanting to come to these areas, we have to keep working and finding incentives.”

He says this isn’t a new issue, but there are a lot of current openings within the school system. He says the choice to go remote wasn’t made lightly.

“We know in-person learning is best. But we can’t wave a wand and put bodies in place. It’s the same with something like buses for students – We’d love to provide more coverage, but we have no drivers. We’re working hard, and maybe we will be more proactive about reaching out to new grads in the future,” he said.

“We do try to stay away from video conference, but this is a new initiative, and these teachers are designated to these specific classes. These are their teachers. Also, having teachers from within the Oyen school sit in will allow for more expertise and capacity within for future years.”

The school managed to hire an English teacher, and at the time of the interview with Principal  Duchscherer, he was getting ready to look at a home with the new hire. But as of this writing, the math and science courses will come remotely, and a phys-ed and hockey coach haven’t been hired.

“We did manage to get the shop position filled. Jack Fields had retired, but is coming back first semester to teach. Our English teacher is getting married, and their fiance is in the RMCP. They moved to the Northwest Territories. Our math and chemistry teacher went on maternity leave, our hockey instructor got a huge new job, and our shop and phys-ed teacher always wanted to move back up north, and got a role in Spirit River. It’s just been strange timing,” he said.

Last year, a math and science teacher left, the Principal was replaced, and another math teacher left. Last year was three hires, and this year is another four. But the Principal says Oyen is not in a different position than many schools.

“Brooks, Leduc, and other areas have jobs open. They’re even closer to city centres, which makes it harder for us. We really have tried so many things. We’ve been working with council, and they’re helping, too,” he said.

“I understand people may be worried or upset. Rightfully so. Healthcare and education are huge building blocks in a community, and we’re struggling with recruiting. We are doing what we can.”

He stands behind the teachers who have been hired to do video conferencing and says they will do a great job with students.

“They’re well-accomplished, and they won’t have students in front of them and on the screen. It’s only South Central kids, and it’s as close to getting a teacher in that room as possible. Then having another teacher in the room to build capacity – That’s unheard of,” he said.

“Video conferencing will work. I’ve seen it be successful. People are afraid of the unknown, and we get that. We will do everything to make this a success in our community.”