Educators Learn about FFCA’s Approach to Teaching & Learning
On October 1st 2024, Foundations for the Future Charter Academy (FFCA) had the honor of hosting a delegation of 19 mathematics educators from Australia as part of their North American study tour. The group comprised of 19 mathematics teachers, mathematics leaders, researchers and consultants. All of them are members of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers.
The group attended a mathematics conference in the United States and visited several schools to explore teaching methodologies and best practices. The day began with a visit to FFCA’s North High School (NHS), where Principal Mr. Jesse Classen and Associate Principal Mrs. Michelle Newell welcomed the group. The Australian educators observed seven different math classes spanning grades 9 to 12. These classroom visits provided valuable insight into FFCA’s approach to mathematics instruction and allowed for a rich exchange of ideas between the visiting educators and our teaching staff.
Following the classroom observations, FFCA’s high school math teacher participated in a collaborative professional learning session with the delegation. Our teachers highlighted FFCA’s distinct teaching, learning, and assessment practices. They also shared the highlights of the math program in Alberta. In turn, the Australian educators shared their own experiences and strategies from within the Australian education system. This collaborative discussion revealed numerous commonalities between the two systems, particularly in addressing the diverse needs of students and pursuing academic excellence.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited FFCA’s Northwest Elementary Campus, where they were welcomed by Principal Mrs. Shawna Drummond and Associate Principal Mr. Jim Poirier. The Australian visitors had the chance to observe math lessons in classrooms ranging from kindergarten to grade 4. It was inspiring to see the visiting educators engage with the students during lessons and learning activities. They also observed the CHAMPS classroom management framework in action, which provided insight into how FFCA maintains a positive and engaging learning environment.
The day concluded with a debrief session led by Denise Budgen and Bharati Singh, where the visitors asked questions about Charter Schools in Alberta, particularly FFCA’s charter, educational philosophy, and programming. They noted how the schools' emphasis on character and leadership was evident throughout—whether through teacher role-modeling or student interactions in the learning environment. This final session offered further opportunities for meaningful dialogue and reflection, reinforcing the shared commitment to excellence in education.
FFCA was pleased to be part of this international exchange, fostering global connections and reinforcing shared goals in mathematics education.
