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FEATURE This … \ from ATA President Greg Jeffery 16 Project making a difference. See p 3.
Learn from the past. Inspire the future.
January 16, 2018 Volume 52, Number 9 News Publication of The Alberta Teachers’ Association
CORY HARE
Construction is continuing at Barnett House, where an eight-storey addition is being added to the main building and a third level is being added to the parkade. For an update on the construction project, read Gordon Thomas’s Q&A on page 2. Additional Under renovation photos are available for viewing on the Association’s website and Facebook page.
Hanging in the balance In Focus Greater reading success Association offers depends on government many programs for budget choices. school administrators. Read Jonathan Teghtmeyer’s See story on page 4. editorial on page 2. Get caught up on teachers’ conventions and specialist Teachers’ input council conferences. needed See pages 8 and 9. Provincewide survey of teachers to estab- lish priorities for next round of bargaining. See story on page 5.
Making his mark Stepping Stones Former ATA president ATA series promotes recon- settling in as head of ciliation while supporting Canadian Teachers’ new teaching standard. Federation. See story on page 10. Publication Mail Agreement #40065477 See page 5. The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, safeguards standards of professional practice and serves as the advocate for its members. Editor-in-Chief: Jonathan Teghtmeyer | [email protected] | 780-447-9477 ATANEWS Managing Editor: Cory Hare | [email protected] | 780-447-9438 Advertising and Business Manager: Jen Janzen | [email protected] | 780-447-9417 January 16, 2018 Volume 52, Number 9 Designers: Erin Solano and Kim vanderHelm Copy Editors: ATA Editorial Staff
We need the government to choose student success
unfortunately, they are too often left EDITORIAL struggling to overcome circumstances beyond their control. They feel increas- We can no longer wait — students have Jonathan Teghtmeyer ingly distressed as they witness too many ATA News Editor-in-Chief students falling through the cracks. Of course, it is the most disadvan- been waiting far too long already. taged students who are most vulnerable to being left behind. The data presented Every year without improvement would be the last people to to the Edmonton public board showed “We make excuses — we want that 27 per cent of students were read- is another cohort of students success for every kid.” ing below grade level, but the rate These words from Edmonton Public was 32 per cent for English-language hampered by inadequate conditions. Schools superintendent Darrel Robert- learners, 50 per cent for self-identified son are likely indicative of the thoughts Indigenous students and 60 per cent of teachers all across the province. for students identified as needing spe- The quote comes from an Edmonton cialized supports. In Edmonton Public, the individualized attention they need. The government needs to fund ade- Journal story about the board’s Decem- those students account for nearly half I think this is precisely why the class quately to ensure that school districts ber meeting, during which Robertson of the population. size campaign gained so much traction can reduce class sizes and improve presented the results of last year’s Speaking of the circumstances be- so quickly. After an initial rollout of in-class supports for special learning teacher assessment of student read- yond the control of teachers, I am refer- 15,000 cards, we have received requests needs. We can no longer wait — stu- ing levels. That report showed that ring to the state of learning conditions. for 25,000 additional cards through dents have been waiting far too long al- one-quarter of elementary students in As our recent #MyClassSizeIs cam- locals, schools and individual teachers. ready. Every year without improvement the district were not reading at grade paign has highlighted, our classes are is another cohort of students hampered level by the end of last school year. too large and too complex to ensure that Our social media accounts have been kept buzzing with responses to posts by inadequate conditions. Robertson does not blame teachers. teachers are able to adequately meet The government simply needs to make “I know that our staff are dumping the learning needs of their students. related to the campaign. The issue is clearly not isolated to a choice. Do we want success for every their hearts and souls into achieving It is not that teachers cannot tell kid? Can we find the political will and Edmonton Public; it is provincewide. (success) for our students,” he says. which students are behind in reading resources needed to improve learning Alberta's classrooms, according to So true. or other aspects of development. It is conditions, or are we satisfied with one international surveys, are some of the The situation in Edmonton Public is not that teachers do not have strategies in four students not succeeding? ❚ common across the province. Teachers they know will help students improve. It largest and most complex in the world. are doing whatever is in their power is that they simply do not have the time Now we need the province to do some- I welcome your comments — contact to support success for all students, but and support required to get students thing about it. me at [email protected].
Barnett House renovation on track FOR THE RECORD are currently leasing on the second completion in May 2018. The total cost Q & A floor. Effectively, the equivalent of half of the expansion of Barnett House, the of the newly constructed space will be substantial work to the parkade and the Gordon Thomas taken by ATRF. remaining renovation to the existing ATA Executive Secretary We will be relocating our Information floors of Barnett House is in the range Technology Services staff so the second of $26 million. With the help of our cap- We’re not political floor of Seymour Tower will be devoted ital fund and our growing membership operatives who are Question: How’s the renovation to meeting rooms, increasing our cater- base, we are able to handle these costs, but a mortgage will be required. project going at Barnett House? ing capacity. We anticipate relocating senior Association staff to the south The entire project is overseen by trying to encourage Answer: The renovation project end of the eighth floor, allowing for the Committee on the Renovation and kids to all vote is going well. The Alberta Teachers’ the relocation of other staff to vacant Expansion of Barnett House, which Association currently has no additional spaces on this floor, where we will also includes (among others) five members NDP in the next office space available, and most of our be consolidating our research staff, as of Provincial Executive Council, and is meeting rooms are leased to the Alberta well as staff working on professional chaired by district representative Paul provincial election. Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF) to regulatory matters. Froese. ❚ provide for its space needs. The Asso- An additional level is being added Questions for consideration in this col- ciation has signed a 10-year lease with to the Barnett House parkade, and the umn are welcome. Please address them ATRF, which currently occupies floors work there is now largely done. The to Gordon Thomas at Barnett House five and six of Seymour Tower (the tall parkade is made up of precast con- ([email protected]). - Nicola Ramsey, curriculum part of Barnett House). crete, so there’s been a steady supply review participant and social Once the renovation is complete, the of trucks carrying large concrete pieces, studies teacher space leased by ATRF will increase and a crane has lifted these pieces into As reported by the dramatically, with the organization tak- place. Upon completion, the parkade Edmonton Journal ing the new space on those floors and will be able to hold almost 500 vehicles. half of the current space on the fourth The expansion project, with PCL as floor, releasing the meeting rooms they the general contractor, is scheduled for
www.teachers.ab.ca www.facebook.com/ABteachers @albertateachers
Canadian Publication Mail Agreement No. 40065477 ISSN 0001-267X Download the app now by Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the following address: scanning the QR code or Member of Canadian Educational Press Association Editorial Office, Barnett House, 11010 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 searching “Alberta teachers” Association canadienne de la presse éducationnelle Telephone: 780-447-9400 in Edmonton;1-800-232-7208 toll free in Alberta in the App Store. The ATA News, January 16, 2018 ❚ 3 \ \ \
\ 2016/17 \ \ \ \
\ by the numbers YOUR VIEWS \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ON FACEBOOK \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ Indigenous \ \ \ \
\ We asked teachers what teaching-related \ \ \ \
\ education \ \ \
\ resolutions they’d adopted for the new year. \ \ \ \
\ consultants 1 \
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YEAR \ Shannon Rae Dube
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\ My teaching resolution for 2018 is to do 1.5 hours \ \ \ \
\ 6 \ of professional reading each week. Already on my \ \ \ \ \ \
\ list are A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of \ \ \ \ \
\ Residential Schools and The Global Fourth Way. \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
Since the fall of 2016, led by six \ \ \ \ \
\ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR \
Indigenous education consultants, \ 116Blanket Exercises \ 292 \ \
sessions presented \ \ \
the Walking Together project has \ presented \
\ Claims of support for Catholic education \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
provided resources and workshops \ \
\ ring hollow \
aimed at ensuring that teachers \ \
\ While the editor is free to ask Santa for whatever he
are ready to teach the foundational \ \
\ wishes in his stocking this year (Editorial: “My Christ- knowledge of First Nations, Métis \ \
\ mas gift list,” Dec. 5, 2017), he appears to have a simplis- \
and Inuit as outlined in Alberta TOTAL \
\ tic and superficial understanding of Catholic education. \
Education’s new draft Teaching \
\ Albertans have a constitutional right to minority \ \
Quality Standard. PARTICIPANTS \ religious schools, which in most of the province means
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10,571 \ Catholic. These were established because such parents recognized their faith to be the fundamental aspect of Notes: The Blanket Exercise is a workshop in which participants experience more than 500 years of history by taking on the their identity and, in justice, wanted their tax dollars roles of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Figures are estimates from the program’s inception through the end of October 2017. to assist in offering this formation to their children. Religious beliefs provide comprehensive under- standings of the human person and social relation- ships. In many ways these are shared by all people of Reconciliation is a process that’s impacting teachers good will; at times we find ourselves in conflict, even with those well intentioned. In the face of such disagreement there is work to How do we know the Walking To- be done to find whatever best resolution is possible. VIEWPOINTS gether project is having an impact Here Catholics look to their bishops as wise shep- on teachers’ professional learning? herds, with some of their authority delegated to our Hali Heavy Shield The answer is in the stories that are superintendents — hired by our elected officials to shared during professional learning run our schools. Expecting us to turn tail and accept Walking Together Consultant workshops and fieldwork. Teachers a less deep concern for all individuals is to betray the regularly share stories, whether reason for which our schools were founded. great or small, that tell of their ex- It is interesting that Teghtmeyer chose the meta- perience with the touchstones of phor of a barometer as something he wants Cath- his June will mark two years reconciliation: truth telling, acknowl- since the signing of the Joint olic leaders to have; after all barometers measure T We may be at different edging, restoring and relating. pressure. The whispers are becoming louder. When Commitment to Action: an agree- One example happened this past ment between Alberta Education, voices from the Association claim to support Catholic areas in our professional December, when five school boards the Alberta Teachers’ Association, education, this Catholic father and teacher suspects learning journey, but in Treaty 7 — Kainai Board of Edu- the National Centre for Truth and Inigo Montoya had it right to state, “I do not think that cation, Holy Spirit School Division, Reconciliation and other provincial what is more important is word means what you think it means.” Lethbridge School District No. 51, stakeholders with the vision of en- The Association is undermining Catholic support that we are moving in the Livingstone Range School Division suring that all students will learn for the ATA; don’t make us choose. about the histories, cultures and same direction, one that and Westwind School Division — all world views of First Nations, Métis participated in the Blanket Exercise Wayne Ottenbreit includes a path towards together. I believe this is a first in our and Inuit people. Guidance counsellor, St. Joseph and St. Michael reconciliation. province, and it shows how far we’ve This historic signing led to the schools, Calgary creation of the ATA’s Walking To- come in terms of the willingness to gether: Education for Reconciliation learn and work together. Concluding project, which is being led by six For Blackfoot people, storytelling the session, one elder expressed how has always been a powerful way of Letters to the editor: We welcome letters to the editor. Please consultants from across Alberta, all proud he was of the participants, limit your submission to 300 words. Only letters bearing a first of whom are experienced classroom passing on knowledge and cultural saying that he could never have and last name, address, and daytime telephone number will be teachers with strong knowledge and teachings. Perhaps this is why I have imagined such a session happening considered for publication. Teachers are also asked to indicate expertise in Indigenous education. gravitated towards telling personal even 10 years ago. where and what they teach. All letters are subject to editing for The Walking Together team ac- narratives throughout this work. We may be at different areas in our length, clarity, punctuation, spelling and grammar. knowledges the traditional knowl- Teachers will sometimes respond, professional learning journey, but Email managing editor Cory Hare: [email protected]. edge keepers, elders, residential “Why didn’t I know about this?” after what is more important is that we school survivors and community learning about Alberta’s history and are moving in the same direction, one leaders who have contributed to legacy of residential schools. Sharing that includes a path towards reconcil- the positive changes we are seeing my own story and listening to the iation. As I am often reminded, recon- today, and who continue to guide stories of teachers helps to connect ciliation is a process, not a destination. and inspire this work. knowing with the mind to knowing During convention season this There is a willingness from teachers with the heart. spring, the Walking Together proj- to teach First Nations, Métis and Inuit My mom attended St. Mary’s Res- ect will offer three new workshops: foundational knowledge. However, idential School, but I didn’t learn Indigenous Alberta; Indigenous at times, teachers have shared feel- about what a residential school was Ways of Knowing; and Collective ings of uncertainty for fear of “getting until I was an adult. Being a mom Memories: Braiding Our Stories it wrong” or “offending others.” myself, I now recognize the inter- Through History. Be sure to attend Those feelings are valid. The one of our workshops to engage in generational effects of the Indian Walking Together team has been dialogue and professional learning residential school system, such as working closely with teachers and for reconciliation. ❚ school jurisdictions to provide sup- loss of language and connection to Hali Heavy Shield is from the Blood port and resources toward teacher place. Establishing authentic rela- professional growth. In part, it is tionships and having honest conver- Tribe of southern Alberta and has about being open to learning Indig- sations with educators has provided been an educator with the Kainai enous history, creating a safe space me with a great sense of hope for Board of Education for 12 years. for dialogue, and dispelling myths our youth. I am confident that we She has been seconded as a Walking and stereotypes of First Nations, will continue to move forward in this Together consultant for the Treaty 7 Métis and Inuit people and their work in a good way, one that gives area and is currently a PhD student communities. voice to Indigenous people. at the University of Lethbridge.
Walking Together For more information on the Walking Together initiative, visit www.teachers.ab.ca >For Members>Professional Development>Walking Together. You can also contact [email protected]. 4 ❚ The ATA News, January 16, 2018 On principal Association has many programs for school administrators
IN FOCUS Workshops, presentations and PD opportunities Cory Hare A list of workshops and presen- ATA News Managing Editor tations currently being offered can be found on the ATA website. Click Welcome to In Focus, an ongoing series on For Members>Programs and that shines a spotlight on the operation and Services>Resources for…>School- programs of the Alberta Teachers’ Associ- Based Administrators. ation. This fourth instalment focuses on the For professional development ATA’s supports for school administrators. opportunities that may be of inter- est to administrators, click on For hen he was new to the job of school Members>Professional Develop- Wprincipal, Joe Dumont knew he ment>Conferences and Events. needed help. FILE So, like many others before him, he The Leadership Essentials for Administrators conference is one of many turned to Leadership Essentials for administrators with an in-house ad- Administrators (LEA), a two-day pro- programs and services that the Alberta Teachers’ Association provides ministrative expert who could provide fessional development event hosted by for school administrators. advice on procedural issues related to the Alberta Teachers’ Association. discipline, supervision and evaluation “It was awesome,” Dumont says now, of teachers, transfers and terminations several years later. “I left there with seminars to help administrators fulfil such as instructional leadership, ethical and help administrators resolve inter- about 16 different ideas for the school. their leadership responsibilities and leadership, effective communication, nal disputes with their school staff. improve their schools. Among the avail- the agile leader and healthy working It just really filled my toolbox.” The associate co-ordinator works out Held every fall for school adminis- able workshops are sessions focused relationships. of Barnett House in Edmonton and can trators who are in the first five years on legal issues, Indigenous knowledge, The Member Services program area be contacted there. of their leadership roles, the LEA con- establishing inclusive learning envi- also delivers a major series of work- “The goal [of the position] is to help ference is just one of many programs ronments, fostering effective relation- shops — the Teacher Growth, Super- and services that the ATA provides ships and public relations, to name just vision, Evaluation and Practice Review provide assistance to administrators, specifically for school administrators. a few examples. Workshop. This two-day event focuses but that’s not the only person that “It’s really important that those mem- A major PD offering is the five-day on the principal’s role and duties re- administrators can speak to,” says bers of the ATA get served just as well Educational Leadership Academy, a lated to teachers’ professional growth Member Services co-ordinator Robert as any of our other members and so summer program for principals, assis- and ongoing supervision, as outlined in Mazzotta. we make a really good effort to do tant principals and others in leadership the School Act and Alberta Education’s All Member Services executive staff that,” says Jeff Johnson, a staff officer positions. Sponsored by the Association Policy 2.1.5. officers, both in Barnett House and in in the Professional Development (PD) and its Council for School Leadership, Also within the Member Services the Southern Alberta Regional Office program area. the academy aims to improve the ef- program area, the Association estab- (SARO), can provide advice to individ- PD is a hub for the Association’s fectiveness of schools by enhancing lished the position of associate co-ordi- ual administrators. administrator-focused programming the professional growth of educational nator—administrator assistance several as it offers dozens of workshops and leaders. The academy focuses on topics years ago. The idea was to provide IN FOCUS continued on page 6 Cartoonists deliver timely commentary on teaching
or decades, the ATA News and ATA appeared in the magazine and news- Archives staff treasure these origi- FROM THE FMagazine have been enriched by paper, but also the artists’ hand-drawn nal drawings and often return to them the keen observations of talented car- and inked originals. Jim Simpson’s Ms. whenever we are looking to promote toon artists. In the long, storied history Magister was a staple of the ATA Mag- understanding of the issues of the ARCHIVES of politically and socially informed azine in the 1980s. Other contributions day. To choose an absolute favourite is commentary, cartoons have captured, by the likes of Chaput, Glasbergen, impossible; nevertheless, the cartoon Maggie Shane chronicled and commented on the Bacall and O’Malley encouraged us reproduced below by Chaput (first ATA Archivist events and Zeitgeist of the age. to think, smile and engage with the appearing in the ATA News on Jan. 16, The cartoonist is a provocateur, di- issues surrounding public education 1989) comes close. arist and critic in the best tradition in Alberta. Leading up to its official 100th anniver- of serving up food for thought. The sary in June 2018, the Alberta Teachers’ classroom and the teaching profession Association is celebrating its history have proved no less fertile ground for through a number of initiatives, one of astute cartoonists than politics as they which is this column. Curated by archivist draw upon a common experience. After Maggie Shane and appearing in each all, the vast majority of us have been issue of the ATA News this year, this col- students, and a lucky few have returned umn will feature significant moments and to schools as teachers. Over the years, the cartoons have been affectionate, individuals in the Association’s history, as ironic, hilarious, sardonic, savage or well as interesting artifacts and documents philosophical, but they have always from the Association’s archives. been topical and timely. Cartoonists work within a wide range of topics and within an even wider Words and pictures are latitude. Teachers’ struggles for better working conditions (and learning con- yin and yang. Married, ditions), improved wages, reasonable class sizes and unfunded pension resolutions have been the raw mate- they produce a progeny rial for the cartoonists’ art. Classroom experiences and the glorious diversity more interesting than and hilarity of the messy business of teaching have also proven to be a po- either parent. tent source of inspiration and content. — Dr. Seuss The ATA archives hold the published versions of all the cartoons that have The ATA News, January 16, 2018 ❚ 5 CTF president provides status update Mark Ramsankar shares his thoughts on public education, taking on a new role and life in the nation’s capital
Cory Hare caucus of the general senate. I talked about poverty and support for youth in general and a call for a youth ATA News Managing Editor commissioner. I’ve had an opportunity to do a very large round- table on youth employment. That was with the minis- ormer ATA president Mark Ramsankar took over ter of labour and stakeholders in youth employment, the presidency of the Canadian Teachers’ Feder- F getting the perspective of how part-time employment ation (CTF) on July 14, which meant a move to Ottawa. impacts high school students and junior high school While visiting Barnett House in December, Ramsankar students and their ability to pursue their academics. sat down with ATA News managing editor Cory Hare I did a two-day seminar on the views of the profes- to discuss his new role. sion and education as it relates to the cannabis laws. How did your transition go? As Health Canada is putting together their health awareness program … my group worked with the 10-to The physical transfer was good. I’m still in an ad- 13-year-old age group. Health Canada originally didn’t justment period to the type of work — it’s a different have that as part of their plan, so we raised that as an is- position — so that’s coming along, but I’m still coming sue and we were invited to work on it as part of the health to terms with the transition of being away from home. awareness as they work through the law coming in. It’s been a very difficult transition for my family. Another big one is representing the profession at the Let’s Talk Science Canada 2067 meeting. That was What challenges have you faced in making the CORY HARE with all the deputy ministers from across the country, switch from representing Alberta teachers to hav- CTF president Mark Ramsankar gets caught up on the ATA a very big event. ing a national mandate? News during a visit to Barnett House just before Christmas. As a provincial president you’re very much hands When you were elected as CTF president, you said on. You’re solving issues that need to be addressed one of your priorities was to improve communi- What else have you been working on since you that directly impact the classroom, so Alberta teachers cation between CTF member organizations and would see the impact of their teachers’ organization took office? between these organizations and CTF. What work in their classroom. Another example would be working on section 43 of have you done so far on this? You won’t see CTF in your classroom because the Bill 206, the “spanking law.” CTF is fundamentally op- We are trying to address the feedback loop among work that I do now is more of a global nature. We posed to corporal punishment — that’s in our own policy the provinces and the CTF in general, and I’m still work and lobby on issues that impact the classroom — but section 43 protects teachers’ rights to use physical encouraging more communication among the prov- but that are not policy driven for your classroom. For contact to ensure the safety of students. If that section inces. It’s been worthwhile to put the effort in, but example, we know the effects of poverty in Canadian gets taken out, we are lobbying to make sure that the we’re not quite where we’d like to see us — there’s still classrooms, so we’re working to get a youth commis- language that will replace it will be protecting teachers. work that we’ll continue to do. The feedback that I’ve sioner. We do advocacy work on child poverty and The copyright law is another one under review. If received from some of the presidents from around the family poverty, reminding MPs and senators about the they change away from the fair dealings portion of country has been quite positive. effects of poverty on the family structure and how it the copyright law, that will directly impact our schools. interferes with a child’s opportunity to learn. I’ve had my very first senate meeting with the open How do you see the role of CTF in public education in Canada? I think CTF has a major role to play in terms of how public education is viewed. There is a big push coming from the private sector and industry with the concept Teachers: Watch for upcoming survey of privatization of education and the push for charters. I work with the same vigour that I had as ATA pres- Responses will establish bargaining priorities; teachers urged ident in talking about the value of the profession and to update contact information online the value of public education, why it’s important that we have a strong public education system. Because our country has haves and have-nots, the more we priorities, Schilling said. He added that he’s eager ATA News Staff push for privatization and what we see coming from to receive input from all members — teachers, ad- south of the border, we see that the privatization ministrators, substitutes and central office teachers. model isn’t beneficial. Public education truly is a “A teacher is a teacher regardless of the position he Alberta Teachers’ Association is preparing foundational pillar of a strong society. Tto launch a provincewide survey of teachers to they hold, but we want to capture a broad sampling begin establishing priorities for the next round of of views and opinions so we go into bargaining central table bargaining. Sometime in late January with a comprehensive snapshot of the issues that or early February a unique link will be emailed teachers face,” Schilling said. We want to have children front to all teachers inviting them to participate in The Association has commissioned the firm and centre. We want to have the survey — but those links will be sent only to Strategic Communications (Stratcom) to produce non-employer supplied email addresses. the survey and distribute it to members. The sur- the story of Canadian classrooms vey will take 15 to 30 minutes to complete and will include questions related to teacher compensation, front and centre. We must hear from teachers benefits, leaves of absence, conditions of practice –Mark Ramsankar, CTF president about their professional conditions and other provisions contained in collective agree- of practice and matters related to ments. The survey will also ask specific questions about conditions of practice, including compen- How does CTF work on that on a national stage? their compensation, work life and sation for part-time and substitute teachers, and That’s part of my conversation in any of the forums wellness. for administrators. I [attend], with any of the MPs or the senators that The members’ only Bargainers’ Blog will also — Jason Schilling, ATA vice-president I’ve had an opportunity to talk to and lobby on the be relaunched shortly in order to keep members issues that I’ve outlined. They also get a dose of the informed of developments related to central table value of a robust, healthy public education system. “All members should update their online profile bargaining. The language that I use, quite simply, is that chil- to ensure they don’t miss this important opportu- Schilling stressed the importance of teachers dren in Canada aren’t for sale, and the public educa- nity,” said Jason Schilling, ATA vice-president and having a login for the ATA website and an up-to- tion system shouldn’t be viewed as a target for private chair of the Association’s Central Table Bargaining date contact profile. interests to simply look at making dollars from. Committee. “We will use a variety of tools to communicate with My challenge to industry at the [Let’s Talk Science] “It is our job to bring the voice of teachers to the ta- members throughout the bargaining process, so it is meeting was, are you supporting schools and the re- ble,” Schilling said. “We must hear from teachers about essential that we have the best contact information. lationship between teachers and students? Because their professional conditions of practice and matters If we don’t have your current personal email address the essence of learning is in that relationship. related to their compensation, work life and wellness.” then you won’t get the survey,” Schilling said. The other part of my conversation always addresses The bargaining committee has planned a thor- Members are urged to update their contact in- the challenge of action. What are you prepared to do? ough process of consultation with teachers in order formation before Jan. 22 by visiting profile.teachers Not what are you prepared to talk about, but what are to develop an opening position and bargaining .ab.ca. you prepared to do? What are your top priorities for 2018? Update your contact information Solidifying our action plan to push back against at profile.teachers.ab.ca the copyright law. It’s in second reading in the senate CTF PRESIDENT continued on page 7 6 ❚ The ATA News, January 16, 2018
IN FOCUS They’ll call us for advice, continued from page 4 which is, of course, what Other services for administrators Leadership Update The council is planning to pub- “They can talk to any of the executive we’re here for. Leadership Update is a news- lish a new research journal several staff or whichever duty officer is on — Robert Mazzotta, times a year. call,” Mazzotta says. letter the Association publishes Member Services co-ordinator several times a year to provide The council also hosts a re- Each year, Member Services fields nowned international conference, several hundred calls from adminis- information on current issues known as uLead, attracting 1,100 to trators. Many of these calls come from Given the last central table agree- and initiatives. It is distributed to 1,400 people from around the world administrators who are in the earlier ment, Association staff have been pro- principals via school mailing, and stages of their leadership roles, Maz- viding a lot of advice to administrators electronic versions are also avail- to Banff each year. zotta said, and more calls come from on how to implement provisions related able on the Association’s website: Library services remote areas where support networks to assigned time and instructional time, teachers.ab.ca>News and Info> Administrators are encouraged aren’t as readily available as they are says Teacher Welfare co-ordinator San- Publications>Leadership Update. to use the Association’s extensive in larger urban areas. dra Johnston. Council for School Leadership “They’ll call us because they really And with Teacher Welfare starting to professional library, which has ma- need to bounce an idea off of somebody. prepare for the next round of central One of 21 specialist councils of terials in both English and French. They’ll call us for advice, which is, of table bargaining, Johnston expects that the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Library staff will research topics, course, what we’re here for,” he says. making life better for administrators the Council for School Leadership gather information and send library will be a priority. is available to principals, assistant materials to members upon request. ‘A rough gig’ principals, central office leaders “We know that principals’ and other iTunes U In the Teacher Welfare program area, administrators’ workload has increased and teacher leaders who aspire to staff officers are on call to field teachers’ and that’s probably going to be a big leadership roles or have an interest The Association has a site on questions about collective agreements push in the next round of bargaining … in school leadership. The council Apple’s iTunes University that of- and benefits. These officers routinely getting some workload relief for those is committed to the promotion and fers free course content to teachers. field such calls from administrators, people,” Johnston says. advancement of excellent practices A variety of these courses focus on who are covered by the same collective “It’s a pretty rough gig, really, and I’m in educational leadership. school leadership. agreements that they must also imple- just thankful that such talented people ment at the direction of their employers. continue to choose to do it.”
Public service pension plans accusation that parents concerned Dec. 7 - Bob Turner (NDP— Edmon- about curriculum redesign are being ton-Whitemud) asked Minister of Trea- melodramatic. Mason answered that sury Board and Finance Joe Ceci about some of the curriculum is over 30 years the viability of public sector pension old and a more modern one will em- plans, noting that under the previous power children with the skills needed Conservative government there was a to realize their dreams. great deal of uncertainty. Ceci answered Social studies curriculum that excellent strides have been made Dec. 12 - Mark Smith (UCP—Drayton toward full funding of public sector Valley-Devon) asked Minister of Edu- pension plans at 90 per cent funded, cation David Eggen about the histor- and the local authorities pension plan is Highlights from the legislature ical knowledge and content included 94 per cent funded. As a result, the pen- in the new curriculum and expressed Fall session wraps up sion contribution rates have been reduced for both of those pension plans, which concern that the government is asking saves the government and workers money. children to become activists without Kim Dewar kindergarten. Eggen answered that the providing them with the context and the Viscount Bennett Centre ATA News Staff government has provided more than knowledge to make their own decisions. $54 million to school boards in order for Dec. 11 - Karen McPherson (AP— Eggen answered that the work right now them to reduce school fees and it is up Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill) asked Min- is foundational and the curriculum is he fall session of Alberta’s legis- to boards to disseminate kindergarten ister of Advanced Education Marlin not yet written. He added that 35,000 education. Smith added that multiple lative assembly, which officially Schmidt about the government’s an- Albertans contributed to the first round T school boards have cited Bill 1 as a began Oct. 30, wrapped up on Dec. 13. of building the curriculum, and the gov- reason that they are no longer able to nouncement that Chinook Learning Below are highlights of education and offer transportation services. Eggen Services’ operations at the Viscount ernment will continue in the spirit of labour issues raised from Dec. 4 until said that all of the reductions to school Bennett Centre in Calgary will cease “building with history, critical thinking, the end of the session. fees were “backstopped” by the govern- at the end of August 2018, and also and a respect for tradition and culture.” School construction and ment funding to school boards, and if a about the plans announced by the Education budget modernization in northeast Edmonton board is suggesting that they are short Calgary Board of Education (CBE) to Dec. 13 - Karen McPherson (AP— Dec. 4 - Heather Sweet (NDP—Ed- on those funds, they did receive money reduce its upgrading capacity by 500 from the government. Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill) asked Dep- monton-Manning) asked Minister of students. Schmidt responded that the uty Premier Sarah Hoffman about the Education David Eggen about the government has invested much more Education concerns education minister’s order to school government’s plans to build a new ele- Dec. 6 - Rod Loyola (NDP—Edmon- money in teachers, smaller class sizes mentary school in the neighbourhood and additional learning supports for districts and education organizations ton-Ellerslie) asked Minister of Ed- to reduce costs. She noted, “This is the of Pilot Sound, as well as modernizing ucation David Eggen to explain the students in Calgary. He added that the second time this week that we’re learn- existing schools to increase capacity. rationale for why the government has government has increased the funding Eggen answered that the government struck the word “specialized” from the to the CBE by more than $63 million ing about big cuts to critical programs uses lists provided by school boards to School Act in section 16.2 (the section and they are concerned with reports from the media rather than from the prioritize funding for schools and noted currently reads that a parent has the from the CBE about budget deficits. government.” Hoffman answered that that southwest Edmonton just received responsibility “to co-operate and col- McPherson noted that many teachers the government has been very focused a much-needed high school. Sweet noted laborate with school staff to support and staff are concerned about layoffs, on stopping the deep cuts that were that the government has announced a the delivery of specialized supports and reducing the number of classes will coming from the now official opposi- new school for Pilot Sound, as well as and services to the student”). Eggen likely mean an increase in the size of tion, and made sure that those funds funding for redevelopment of Ben Calf answered that removing the term will classes. Schmidt reiterated the invest- went toward school districts. McPher- Robe Catholic school. make the legislation clearer and does ments made in the CBE and noted that son added that education professionals’ not in any way reduce or alter the sup- conference, travel and professional Half-day kindergarten school ports that students receive. He added cuts to the education budget would not membership fees are on the block. transportation fees that school boards are obligated to do anybody any favours. Hoffman responded by noting that Dec. 5 - Mark Smith (UCP—Drayton respect the rights of parents when it Educational curriculum redesign Valley–Devon) asked Minister of Edu- comes to decisions around education through the ATA agreement, a Class- cation David Eggen about the impact and for programming, and that includes Dec. 11 - Leela Aheer (UCP—Ches- room Improvement Fund was created that Bill 1 (An Act to Reduce School the ability of parents to choose school termere-Rocky View) asked the gov- and that the government is deeply Fees) has had on the transportation programming that they think best en- ernment house leader Brian Mason committed to making sure Alberta has fees of school boards that offer half-day sures their child’s success. about the NDP’s byelection candidate's a very strong education system.
STORIES AND PHOTOS WANTED If something newsworthy is going on in your school, district or local, please let us know. We will also consider articles, photos and cartoons. Please email tips and submissions to managing editor Cory Hare: [email protected]. The ATA News, January 16, 2018 ❚ 7 Calgary professor wins ATA award for math research
ATA News Staff
niversity of Calgary professor Dr. Jo UTowers is the recipient of the 2017 Alberta Teachers’ Association Educa- tional Research Award. Valued at $5,000, the annual award KIM DEWAR is presented to a faculty of education member or sessional lecturer at an Melissa Purcell is the ATA's newest executive staff officer. She joined the Professional Development program area on Jan. 1. Alberta university or university col- lege who has undertaken high quality research on classroom teaching and Edmonton teacher joins learning. ATA executive staff Dr. Towers compellingly and convincingly illustrates ATA News Staff fellow teachers in the areas of First ADRIAN SHELLARD Nations, Métis and Inuit language, the importance of attending Dr. Jo Towers is the recipient of the 2017 culture and education. In addition Alberta Teachers’ Association Educational to children’s emotional and Research Award. rovincial Executive Council has to her valuable learned and lived Pappointed Melissa Purcell to the experiences, Purcell brings to the As- imaginative understanding position of executive staff officer in sociation proficiency in collaborating of mathematics. through professional forums, including the Professional Development pro- with education partners to develop a symposium series she organized at gram area. culturally responsible resources and — J-C Couture, ATA associate the U of C. Articles on her study have Purcell has experience teaching in practices. co-ordinator of research also appeared in a number of publica- Alberta band, charter and public Purcell’s appointment was effective tions, including the Canadian Journal schools. At the district level with Ed- monton Public Schools she held the Jan. 1. of Science and the Alberta Journal of positions of teacher consultant, program The Professional Development Selected by a five-member panel over Educational Research. co-ordinator and supervisor of First program area helps teachers to es- 10 other submissions, Towers’ research “Dr. Towers compellingly and con- Nations, Métis and Inuit education. tablish and maintain high standards involved the collection and analysis of vincingly illustrates the importance of A graduate of Concordia University of individual and collective practice. It “mathematical autobiographies” of K–9 attending to children’s emotional and of Edmonton, Purcell has demon- is responsible for the Teacher Qualifi- students. The objectives of the project imaginative understanding of mathe- strated commitment to supporting cations Service, teachers’ conventions included gaining a deeper understand- matics,” said Dr. J-C Couture, the ATA’s and building the capacity of her and specialist councils. ing of the experiences students have associate co-ordinator of research. when learning math, and helping teach- “Her research is not only timely, but ers understand their role in shaping generates ideas and considerations Professional Development students’ mathematical identities. genuinely oriented to helping teachers To find out more about the Association’s Professional Development program Towers has given presentations on develop a greater understanding of area visit the ATA website>For Members> Professional Development. her research at Alberta schools and their students.”
major complications across the country. go to the office. Doing the seminars and can get a phone call home or FaceTime CTF PRESIDENT Many individuals with whom we talk the roundtables, that takes me to other home. I absolutely miss the day to day about schools have no idea what the parts of Ontario … so it’s wherever the of being home with my wife and kids. I continued from page 5 structure and the complexity of the calendar takes me. do FaceTime and it’s nice because you school classroom across Canada is today. can see people when you’re talking to — it’s been there for a while — but we They really don’t know what is going on What is it like living in Ottawa? them, but it’s not the same as just sitting want to be prepared if they move on in the classroom because they still have I love Ottawa as a city. It’s a beautiful in a room and knowing that you’re there. that. that mental view of what it was like when city; the people there are great. I don’t have colleagues and friends Our advocacy work around section 43 they were in school. The classroom today I’m learning the city. I know where to and family that I can go and just see is a very big one because that directly is very different from the classrooms drive. I am officially classed as a local be- right away, so that is one of the things impacts teachers and their ability to from even five or 10 years ago. cause I actually drove to the airport to pick that I miss. work with students. That’s their legal Probably the biggest issue right now somebody up and take them to where they Are you having any trouble main- protection to do the things that they do. that we’re faced with and [one that] were going — that’s my measuring stick. taining your allegiances to Edmonton We’ll still continue to advocate for a we’re working in co-ordination with The weather patterns there are some- sports teams? youth commissioner. That way we hope the provinces and territories on is the thing I’ve never seen before. The weather to have children as part of all the policy concern over the rise in incidents of blows in and out of there like you wouldn’t None. Zero. I’m a born-and-raised conversations. Right now I hear push- violence in the workplace and in the believe. I’ve never seen wind storms and Edmonton fan. There was a time that back from senators and MPs that they classroom. It’s a very big concern. It’s rain storms that hit so hard and then are I was thinking, for an eastern team, I don’t need a youth commission because going to be about gathering the data gone. The snow fell just before I left to might cheer for the Senators as op- children belong to us all so they’re dealt and really showing what the realities of come here the last time, and it is deep posed to the Lightning — my eastern with in many different areas. To me today’s classrooms are. We have inclu- and it is wet — it’s not like the snow here. team is the Tampa Bay Lightning; that’s government-speak for they belong sion; we have oversized classes; we lack Where I’m located in the city, I’m 15 they’re the only other team that I cheer to all of us, but it’s really easy not to have the human resources to deal with some minutes from the parliament buildings, for. The only jerseys I have at home are them on the radar. of the issues that teachers face. These 15 minutes from Chinatown, 20 minutes the Eskimos, Oilers and Golden Bears, We want to have children front and are common threads across the country. from Little Italy — so I do a lot of walk- because I’m a complete homer. centre. We want to have the story of ing — but you feel safe, you feel good. Canadian classrooms front and centre. What is a typical day like for you? It’s a great city to be in and around. Editor’s note: Interview responses have The demographic changes across the There isn’t anything that’s typical. been edited for length. country have been tremendous; class Some days, they’re later mornings; What do you miss most about living sizes are huge. We’ve got provinces some days are really early. Some days I in Alberta? and territories dealing with austerity wake up and I go to the Hill and I have The hard part is going to work and budgets that are just starving the public a meeting with either a senator or an coming home to an apartment and then system for resources, and that is causing MP, then I go to the office. Other days I not speaking until the next day unless I PHOTOS SUPPLIED Michelle Jason Meagan And the winners are … LeRouge Renner Robertson Last fall, participants in an online survey related Grade 5/6, Science and Grade 1/2, to the distribution of the ATA News were entered Rundle School, Biology, Lillian Connaught into a draw for one of three gift cards valued at $100 Calgary Osborne High School, Calgary each. The winners of the gift cards are as follows: School, Edmonton 8 ❚ The ATA News, January 16, 2018 READY, SET,
Teachers’ convention season just around the corner
2018 convention themes eachers’ conventions are an an- nual winter tradition in Alberta. yy Responding to changes in the T educational landscape Attending convention gives teach- yy Teaching in inclusive classrooms ers an opportunity to hear about yy Educating for reconciliation new education research, consider innovative pedagogical practices yy Promoting holistic health and wellness and discuss issues of professional yy Embracing the importance of play concern. Conventions are a core component of teachers’ ongoing Also featuring professional development. Sessions from the Walking Together: Membership in a specialist council is another Education for Reconciliation program potentially integral component of a teacher’s yy Indigenous Ways of Knowing professional growth. Your Association has 21 yy Collective Memories: Braiding specialist councils, and every active member is Our Stories Through History entitled to join one at no cost. Specialist councils organize annual conferences, produce publica- yy Indigenous Alberta: The Footsteps tions, maintain websites and offer regional work- of Our Ancestors shops and seminars, thus providing professional development opportunities and promoting teach- ers’ expertise in curriculum and specialty areas.
While some council conferences have already taken place, a number of them are scheduled for the coming months. The ATA News, January 16, 2018 ❚ 9
Teachers' Conventions
North Central Teachers’ Convention Palliser District Teachers’ Convention Greater Edmonton Teachers’ Date: Feb. 8–9, 2018 Date: Feb. 22–23, 2018 Convention Location: Shaw Conference Centre, Westin Hotel Location: Telus Convention Centre and Hyatt Hotel, Date: March 1–2, 2018 and offsite venues, Edmonton Calgary Location: Shaw Conference Centre, Westin Hotel Contact: Pam Arnason, president Contact: Andrea Craigie, president and offsite venues, Edmonton Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Contact: Lloyd Bloomfield, president Website: www.mynctca.com Website: www.pdtca.org Email: [email protected] Website: www.getca.com Calgary City Teachers’ Convention South Western Alberta Teachers’ Date: Feb. 15–16, 2018 Convention Mighty Peace Teachers’ Convention Location: Telus Convention Centre, Hyatt Regency Date: Feb. 22–23, 2018 Date: March 8–9, 2018 Hotel and offsite venues, Calgary Location: University of Lethbridge Location: Grande Prairie Composite High School Contact: Steve Yanover, president Contact: Kim Yearous, president and Peace Wapiti Academy Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Contact: Julie Gummesen, president Website: www.cctca.com Website: www.swatca.ca Email: [email protected] Website: http://mptca.teachers.ab.ca Northeast Teachers’ Convention Southeastern Alberta Teachers’ Date: Feb. 15–16, 2018 Convention Central East Alberta Teachers’ Location: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Edmonton Date: Feb. 22–23, 2018 Convention Contact: Adrienne Sprecker, president Location: Medicine Hat College Date: March 8–9, 2018 Email: [email protected] Contact: Tim Johnson, president Location: Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton Website: http://netca.teachers.ab.ca Email: [email protected] Contact: Jim Allan, president Website: www.seatca.ca Email: [email protected] Central Alberta Teachers’ Convention Website: www.ceatca.teachers.ab.ca Date: Feb. 22–23, 2018 Location: Red Deer College Contact: David Martin, president Email: [email protected] Website: www.mycatca.com
Specialist Council Conferences
Council for School Leadership English Language Arts Council Middle Years Council Date: April 15–18, 2018 Date: May 4–5, 2018 Date: April 26–28, 2018 Location: Banff Springs Hotel, Banff Location: Banff Park Lodge Location: Banff Park Lodge, Banff Theme: uLead 2018 Theme: Making Meaning Theme: Teach Like a Pirate Contact: Jeff Johnson Contact: Tannis Niziol Contact: Tom Stones Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: ulead.ca Website: http://elacata.ca Website: www.ata-myc.com Educational Technology Council Health and Physical Education Council Date: April 5, 2018 Date: May 3–5, 2018 Location: Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton Location: Mount Royal University/Grey Eagle Theme: Shaping Our Classrooms of Tomorrow Resort, Calgary Event - Be It, See It, Print It: VR, Drones Theme: Finding Balance and 3D Technologies Contact: Sonia Sheehan Contact: Ryan Layton Phone: 403-259-3527 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: https://event-wizard.com/ Website: http://hpec.ab.ca beitseeitprintit/0/welcome
Convention Questions More Information
Visit the ATA’s website for teachers’ convention Frequently Asked For more information about specialist councils, Questions at www.teachers.ab.ca>For Members>Professional visit the ATA website at www.teachers.ab.ca Development>Teachers’ Conventions. > For Members > Professional Development > Specialist Councils. General questions regarding teachers’ conventions should be directed to administrative officer Barb Bossert. Telephone: 780-447-9461 (in Edmonton); 1-800-232-7208 (toll-free in Alberta); Email: [email protected]
Questions regarding the teachers’ convention that you attend should be directed to your convention association. 10 ❚ The ATA News, January 16, 2018 Stepping toward reconciliation ATA’s Stepping Stones series helps pave the way to reconciliation while supporting a new teaching standard
Laura Harris ATA News Staff 1 TERMINOLOGY 3 INUIT
2008, then prime minister Stephen Harper A NOTE ON TERMINOLOGY AN INTRODUCTION TO THE INUIT Planning your FIRST STEPS Planning your FIRST STEPS learning journey learning journey issued a formal apology to residential school There are many terms that are used to Inuit is the collective term for the different What are the most appropriate Who are the Inuit, and why describe First Nations, Métis and Inuit in groups of Indigenous peoples who originally In terms to use when referring to are the Inuit Land Claims inhabited the northernmost regions of Canada. At times, the variety of terms can be confusing. The use of any of these terms Canada, Alaska and Greenland. The word First Nations, Métis and Inuit? Agreements significant to all Inuit is plural and means “the people”; the has historical, legal and situational contexts singular form is Inuk. Inuvialuit means “the students and their families for the federal govern- that should be taken into consideration. Canadians? real people” and is the term for Inuit who Preferred terms, however, will continue to live in the western Canadian Arctic. The change as conventions evolve over time. singular form is Inuvialuk. Many Indigenous people prefer terms based In Canada, the Inuit and Inuvialuit live in on their specific community and traditional ment’s role in residential schools. It was a historic step four regions collectively known as Inuit names for identification, for example, Dene Nunangat, a Canadian Inuit term that or . Knowing Tha Saddle Lake Cree Nation includes the lands, waters and sea ice, all of the differences between terms and which is which are integral to the Inuit culture and appropriate for each situation is important way of life. The Inuit and Inuvialuit are both toward “forging a new relationship between Aboriginal to prevent misunderstandings. If you are distinct from other Canadian Aboriginal uncertain which term is appropriate, ask peoples. The Inuit speak Inuktitut. The ISTOCK IMAGE the local community for their preference. Inuvialuit speak Inuvialuktun.1 Inuksuk means “to act in the capacity of a human.” Traditionally, the Inuit erected inukshuit to aid them while hunting caribou, as cairns to identify the locations of stored meat caches and as navigational landmarks. peoples and other Canadians.” Since then, many in- YUET CHAN Greetings are shared at the Awasis Day celebration at Prince Charles School in Edmonton. The Awasis program teaches Cree language, cultural teachings and activities dividuals, groups and organizations have taken many to its elementary students. steps in that same direction, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association.
ELDER PROTOCOL TIMELINE OF Stepping Stones is a series of concise and fact-filled The Association is extremely proud to 7 5 INDIGENOUS HISTORY summaries that take teachers on a learning journey of First Nations, Métis and Inuit foundational knowl- be able to provide Alberta teachers with ELDER PROTOCOL A TIMELINE OF ALBERTA’S INDIGENOUS HISTORY edge. Introduced by the Association in 2017, it covers FIRST STEPS Planning your FIRST STEPS Planning your resources and workshops that give a learning journey learning journey An elder’s perspective and presence can foster What are the key historical The Teaching Quality Standard requires teachers What is the protocol to follow to develop a foundational understanding of First inclusion and promote understanding to support everything from essential terminology to key histor- when inviting an elder to participate events that have affected the Nations, Métis and Inuit, including their historical our shared journey of reconciliation. Inviting and contemporary contexts. Indigenous people have an elder to participate in your meetings or past and current First Nations, in your meetings or events? inhabited the land now known as Alberta since events is an opportunity to share Aboriginal Métis and Inuit populations time immemorial. When Europeans arrived, first knowledge, cultural beliefs and traditional living in Alberta? peoples were impacted positively and negatively practices with the education community. by the political, economic and social actions of the ical events that have affected the past and current Canadian and Indigenous governments of the time. truly authentic picture of the history, WHO IS AN ELDER? In some cases, the actions of individuals also had a significant impact. These historical events have The term elder refers to someone recognized by affected generations of people and will continue her or his community as having attained a high to affect future generations. degree of understanding of First Nations, Métis This Stepping Stone provides a brief summary of Indigenous populations living in Alberta. More than or Inuit history, spirituality, traditional language, Alberta’s Indigenous history to support the Alberta cultural teachings, ceremonies or healing Teachers’ Association / KAIROS Blanket Exercise. practices. Elders have worked and studied over a The events that occurred after Europeans arrived period of time with other elders to earn the right on Turtle Island have been documented in various to pass on this specialized knowledge and give forms and are therefore more readily accessible then an interesting read, the information in the series is culture and experiences of this province’s YUET CHAN advice on personal and community issues. Elders the precontact history of Indigenous people. This There are many ways in which an elder can participate in are highly revered and respected role models and The Alberta Teachers’ Association uses the term timeline is not a complete summary of Indigenous meetings, events or classroom learning, such as saying a mentors for all people. They embody Aboriginal Indigenous to mean the original people of the land and history in Alberta, so teachers are encouraged to prayer or offering a blessing, sharing their knowledge with culture through their words, actions and being. their descendants and is used in the Alberta context to refer to the resources listed in the Notes and to talk students, engaging in consultation, or leading a ceremony refer to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. to the Indigenous people in their communities for designed to help teachers meet new Indigenous people. or cultural activity. more information about specific events. competency requirements expected the’ ke tseteth’STEPPING STONES in Alberta’s new Teaching Quality – Greg Jeffery, ATA president Standard. “It is anticipated the new provincial Teaching Quality Standard will re- Stones steeped in history advisory committees that include representation from quire teachers to develop and apply elders and local knowledge keepers. This approach The Stepping Stones series and foundational knowledge about First ensures that Stepping Stones and the other profes- the other ATA Walking Together pro- Nations, Métis and Inuit people to sional development programs and resources devel- grams and resources are tools to help Andrea Berg, benefit students and support the teachers acquire the foundational ATA executive process of reconciliation — Stepping oped include regionally specific content for teachers. staff officer “The work our Walking Together team has produced knowledge they need to meet the Stones was developed with this re- new Teaching Quality Standard and quirement in mind,” explained Andrea Berg, the execu- is informative, insightful and fascinating,” said ATA strengthen relationships with Indig- tive staff officer who heads up the Association’s Walking president Greg Jeffery. “The Association is extremely enous students and their families. Together: Education for Reconciliation project, of which proud to be able to provide Alberta teachers with Stepping Stones is a part. resources and workshops that give a truly authentic In the hands of Alberta teachers, they are also a contin- The Walking Together team consists of six consul- picture of the history, culture and experiences of this uation of history in Canada, a few more steps towards tants, all experienced classroom teachers with strong province’s Indigenous people.” the goal of reconciliation. knowledge, experience in Indigenous education and Downloadable PDF versions of the Stepping Stones Visit www.teachers.ab.ca and go to For Members> backgrounds representing all three of Alberta’s treaty summaries are available to teachers on the ATA website. Professional Development>Walking Together to view areas and the Métis community. The team has engaged French-language versions of each summary also are and download Walking Together resources. local Indigenous communities by establishing regional available or currently in the process of being translated. ❚
Students and parents from the Saddle Lake Reserve, Alberta 2 Chief Fontaine and Prime Minister Harper Prime Minister Trudeau and Chief Bellegarde at the after apology for residential schools 3 Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly. 4 History still in the making 1883 — Federal government 1998 — Government of Canada Canada’s residential schools and their June 2016 — Alberta Education, and churches run by Christian issues Statement of Reconciliation families a formal apology for the role the National Centre for Truth and missionaries together begin operating acknowledging the abuses suffered by it played in residential schools.1 Reconciliation, the Alberta Teachers’ residential schools in Canada to residential school students.1 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Association and four other stakeholder educate and convert Indigenous youth (TRC) launched with the “intention to organizations sign a Joint Commitment 2003 — Alternative Dispute and to integrate them into Canadian be a process that would guide Canadi- to Action to ensure all K–12 teachers Resolution process established to society. Students were removed from ans through the difficult discovery of provide an out-of-court mechanism receive additional training related to their homes and parents, separated the facts behind the residential school for determining residential school First Nations, Métis and Inuit history from some of their siblings and in system,” and meant to lay the founda- student compensation and offering and culture within two to three years. some cases forbidden to speak their tion for lasting reconciliation across psychological support.1 first language even in letters home Canada.1 September 2016 — To fulfil its obligation to their parents. Many students were 2007 — Indian Residential Schools to the Joint Commitment to Action, the physically and sexually abused.1 December 2015 — Final TRC report, Settlement Agreement recognizes the Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Association establishes its Walking 1980s & 90s — Former residential school damage inflicted by the residential Future, is released, documenting the Together: Education for Reconciliation students launch legal campaigns to schools, creates a multi-billion-dollar tragic experiences of approximately project. push the government and churches fund to help former students in their 150,000 Canadian residential school to recognize the abuses of the system, recovery and establishes the Truth and students. Prime Minister Justin 1. www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca 1 and to provide some compensation.1 Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Trudeau commits to implementing all 2. Woodruff / Library and Archives Canada / 94 of the recommendations made by PA-040715 1996 — Last residential school in 2008 — Prime Minister Stephen the Commission.1 3. The Canadian Press / Fred Chartrand Canada, Gordon Residential School in Harper, on behalf of the Government 4. The Canadian Press / Adrian Wyld Punnichy, Sask., closes.1 of Canada, issues to the students of The ATA News, January 16, 2018 ❚ 11 Massaging students not New book garnering part of a teacher’s role global attention PITFALLS AND Jen Janzen edition of Education Review, produced ATA News Staff by Arizona State University. Smith not- PRECAUTIONS ed that while PISA results are complex, with the OECD itself cautioning against ATA-commissioned book that focusing on league tables, national Gaylene Schreiber An considers the merits and pit- ranking is often the main result high- falls of global education standards is Secretary to ATA Professional Conduct Committee lighted in the media. earning international accolades. Smith wrote that The Global Educa- Pitfalls and Precautions is a series with the massaging. The Global Education Race: Taking tion Race helps media consumers eval- that aims to educate teachers on pro- The committee rejected the teach- the Measures of PISA and International uate the reality of PISA, providing the fessional conduct issues by highlighting er’s position that his massaging was Testing, written by David Rutkowski, situations addressed by the ATA Profes- a matter of student safety, to protect Sam Sellar and Greg necessary insights to sional Conduct Committee. The purpose them from poor posture or diminished Thompson, was re- address key questions of the series is purely educational, so concentration resulting in reduced leased in 2017. It ex- that should be asked learning. The committee noted that in some non-essential information from the plores the Programme when any set of rules the Alberta classroom context, matters actual case may be omitted or changed. for International are presented.” of safety are generally confined to Student Assessment ATA president Greg teacher was charged with failing those that pose an immediate and sig- (PISA), which was de- nificant threat to the physical, mental Jeffery said the book to treat students with dignity and veloped by the Organ- A and emotional well-being of students. is an important step in respect after complaints were received isation for Economic The hearing committee ordered a about the teacher massaging students Co-operation and De- engaging a discussion on the back and neck. There was no letter of severe reprimand and noted velopment (OECD), as around the growing concern in these situations that there that the teacher was in a position of au- well as other interna- influence of interna- was a sexual motivation on the part of thority and that his misuse of this au- tional testing. the teacher; rather the teacher mas- thority showed a deliberate disregard tional testing. saged students to relieve pain, stress for the circumstances of his students. The book was “These endeavours or lack of concentration. “The profession expects teachers named one of the top carry a cost in both The teacher believed that students to be considerate of students’ circum- 10 books of 2017 for administrative time may be more focused and have better stances at all times. The public and teachers and school and downstream cost the profession expects that teachers posture if he briefly massaged them leaders by Schools to schools in terms of when they were in pain, or when their will maintain physical boundaries that Week, with features editor Cath Murray increased teacher workload and lost attention or posture failed. The school are appropriate to the teacher/student recommending it for the “discerning, principal directed the teacher to cease relationship,” the letter stated. data-savvy edu-nerd.” instructional time,” Jeffery said. “The the behaviour, but the teacher persist- In consideration of penalty, the com- William Smith, a senior policy ana- proliferation of ‘big data’ has shifted mittee heard that the teacher had ed in the behaviour. The teacher did lyst with UNESCO’s Global Education resources and attention away from the not obtain permission from the student faced substantial loss of reputation Monitoring Report, wrote an in-depth conversation about barriers to educa- or parents to massage students and and employment as a direct result of ❚ some students were uncomfortable these matters. ❚ review that appeared in the December tional improvement.”
Council names members to attend UN women’s conference
Jan. 1, 2018 or at a mutually agree- penalty of a letter of severe reprimand 10. Received a report of a hearing PEC POINTS able time. to address all three charges and a fine committee, which found a teacher guilty of $500, payable within 90 days of the 5. To commemorate the 100th anni- of four charges of unprofessional con- teacher’s receipt of the written decision. versary of the Alberta Teachers’ As- duct for inaccurately coding students Audrey Dutka Failure to pay within the allotted period sociation, approved the creation and for special needs funding, thus failing to would declare the teacher ineligible for, ATA News Staff installation at Barnett House of a full- maintain the honour and dignity of the or suspended from, membership in the size, four-metre bronze statue entitled profession; for inaccurately coding stu- Association until the fine is paid in full. Association administrative guidelines On Her Shoulders, costs of which are dents for special needs funding with no provide for the attendance of observers included in the project budget. 9. Received a report of a hearing com- assessments to document the students’ at selected portions of Council meetings. 6. Submitted the names of three Coun- mittee, which found a teacher guilty needs, thus failing to treat pupils with Association members who are inter- of three charges of unprofessional dignity and respect and to be consid- ested in observing selected portions of cil members as Alberta nominees to represent the Canadian Teachers’ Fed- conduct for ridiculing a student by erate of their circumstances; for failing Council meetings at their own expense making references to the student’s are advised to contact their district eration at the 62nd session of the Unit- to provide due consideration to the ed Nations Commission on the Status of penis size, thus failing to treat the health impacts that housing animals in representative. student with dignity and respect; for Women, taking place in New York City the school would have on students and making inappropriate comments to from March 12 to 16. staff, thus failing to treat students and Highlights of the Provincial students including a veiled reference staff with dignity and respect; and for Executive Council meeting 7. Approved that a meeting with to jiggling breasts, and/or questioning Catholic local presidents be convened students about dating, and/or referring bringing another adult into the school held Nov. 30–Dec. 1, 2017, at around the Local Presidents’ Meeting, to a student’s cold sore as herpes, thus for the purpose of a sexual encounter, Barnett House in Edmonton scheduled for Feb. 9 and 10. failing to treat students with dignity thus failing to maintain the honour and 8. Received a report of a hearing com- and respect and be considerate of their dignity of the profession. The commit- 1. Approved the 2018/19 program area mittee, which found a teacher guilty circumstances and failing to maintain tee imposed the penalty of a letter of budget recommendations and referred of three charges of unprofessional the honour and dignity of the profes- severe reprimand to address charges them to Finance Committee for costing. conduct for posting or liking images sion; and for criticizing the teacher’s one to four inclusively, a declaration 2. Eliminated the process of Finance on the teacher’s Facebook page that principal by posting comments on Face- that the teacher is permanently ineligi- Committee reviewing the program area depicted sex paraphernalia, that had book, in which the teacher referred to ble for membership in the Association budget recommendations for consis- a statement of what someone could do the principal in a derogatory way, thus and a recommendation to the minister tency with the strategic plan, as this has with their opinion and that depicted the failing to maintain the honour and dig- of education to cancel the teacher’s already been completed by the program teacher’s employer’s logo on the same nity of the profession. The committee teaching certificate. area budget subcommittees. page, thereby failing to act in a way that imposed the penalty of letters of severe maintained the honour and dignity of reprimand for all three charges and, for 11. Named field members to fill va- 3. Amended an administrative guide- the profession; and for, on two occa- charge one, a declaration of ineligibility cancies on the Curriculum Committee, line to clearly define the difference sions, showing two female students an for membership in the Association for Substitute Teachers Committee and between a building addition and a image on the teacher’s cellphone where a period of one year and a recommen- Edmonton Area Field Experiences building improvement. it appeared the teacher was kissing dation to the minister of education Committee. 4. Named Melissa Purcell, a supervisor the left breast of a woman depicted that the teacher’s teaching certificate of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Edu- on a poster, thereby failing to treat the be suspended for a period of one year. 12. Amended the frames of reference cation with Edmonton Public Schools, pupils with dignity and respect and to The committee directed that all three of the Committee on ATA 100th Anni- to the position of executive staff officer, be considerate of their circumstances. severe reprimands be incorporated into versary Planning and the Calgary Area Professional Development, effective The hearing committee imposed a one letter. Field Experiences Committee. ❚ 12 ❚ The ATA News, January 16, 2018
Get 2Know Teacher Growth, Educational resources for teachers Supervision, Evaluation Feature topic: New Special Edition — and Practice Review Trauma Awareness Workshop for Administrators 2Learn.ca’s newest special edition, launched in December 2017, is Trau- January 25–26, 2018 Short-Term ma Awareness: Resources for Teachers . This curated collection of resources Exchanges was created in response to school To register and for more information go to and classroom needs and has re- https://event-wizard.com/events/TGSE0118/. for Educators and Deadline for registration is January 19, 2018. ceived excellent feedback. In addition Administrators to resources to help educators understand trauma and its effect on children, the special edition includes AUSTRALIA • multimedia and research, GERMANY • guides related to recognizing and supporting students’ experience with trauma, and SPAIN • information about trauma-informed practice. Host a teacher or school leader from Australia, Trauma Awareness: Resources for Teachers can be found at Spain or Germany for two http://www.2learn.ca/specialedition/trauma. weeks and give them a glimpse of our education system. Then your guest Alberta Advisory Committee Apply now becomes your host – travel to your guest’s for Educational Studies for an ATA Fellowship or Scholarship country for a bird’s-eye Descriptive or Experimental Studies view of their system. APPLICATION FOR GRANTS Applications are now being accepted for the following: Exchange dates and Deadline: May 11, 2018, 4:30 p.m. ATA Doctoral Fellowships in Education duration vary by country. Applications will be accepted by email; however, they Please visit www.ieep.ca. must be received as a single attachment to the email. • Two awards of $15,000 • For members entering or in first year of a doctoral program The Alberta Advisory Committee for Educational Studies (AACES) in education Contact [email protected] invites applications for grants to support descriptive or experimental or 780-392-6901. studies in education. Nadene M Thomas Graduate Research Bursary Grants in excess of $6,000 are awarded only rarely because of • One award of $5,000 limited available resources. Grants cannot be given for travel • For a member enrolled in a graduate program in education unrelated to the proposed research project. • A research focus on teacher health issues and/or teachers’ Applications at Note: The application to the Ethics Review Committee must be working conditions www.ieep.ca initiated and a copy of the submission to that committee must be John Mazurek Memorial—Morgex Insurance Scholarship included with the proposal. • One award of $2,500 Online applications and the guidelines for grant applications are • For members who pursue relevant professional development available at www.teachers.ab.ca>For Members>Professional Development>Resources. For more information and to apply Application forms may be emailed to [email protected] • Visit www.teachers.ab.ca>For Members> Grants, OR submitted to Awards and Scholarships Secretary, Alberta Advisory Committee for Educational Studies • Contact Barb Bossert, [email protected], c/o The Alberta Teachers’ Association 780-447-9461 (Edmonton area) or toll free 1-800-232-7208 3016 5 Avenue NE Suite 100, Calgary, AB T2A 6K4 Telephone 403-265-2672 or 1-800-332-1280 Application deadline Completed applications received by May 11, 2018, will be considered Wednesday, February 28, 2018
at the spring meeting of AACES. IEEP-T-26 PD-3-9
SHOOT US A SHOT! Have an educa- tion-related photo you want to share? Send it in! If we use it as the main photo on our front page, we’ll send you $50! Email managing editor Cory Hare at [email protected]. The ATA News, January 16, 2018 ❚ 13
Learn from the past. Inspire the future 14 ❚ The ATA News, January 16, 2018
Autos for sale NOTICES CLASSIFIEDS 2015 Volvo S60 T6 AND EVENTS Goods and Services RETIREMENT CONSULTANTS NEEDED Features: Loaded with leather, Feeling overwhelmed? heated seats, back-up camera, Calgary’s Sherwood Community Call stress coach Teresa Dawn, RHC, blind spot info system. Winter School celebrates 60th anniversary for your free phone consultation. The Alberta Teachers’ Association Retirement Consultant (RC) tires with rims included. (780) 907-6549; www.purpledoor Corps exists to provide retirement and pension information A celebration of Calgary's Sherwood Colour: Black sapphire Community School’s 60th anniversary health.ca. to members and assist members in preparing for retire- Engine: 3.0L V6 (gasoline) ment. RCs are active teachers who provide this volunteer is scheduled for May 25 and 26th. Travel and Recreation Transmission: 6-speed automatic For more information, contact service to members in their geographic area as required. Asia: Land of Amazing Contrasts! Kilometres: 118,069 Roy at sherwoodreunion60@ No specific pension background or knowledge is required. Touring in Asia will amaze you! This is a sealed bid auction, gmail.com or 403-217-3900. Experience cultural adventure by Applicants to the provincial RC corps should have so please mail your bid letter joining us either on a tour to China, in a sealed envelope marked • a valid Alberta teaching certificate (or equivalent) July 8–22, $3249, or Vietnam/ “Car Bid – Volvo S6,” attention To Advertise Cambodia, July 31–August 14, • five years’ teaching experience, Tracy Pohl, Accountant, Alberta For advertising information, $3949. Includes hotels, most meals, Teachers’ Association, 11010 • strong communication skills and contact the advertising transport, guides and admissions to 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta • relevant skills and capacity to travel and work evenings manager: sites. This is amazing value for your T5N 2R1. Bids will be accepted and weekends. 780-447-9417 direct money. References and payment until 5 p.m., February 16, 2017. plan available. For itinerary contact Demonstrated commitment to the Association (or another 1-800-232-7208 toll free email: [email protected]. [email protected] teachers’ organization) is considered an asset. 2015 Jeep Cherokee 587-436-2968. 4WD Limited Next Deadline Selected applicants will Friday, Jan 19, 2018, 4 p.m. Disclaimer The Alberta Teachers’ Association Features: 4 door, leather seats, (publication date Jan 30, 2018) • serve an initial three-year term to a maximum of heated steering wheel, back- does not necessarily endorse the products or three consecutive terms (up to nine years) up camera, parking sensors. Please note: advertisers are services presented in paid advertisements or in the Notices and Events column. • receive training via seminars at the Association Winter tires with rims included. encouraged to book their Summer Conference (in August) during the New windshield Aug 2017. advertisement space early— first three years of the appointment and Colour: Navy blue space is limited. HOTEL RATES Engine: 3.2L – V6 Cost • attend two Saturday training sessions during the A directory of special rates at some school year (one in the fall and one in the spring). Transmission: Automatic Classified ads: $1 per word plus Kilometres: 125,325 of Alberta’s hotels is available GST ($15 minimum); Display online or in hard copy. ads: varies according to size TO APPLY This is a sealed bid auction, so Available online at www.teachers Teachers interested in applying should a submit letter of please mail your bid letter in a Payment .ab.ca under Publications. application to Chris M Gibbon, Executive Staff Officer, sealed envelope marked “Car Prepayment is required. We Hard copy available from Teacher Welfare via email [email protected] or mail to 11010 Bid – Jeep,” attention Tracy accept VISA, Mastercard, cash Doreen Link at SARO— 142 Street NW, Edmonton T5N 2R1. Letters should Pohl, Accountant, Alberta or cheque. 403-265-2672 in Calgary or highlight reasons for applying and any relevant skills. Teachers’ Association, 11010 Circulation: 44,000 toll free at 1-800-332-1280. 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
Deadline for application is March 9, 2018. 2018 TW-141 T5N 2R1. Bids will be accepted until 5 p.m., February 16, 2017. Attention, teachers | ATA News advertisements of institution programs For more information, contact Tracy Pohl at tracy.pohl@ata Advertising by institutions offering educational programs is accepted by the .ab.ca or by telephone: 780- ATA News on a commercial basis. There is no guarantee these institutions 447-9482 or 1-800-232-7208 fulfill the requirements for consideration as a recognized institution for salary (toll free) ext. 482. The Alberta grid purposes. SKETCHNOTING WORKSHOP Teachers’ Association reserves the Teachers considering enrolling in educational programs for purposes of right to refuse the highest bid if increasing salary levels should consult the Teacher Salary Qualifications with Sylvia Duckworth it is deemed to be inadequate. Board Principles or inquire directly to the Teacher Qualifications Service regarding the acceptability of the program. Sketchnotes are visual notes that incorporate words, lines, shapes, colour and simple drawings. They tap into the needs of today’s visual learners and provide a powerful way to connect ideas to thinking. In this workshop you will discover how learners of all ages can learn Sign up for email to receive Members’ Updates: http://bit.ly/1uJm122. to take meaningful notes using analogue and digital drawings as a way to visualize their learning and creatively organize and document their thinking, reading and listening. Sylvia will share a range of tools, techniques and ideas to equip you to learn the fundamental skills needed for bringing sketchnoting to life in your classroom. Saturday, March 3, 2018 Southern Alberta Regional Office (SARO) 100, 3016 5 Avenue NE, Calgary Free to ATA members (Lunch provided) Register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/9BXLZF5. (Space is limited to the first 30 registrants.) For more information, contact Nancy Luyckfassel at [email protected].
Guangzhou
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For more information or to make an initial application, please contact Order or view online today! www.cisgz.com Ms. Lorianne Tenove, Head of School, [email protected] albertamilk.com Ms. Lucy Bertrand, HR Manager, [email protected] The ATA News, January 16, 2018 ❚ 15
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TALEEND January 16, 2018 Volume 52, Number 9
2 018 This... PHOTO CONTEST from ATA President Greg Jeffery Cash prizes available!
elcome back and happy new year, Alberta teachers! It’s a new year with a lot of new Five things on my mind Wthings on the horizon in education — a new Teaching Quality Standard, new provincial curricu- ATA teachers’ conventions lum, a new round of central table bargaining — oh, I need to start packing. The season begins and This. with the first of 10 teachers’ conventions held One of my resolutions in 2018 is to connect more 1 Feb. 8 and 9. Check the ATA website for your regularly with you, our ATA members. And I’m convention dates and location. hopeful my new column, This, will help achieve that. Thanks to the managing editor and editor-in-chief of Budget 2018 the ATA News, I get to use This to share with you some The provincial budget and education funding of the things that are on my mind. In future editions, are still TBA, but until Feb. 2 teachers and other I will talk about issues like the ones I have already 2 Albertans can give input. See the ATA home- mentioned — bargaining, curriculum, the teaching page for the story and budget survey link. quality standard, etc. Add to that list the provincial Central table bargaining budget, as it too will impact the teaching profession The current agreement between the ATA and and we as teachers. the Teacher Employers Bargaining Association The ATA News invites Mental health, technology, human rights and pover- 3 expires Aug. 31, 2018. Check the Collective Bar- you to get your camera ty are all issues that can affect teaching and learning, gaining Updates link on the ATA homepage for so my views on those topics and others may show up the latest information. out and start shooting in this space as well. If an issue is relevant to teaching or learning, I will talk about it. K–4 curriculum those award-winning But it won’t be all business. No, no. As per the provincial government’s announce- photographs. I may reflect on my favourite memories as a teach- ment in June 2016, new curriculum is to be de- er, vent about the weather, wish you a happy World 4 veloped for kindergarten to Grade 4 by late 2018. 1st place: $200 Teachers’ Day, or even muse about the performance of my BC Lions or Vancouver Canucks (sorry, you can New Teaching Quality Standard 2nd place: $100 take the boy out of B.C. …). As you may know, a new Teaching Quality I may also want some inspiration. So, if you see me Standard is in the works. To stay updated, read 3rd place: $50 out and about (I will be attending and presenting at 5 the ATA News, watch the ATA website or follow all 10 ATA teachers’ conventions next month) say hello us on Facebook or Twitter. Email photos to [email protected]. and share your ideas for This. ❚ Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on May 15, 2018. Contest rules are available online I welcome your comments — contact me at [email protected]. at www.teachers.ab.ca.