Foothills School Division officially opens their doors September 1 welcoming students back but also welcoming new staff at the same time.

One of those teachers is Okotoks native Drew Hoover who will be teaching Grade 6 at École Senator Riley School and he says being on the same page as his students is vital for each other's success.

"Connectivity with my students," he says. "I want to not only be someone who can foster their learning but I want to get to know them I want to be someone they can count on."

Hoover says once he got deeper into his university education he wanted to make sure he gave students the same favourable outcome on life that he had when he was in school.

"Once I got into it I had to kind of reflect and think about some of the teachers I had in my formative years and how influential they were so I think it's an important job and I want to do what they did for me."

Hoover completed practicums at OJHS, Big Rock School and Oilfields High School prior to his employment with the division.

Freya Longland who has called High River home for the past ten years also began her career as a full-time teacher this week and says she's as excited as kids might be going back to school.

"As a new teacher this is just so exciting just to see all the other teachers here, to see familiar faces and to get to know new faces," she says.  "So I'm just so excited to get in the classroom and start this year and new journey."

She says having a good atitude is important to have coming into the classroom every day.

"Definitely having enthusiasm, excitement and just making a fun environment for the kids and working with my colleagues."