Teacher Workload 3 on Summer Conference Initial Report Released the Provincial Framework Agreement (PFA) Between Teachers and the Alberta Government Is in Effect

ATA News revamp: 48-year-old publication gets a nip and tuck—Editorial, page 2. ATANEWS WELCOME August 27, 2013 Volume 48, Number 1 News Publication of The Alberta Teachers’ Association BACK

Students ready to hit the books Librarian Pauline Zapisocky at St. Catherine School, in Edmonton, signed out textbooks to Grade 9 students on the first day of school on August 12. St. Catherine School is one of three schools in the Edmonton Catholic Schools district that offer the year- round schooling calendar. Students returned to school in mid-August but will enjoy a two-week fall break in October and a two-week spring break in March. About 100 schools in Canada follow the year-round schooling calendar. The calendar provides more continuous learning for students, particularly in reading and math, than the traditional calendar. YUET CHAN Your views . . . Teacher workload 3 On summer conference Initial report released The provincial framework agreement (PFA) between teachers and the Alberta government is in effect. Key components of the PFA were designed to relieve workload concerns that inhibit teachers’ core work with students. A preliminary review of Alberta Education–initiated tasks was conducted and a report sent to the Alberta Teachers’ Associa- tion on June 28. See WorKLOAD on page 4

Teachers Albertans don’t support Workload issues are very real, 5 privatizing public education Q&A, page 2 In the recent Alberta budget, millions of dollars were devoted to funding private ATA Gold Medals in Education, education, even though there appears page 4 to be very little public support for this. The Sheldon Chumir Foundation asked Albertans about their vision of public Important EI news, page 5 education in recent consultations in nearly a dozen communities. ATA News through the years,

See VIEWPOINTS on page 3 page 6

Teachers.ab.ca—What’s online? • School Board Budget Tracker Alberta cut $14.5 million from school board budgets, even as 11,000 new students are expected to enter the system—our online tracker shows projected funding cuts and increases in enrolment. • Beginning Teacher Resources Getting Started: A Checklist for Beginning Teachers • Diversity—Making It Work Register for the 2013 Substitute Teachers’ Conference, Publication Mail Agreement #40065477 October 18(eve)–19, Calgary The ATA News, August 27, 2013 ❚ 3 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. ATANEWS Editor-in-Chief: Jonathan Teghtmeyer Copy Editors: ATA Editorial Staff Albertans don’t Managing Editor: Raymond Gariépy Advertising Manager: Janet Halberg August 27, 2013 Volume 48, Number 1 Designer: Yuet Chan Business Manager: Kim Dewar support privatizing A new year and a fresh start public education

Newspaper readership and literacy are important Research suggests that media choices vieWpoints EDITORIAL are driven more by content or readers’ interests than by format. Given this, Kelly Ernst Jonathan Teghtmeyer foundations of a healthy society and they nurture people who are interested in specific content will look for it in all media. social engagement, such as active citizenship and voter The interests of the ATA and the The following op-ed was published in April by the Sheldon Chumir Foundation for teaching profession are best served Ethics in Leadership. Minor changes have been made to spelling and punctuation by engaging members in a variety of in accordance with ATA style. elcome back to a new school year participation. Showing leadership on reading in all its forms media—electronic and print. Over the Wand a refreshed ATA News. past few years, the ATA has improved the recent Alberta budget, millions of dollars were devoted to funding Just as many teachers are likely to must be part of our role as teachers. its web presence by introducing Twit- Inprivate education, even though there appears to be very little public sup- do over the summer, we’ve reflected ter, Facebook and YouTube pages. This port for this. The Sheldon Chumir Foundation asked Albertans about their vision on our practice, which has resulted in a fall, we’ll introduce a Pinterest page of public education in recent consultations in nearly a dozen communities. A new approach to communicating news about teachers and more. is declining, though, I believe it’s and push notifications on our iPhone majority of Albertans surveyed said that they did not support spending public Improving Communications application. It stands to reason, there- to members. As editor-in-chief, I’ve heard from important for teachers to express dollars on private education. Why does the provincial government continue to The first issue of the ATA News was published in February 1967. Featured here teachers who say it’s time to cease concern for a diminution of printed fore, that the ATA will continue to This issue of the ATA News has a transfer public dollars to private education without a clear mandate to do so? is an excerpt from the inaugural editorial by Tom McConaghy, ATA News editor. printing a newspaper. Some teach- resources, especially in light of sta- improve its print publications as well. new look and layout, as well as a re- According to Alberta Education’s funding manuals, base funding for private vised approach to content. Much like ers echoed a similar sentiment in our tistics from literacy organizations Redesigning the ATA News ensures education is up to 70 per cent of public funding per student. The 2013 Alberta his is the first issue in our new look for ATA publications. The purpose of this the mission statement put forth in ATA News reader survey conducted that indicate a general decline in the that the print version remains as rel- budget allocated $206 million toward private education, a 5.1 per cent increase Tpublication is to bring to our members a news medium noted for its brevity 1967 by editor Tom McConaghy in the in advance of the redesign. No doubt population’s literacy skills. Newspaper evant, interesting and user-friendly and readability. … from the previous year. Budget projections show that the allotment for private inaugural issue of the ATA News, we’re many members remember the infa- readership and literacy are important as possible for our readers. We’ll If this tabloid is to be a success then we must have your cooperation. Since we education will increase by 16 per cent over the next 3 years to $226 million. focusing on creating “a news medium mous debate regarding the future of foundations of a healthy society and continue to focus on readability and plan to highlight activities of teachers, Association news, and educational news The rationale offered for increasing support for private education is to keep noted for its brevity and readability” the ATA News during the 2008 Annual they nurture social engagement, such visual appeal. And, as always, we’re in general, we will need a great deal of copy and photographs (black and white up with a 5 per cent enrolment increase from last year. This is misleading. The (see “Improving Communications,” Representative Assembly. Since then, as active citizenship and voter partici- interested in hearing from you. glossies or negatives). If you are doing something in the classroom that would page 3). the Association and I personally have pation. Showing leadership on reading Thanks for reading. ❚ total private student population has only increased 4 per cent from 2003. Private be of interest to other teachers, tell us about it. The front page has a redesigned undertaken research into our mem- in all its forms must be part of our role enrolment isn’t soaring: there is simply a greater proportion of private students Please send us your reactions (good or bad) to this first issue. We will then be banner, features more graphic ele- bers’ media habits. as teachers. I welcome your comments—contact now receiving public funding—from 72.6 per cent in 2003 to 96.7 per cent today. in a better position to plan the next two issues which will be published before ments and introduces teasers linked The ATA News survey we conducted Although newspaper readership me at [email protected]. The public system—comprising all Catholic separate and public school divi- the end of June. to content inside the newspaper. We earlier this year found strong support may be declining, it’s unlikely to die sions—experienced an annual enrolment increase of more than 2.7 per cent last Write your letter today! ❚ hope you’ll like the two-page editorial for maintaining the print edition: 85 completely. People are not disposing year. Yet the funding increase to the public system was not proportional at 0.76 spread (pages 2 and 3) and our re- per cent of respondents said they carte blanche of certain media formats per cent in the coming year and just over 6 per cent in three years. vamped back-page feature. Of course, read all or most of each issue of the in favour of others; instead, they are Is the disproportionate increase in public dollars for private education National averages of we’ll maintain your favourite pieces— ATA News. diversifying. People consume media in justifiable? Q&A, labour news, Moot Points, news Even if print newspaper readership a variety of formats, including print. Does the provincial government even have a mandate to support the already back-to-school spending generous funding of private education in Alberta? If not, then public dollars should not be funding private education. Even if there is broad public support for more publicly funded private education, to what degree should public dollars $428 fund private interests? From Fort McMurray to Lethbridge and points in between, more than 500 Workload issues are very real Albertans gave the same message: government funding should go to public $362 education systems, full stop. We have had a good start on the C2 Committee initiative, There was very little support for allocating public dollars to funding private Q & A interests. In related questions, 99.5 per cent of respondents stated that the Al- berta government should be funding public education, whereas only one in 10 Gordon Thomas and provincially convened meetings have been jointly A newspaper is suggested that the government should have any role in funding private interests. Even among the minority of individuals surveyed who had themselves attended “ private schools, nearly two-thirds stated that private schools should not receive presented with representatives of the Alberta School Boards not just for any public dollars. Only 25 per cent of those who received private schooling Question: I am underwhelmed by Association, the College of Alberta School Superintendents agreed that public dollars should fund any private education, and only 5 per cent the provincial government’s response reporting the news agreed with providing full per-student public funding to private schools. related to Alberta Education–initiated There is a serious disconnect between public views concerning the funding of 2012 2013 tasks or initiatives that can be elimi- and Alberta Education. as it is, but to public education and what is actually allocated in the Alberta budget. nated or modified to reduce teacher Focus group and survey respondents were unwavering about not wanting to see On average, Alberta parents will spend $431 per child (above the national average) on workload. A review is under way of make people mad our successful public education system weakened by devoting public resources school supplies, clothing and technogy as their children head back to class in 2013. school-jurisdiction-initiated tasks or Alberta School Boards Association, been established for this study. The to private schools. initiatives through the C2 committees. the College of Alberta School Super- Alberta Teachers’ Association’s rep- Albertans surveyed clearly described the consequences of further changes to Source: BMO back to school survey, conducted by Pollara Workload issues are very real and they intendents and Alberta Education. The resentatives are S. L. Vogrinetz and enough to create an education system focused on increasing privatization and hyper-choice. S. L. Marcellus. A request for proposal are not going away. Will anything posi- imposed settlement includes provi- Parents shared many stories about how dividing our school systems into an in- is being developed to complete a pro- tive happen on workload issues? sions for teachers to respond where do something creasing number of private and alternative schools fragments neighbourhoods there is no report produced through cess to identify a researcher. This is and subdivides our society into polarized units. also an important initiative, and the Answer: While I certainly agree this process, or where the board’s re- These divisions were seen as negative because they threaten the overall qual- Your Views sponse to the report does not address initial steps taken are very much on about it. ity of children’s education, erode a sense of community and divide children into that the initial report relating to the track. We will continue to focus on the issues identified, including refer- economic classes. Those who can afford the extra tuition opt out of the public Here’s what teachers on Twitter had to say about this year’s Summer Conference, elimination or modification of Alberta workload issues. ❚ Education–initiated tasks or initiatives ral of the matter to the Exceptions system, yet take funding resources with them when they go. Respondents also held in Banff, August 12–16. is underwhelming, it is the start of Committee. The C2 Committee initia- Questions for consideration in this saw expansion of private education as a threat to the public system because it a continuing commitment to review tive is important; local committees will column are welcome. Please address is administratively burdensome and expensive to maintain multiple systems. Hayley Christen @hchristen: Specialist Council conference directors and presi- workload. We will be following up have to work hard to meet the initial them to Gordon Thomas at Barnett Parents stated that they want meaningful involvement in their children’s edu- dents r learning & networking at #atasc. Have u signed up for a specialist council House ([email protected]). cation. Those we met who were more involved were also more passionate about closely with the government. October 31 deadline. —Mark Twain yet? We have had a good start on the C2 It should also be noted that the their local education system. Parents suggested the province should concentrate ” Jason Schilling @schill_dawg: Teachers are natural advocates because, as teach- Committee initiative, and provincially imposed settlement includes provi- on fostering more passionate involvement in the public system rather than fur- convened meetings have been jointly sion for a provincial workload study. ther privatizing education. ers, if we don’t voice our concerns for education, then who will? #atasc #abed presented with representatives of the A provincial advisory committee has Albertans consulted clearly stated that the province needs to get back to ba- Cherra-Lynne Olthof @cherraolthof: 27% of teachers in #abed feel there are sics in public education. Albertans’ ideas were to refocus education efforts on significant blocks to being able to teach the way they aspire to teach. #atasc strengthening our public system with a community-minded emphasis. Frag- mentation of education, rationalized as providing choice, was generally rejected Kimberley Yearous @kimyearous: @albertateachers Thanks for the activities, www.teachers.ab.ca (www.facebook.com/ABteachers) (@albertateachers) as expensive, administratively burdensome and divisive of our communities. ❚ the swag, and another great Summer Conference! Alison Mesheau @magicpixie: Big thanks to @albertateachers for the amazing Kelly Ernst is senior program director with the Calgary-based Sheldon Chumir Download the app now by opportunity to learn and connect this week at Banff Summer Conference #atasc Canadian Publication Mail Agreement No. 40065477 ISSN 0001-267X scanning the QR code or Foundation for Ethics in Leadership. The Foundation will release a report on public Member of Canadian Educational Press Association Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the following address: searching “Alberta teachers” in education in Alberta in fall 2013. For more information, visit www.chumirethics- Tom Stones @kirbdad: Great week of learning and meeting people Association canadienne de la presse éducationnelle Editorial Office, Barnett House, 11010-142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 the App Store. foundation.ca. @albertateachers summer conference #atasc 4 ❚ The ATA News, August 27, 2013 The ATA News, August 27, 2013 ❚ 5 Important Step taken to reduce teacher Teacher workload Graduates hit gold Employment Initial report released Gold medal winners announced Insurance News workload

ATA Staff “Alberta Education is The ATA Gold Medals in Education recognize the outstanding achievements Teachers advised to keep improve teacher efficacy. The com- to the initial report, due October 31, C2 Committees mittee shall be comprised of repre- 2013. demonstrating a commitment of students graduating from Alberta’s faculties of education. an accurate weekly record sentatives of the School Jurisdiction Over the next two months, com- he provincial framework agree- mittees will collect data to determine ment (PFA) between teachers and of hours worked named by the School Jurisdiction, T to look seriously at the under way what steps should be taken to improve the Alberta government is in effect. teachers named by the Association Rachelle Anne Williams teachers’ ability to meet students’ Key components of the PFA were uring a teacher’s career, there are Bargaining Unit and a facilitator issue of teacher workload. needs. The commitment to undertake designed to relieve workload concerns is this year’s recipient of the M. E. certain times when the support Sharon Vogrinetz provided by Alberta Education. The D such an initiative starts from the top: that inhibit teachers’ core work with LaZerte Gold Medal in Education, of the Employment Insurance (EI) School Jurisdiction and Association But I believe this report just ATA Assistant Executive Secretary “[Alberta Education] wants to ensure students. A preliminary internal review University of Alberta. Williams gradu- program is available. Benefits may be Bargaining Unit shall jointly deter- teachers have the time to focus on that of Alberta Education–initiated tasks ated from the BPE and BEd combined available during a maternity or pa- mine the size and composition of the scratches the surface.” transformation and on their students,” was conducted and a report sent to degrees program in 2013. She coaches rental leave, when sick leave has been ver the past few years, teachers committee such that it reflects the and “is committed to ongoing analysis the Alberta Teachers’ Association on —ATA President Mark Ramsankar track and field and plays competitive exhausted, for a period when compas- have expressed concerns about diversity of teaching circumstances O in order to further reduce or eliminate June 28. fastball, including two years on the sionate care is being provided or when conditions of professional practice and across the jurisdiction. unnecessary tasks” and “to find ways of The three-page report includes sug- be eliminated or modified to reduce University of Alberta women’s fastball employment with a school board is no how these conditions affect their ability C2 committees should be the stew- freeing up time for teachers to imple- gestions for workload reduction related teacher workload.” It also says the team. Williams currently supervises longer available. Qualification for EI to enhance student learning. ards of collaborative and positive ment the vision of Inspiring Education” to individualized program plans, the “Government will do ongoing analysis a bike camp for children and is look- benefits is based in part on obtaining One approach mandated by the changes within each school jurisdic- (Alberta Education Internal Review, inclusive education planning tool, with a commitment to further reduce ing forward to teaching in the school sufficient insurable hours of work. provincial framework agreement to tion; education stakeholders should June 28, 2013). School jurisdictions are curriculum density, applications for unnecessary tasks” and that changes to system in the near future. When a teacher ceases to work or address teacher workload is the C2 use this unique opportunity to improve expected to make the same assessment program unit funding and accommo- initiatives will be made in consultation goes on certain types of leave, employ- Committee (C2 stands for section C2 teachers’ conditions of professional of district-initiated tasks. dations for students writing diploma with the ATA. ers produce a Record of Employment of the agreement). The committees will practice and, by doing so, improve (ROE) that the teacher uses for filing exams. The complete report can be The internal government review will provide a forum to discuss these con- learning conditions for students in an EI claim. The number of hours re- accessed on the ATA’s website at www. “identify the time required by teach- cerns. The 2013–16 provincial frame- Alberta. In the meantime, ported by the school board on the ROE teachers.ab.ca ers to undertake existing and any new Valérie Blanchet work agreement states: Each local has identified a C2 Com- what can you do? “Alberta Education is demonstrating tasks initiated by Alberta Education.” varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. is this year’s recipient of La Médaille Within each school jurisdiction a mittee key leader for each bargain- Your local may seek your input on a commitment to look seriously at the Ramsankar said that the quantifica- Since teacher work extends beyond d’Or Marie-Louise Brugeyroux, Cam- joint committee will be established ing unit. Key leaders met with their various issues. Please take time to issue of teacher workload,” said ATA tion of time requirements placed on regular school hours, the ROE may pus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta. and maintained for at least the corresponding board leaders, super- respond thoughtfully. While this is yet President Mark Ramsankar. “Some teachers was an important selling not reflect the actual amount of time Blanchet was born and raised in Saint- duration of this Framework Agree- intendents and local presidents at a more work at a busy time of the year, good commitments are included in point to obtain teacher approval for the worked. Many professional respon- Apollinaire, Quebec. In 2009, she was ment to design, direct and conduct provincial meeting in June. Alberta it is important to ensure the best pos- this review, and we should see some agreement. He said he will be looking sibilities can be accomplished only accepted into the general sciences internal reviews to determine what Education has named a facilitator for sible outcome, which may have a major improvements,” he said. “But I believe for that evaluation in future reports after school, during evenings or on program at Campus Saint-Jean and jurisdiction-initiated tasks or poli- each jurisdiction. C2 key leaders at- effect on your future work. ❚ this report just scratches the surface. coming from this review. weekends. transferred to the Faculty of Education cies can be eliminated or modified tended the ATA’s Summer Conference I expect that government officials will The ATA president also said that im- Typically, substitute teachers, part- the following year, majoring in sci- to reduce teacher workload and to review what needs to be done prior dig deeper in the coming months to plementing this report on its own won’t time teachers and teachers who work ences and minoring in social studies. further reduce unnecessary tasks.” satisfy teachers’ expectations for how only a portion of a full year are most In 2013, she completed her BEd with The PFA (Part C, Section 1) says the PFA will improve teacher workload. vulnerable to denial of a claim due to distinction. the “Government will commence an “I’m looking forward to the follow-up insufficient hours. internal review to determine what report and the more extensive analysis Valérie Blanchet a reçu cette année The Alberta Teachers’ Association Teachers who marched to their own drum Alberta Education–initiated tasks can promised for it,” said Ramsankar. ❚ la Médaille d’or Marie-Louise Brugey- has assisted teachers in making suc- roux. Originaire de Saint-Apollinaire cessful EI claim appeals relating to a au Québec, elle est arrivée à Edmon- shortage of hours. Teachers whose ap- beat inspired music star Corb Lund ton en 2009 pour effectuer des études peals succeeded had kept accurate and ATA welcomes Monique Gravel en sciences au Campus Saint-Jean detailed records of additional hours Jacqueline Louie de l’Université de l’Alberta. Accep- they spent outside their normally scheduled instructional hours and onique Gravel is the latest addition to the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s tée l’année suivante au programme were able to prove that they qualified executive staff. d’éducation du Campus, elle a obtenu anadian music star Corb Lund M avec distinction en 2013 son bacca- for benefits. Provincial Executive Council appointed Gravel to the position of executive staff has always followed his own path lauréat en éducation avec majeure en If you are a teacher working as a C officer, Professional Development (PD)/Teacher Welfare (TW) in June. Bringing and tried to be as unique as he pos- sciences et mineure en études sociales. substitute, part-time or less than a full sibly could. For that he credits his with her superior leadership and communication skills, she officially joined staff school year, you are advised to keep a on August 1. English teachers at W R Myers High record of any time worked so that if you School, in Taber. Lund describes Laurie Gravel, formerly a guidance counsellor with Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord, is Allan Broughton ever file for EI and are denied benefits, Chomany, his Grades 8 and 9 English bilingual and has extensive experience in PD and TW areas. Her involvement is this year’s recipient of the Clarence you will be able to provide evidence of teacher, and Charles Hart, his Grades with the ATA includes nine years as an economic consultant and service as a PD Sansom Gold Medal in Education, work you have done. 10 and 11 English teacher, as people facilitator. She also served as an ATA representative for the Canadian Teachers’ University of Calgary. During the past Keep an ongoing record of hours who followed their own path. “They Federation, on behalf of Canada’s francophone teachers. summer, Broughton was employed by and days worked. Keep a daily plan- encouraged unique expression in their In addition to teaching, counselling and ATA involvement, Gravel has demon- the Foothills School Division as a guest ner and a copy of your school calendar students, mostly by example. They strated leadership skills in the field of athletics, coaching soccer, volleyball and teacher of math in the summer school and timetable. Note when you arrive walked to their own drumbeat,” says track at the school and community levels. program. Before teaching, Broughton at work and when you leave. Record Lund, 44, an international touring and While completing her graduate studies, Gravel worked as a wellness program served in the Canadian military, where all hours worked, including prepa- recording artist with Corb Lund and manager with Alberta Education in its French Language Services branch and he saw every province and territory ration time before and after school, the Hurtin’ Albertans. “They were in- supervision and extracurricular time was a practicum associate with Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta. She in Canada. He believes the military is terested in what they were teaching. after school and time spent marking earned her MEd, BEd and BA degrees at the U of A. ❚ where he gained valuable leadership They were both dynamic teachers who skills. assignments at home. Where possible, brought literature alive for me. They have your log book hours signed by made it fun.” a principal or other supervisor who Born and raised in Taber, in southern can certify these are hours you spent Alberta, Lund describes himself as “a job. I think it’s important to just jump 1–12 in a one-room school in Rosemary, working. This log book record can be total nerd in high school. I wasn’t into in, take your lumps and risk looking and his grandmother Ivins taught on extremely helpful if an appeal to a what most kids were into at the time. foolish. I always tell people to just go a Hutterite colony near Cardston and denied EI claim is warranted. There are always kids on the fringes, and do their own thing. It’s much more on a southern Alberta Blackfoot First For more information, visit Service and I was one of those kids. I was into satisfying, and it usually works out.” Nation. “My grandmother Ivins was Joanne Collier Canada or ATA websites or contact the unusual things like old-fashioned mu- Lund studied history and anthropol- really committed to phonics, which ATA’s Teacher Welfare program area at sic—not the popular music of the day. ogy at the University of Lethbridge is one method of teaching reading is this year’s recipient of the William 780-447-9400 (Edmonton area) or toll At the time I felt like an outsider, so the for two years then moved to Edmon- comprehension. She had me studying Aberhart Gold Medal in Education, ❚ free at 1‑800‑232-7208. encouragement those teachers gave me ton, where he studied music at Grant phonics before I went into Grade 1,” University of Lethbridge. Collier com- in my writing and self-expression was MacEwan Community College (now Lund says. “If I have any kind of facility pleted her after-degree program in really valuable.” MacEwan University) and anthropol- with language, I credit my grandmas.” 2012 with a BEd, majoring in music Discipline Notice Today, a self-described subversive ogy with a history minor at the Univer- And he credits his grandfathers, who education. Throughout her profession- country songwriter and singer/per- sity of Alberta. He’s just three classes were ranchers and cowboys, for intro- al internships, she exhibited passion On May 27, 2013, a hearing com- former, Lund calls his music “more in- short of his degree, but he notes, “My ducing him to western cowboy songs, about music education, was an excel- mittee of the Professional Conduct dividualistic music that doesn’t follow mom is the only one who cares.” Lund ballads and oral history. lent student and was regarded as an Committee, established under the trends very closely.” jokes that his third album, Five Dollar Lund is touring in Australia, Eng- excellent teacher. Teaching Profession Act, found that Tse Ming Lim engaged in un- It’s an approach that has worked well Bill, which went gold in Canada, was land, the US and Canada through to professional conduct. The hearing for him. “It was scary at the beginning, his doctoral thesis. November. He has also been doing a lot committee declared Lim ineligible but I wanted to do it, so I did it,” he Education has always been impor- of flood relief concert work in southern for membership in the Alberta recalls. “When you undertake a jour- tant in Lund’s family. Both of his grand- Alberta. ❚ Teachers’ Association. ney on an uncommon career path, it’s mothers were teachers in rural Alberta. Monique Gravel, ATA executive staff officer, Professional Development (PD)/Teacher Welfare (TW) always scarier than getting a regular His grandmother Lund taught Grades 6 ❚ The ATA News, August 27, 2013 The ATA News, August 27, 2013 ❚ 7 The Alberta Legislature ATA News through the years WELCOMES YOU BACK FOR ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR!

Educational programs, activities and resources available:

• Legislative Assembly page program • Online educational resources • FREE guided school tours • Professional development for teachers • Mock Legislature activity • Observation of MLAs in session • MLA For a Day high school program • School at the Legislature for Grade 6

c a b . . w w y . a etails Late w . a s s e m b l more d ation for 1960s See Visitor Inform

10820 - 98 Aveue Edmonton, AB T5K 2N6 Early 780.427.7362 [email protected] 1970s Leadership Development Program Cognitive Coaching Foundations Series and Cognitive Coaching Advanced Seminar

This leadership development program, sponsored by the Alberta Teachers’ Association, provides participants with the knowledge and skills essential for a positive professional coaching relationship. Cognitive coaching is a process that supports people in becoming self-directed with the cognitive capacity for developing excellence both independently and as members of Early a community. The Cognitive Coaching Series and the Advanced Seminar are registered programs of the Centre for Cognitive Coaching, in Denver, Colorado, cofounded by Art Costa and Bob Garmston. 1980s Cognitive Coaching Foundations Series This workshop series is open to all teachers and school and system administrators interested in peer Late coaching, mentorship, curriculum leadership, teacher supervision and school/system leadership 1970s development. Participants will receive a certificate on completion of this five-workshop series. Schedule: Participants are required to attend all 6 workshops below. Each session consists of Friday evening (7:00–9:30 P.M.) and Saturday full day (8:30 A.M–3:30 P.M.)

2013 October 25–26 December 13–14 2014 January 10–11 February 7–8 March 7–8 April 11–12

Location: Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Airport 1990s Cost: $500 plus GST for ATA members; $1000 plus GST for nonmembers Cognitive Coaching Advanced Seminar These workshops are for participants who have completed the Cognitive Coaching Foundations Series who want to continue their learning. The Advanced Seminar provides the opportunity to enrich and extend foundational skills and increase understanding of effective coaching processes and applications in a variety of settings. Schedule: Participants are required to attend both workshops below. Each session takes place on Friday evening (7:00–9:30 P. M .) and all day Saturday (8:30 A.M.–3:30 P.M.).

November 1–2, 2013 January 17–18, 2014

Location: Barnett House, 11010 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta Cost: $250 plus GST for ATA members; $500 plus GST for nonmembers Facilitator John Clarke is a registered training associate and board member of the Centre for Cognitive Coaching. John is a Attention teachers former Alberta teacher, counsellor and school principal. In addition to providing Cognitive Coaching programs, The ATA News advertisements of institution programs he works with schools and school jurisdictions across the province and internationally to promote the development of excellent teaching practice, positive school culture, student self-esteem and change management. Advertising by institutions offering educational programs is accepted by the ATA News on a commercial basis. There is no guarantee these institutions fulfill the 2000s requirements for consideration as a recognized institution for salary grid purposes. Registration deadline is October 4, 2013 Late Teachers considering enrolling in educational programs for purposes of increasing salary levels should consult the Teacher Salary Qualifications Board Principles or Registration cost includes workshop materials and meals (breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks). inquire directly to the Teacher Qualifications Service regarding the acceptability of Register at www.teachers.ab.ca. For more information, please e-mail [email protected]. 1980s the program. 8 ❚ The ATA News, August 27, 2013 The ATA News, August 27, 2013 ❚ 9 Join the conversation on Alberta’s

social policy Have a LOOK at our Summer Conference NEW Website...are you lberta Education is seeking public input into a social policy registered for My ? discussion entitled Together We Raise Tomorrow. The goal Pension A September 26 (eve) –28 of the provincewide conversation with education stakeholders Fantasyland Hotel, Family Fun Fair and the public is to plan strategies to improve the education, West Edmonton Mall, safety and well-being of all Alberta children. Some initiatives Edmonton Personal Interviews for Members include developing a children’s charter, a poverty-reduction strategy, an Alberta approach to early childhood development, beginning teachers October 3 (eve) –5 Fall 2013 – Register Online and a continuation and an exploration of the vision identified in Westin Hotel, Alberta’s Social Policy Framework. All Albertans are encouraged Conference 2013 Calgary to take the survey, read the blog, edit the wiki or join a conversa- ATRF staff will be conducting personal Counselling Sessions at the following tion in their community. Join the conversation by visiting http:// locations this fall: socialpolicy.alberta.ca. Register online at www.teachers.ab.ca Registration Registration Location Dates Opens Closes

Calgary North Oct 15 to 18 September 9 October 4

Calgary South Oct 22 to 24 September 9 October 9

Lethbridge Oct 28 & 29 September 9 October 16

Medicine Hat Oct 30 & 31 September 9 October 16 November 18–19, 2013 Red Deer Nov 4 & 5 September 9 October 23 Hyatt Regency, Calgary Grande Prairie Nov 14 & 15 September 9 October 30 Open to administrators who are in the first two years of their Calgary North Jan 20 to 24 September 9 January 8 appointment or administrators new to the province of Alberta. Photos by KIM DEWAR There is no registration fee. Space is limited; apply early. Online registration is available at www.teachers.ab.ca. Grant-in-aid for Association members is available To reserve a 30 minute interview with a Pension Counsellor, go to our website at (as per Association guidelines). www.atrf.com and go into the Teachers section. Click on Meet with Us, click on Register for a Pension Interview and then select the location and time of your Children enjoy a mini-rubber- For further information, please contact Karin Champion at Barnett choice. If the location you selected is fully booked, you can always call the ATRF House at 780-447-9435 (local calls) or 1-800-232-7208 (toll free in office to speak with a Pension Counsellor. ducky race and face-painting Alberta) or visit the ATA’s website at www.teachers.ab.ca. during the Family Fun Fair held at the ATA’s Summer Conference, Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund Board Telephone: 780-451-4166, 1-800-661-9582, Fax: 780-452-3547 in Banff. This year’s conference, Email: [email protected] which ran from August 12–16, was attended by 430 teachers and focused on the theme of advocacy. Teachers participated in a variety of workshops and InIn 2013-14,2013-14, AlbertaAlberta DistanceDistance LearningLearning Centre’s listened to guest speakers. SolutionsSolutions forfor SchoolsSchools willwill provideprovide individualized learning experiencesexperiences for more for thanover 100,000 Alberta students.

WeWe couldn’tcouldn’t ThankThank youyou toto ourour AlbertaAlberta schoolsschools and school division partnerspartners forfor choosingchoosing ADLC to meet the diverse dodo itit withoutwithout needs of your students. AlbertaAlberta DistanceDistance LearningLearning Centre’sCentre’s ATA certified staff and PLAYWORKS INK 2013 supportsupport teamteam provides:provides September 27 - 30 | Banff, AB you. Grades 1-12 teacher support and mentorship you. Grades 1–12 teacher support and mentorship FlexibleFlexible programming programming for for Grade Grade 1–12 1-12 students STAGING ALBERTA’S AccessAccess toto newnew technologytechnology in classrooms across Alberta LANDSCAPE AND Print,Print, online,online andand blendedblended learning opportunities Twenty-third Annual CHARACTERS Access 21st century education opportunities for Alberta Advanced Placement Conference Access 21st-century education opportunities for A Theatre Conference with your students now! Workshops for Novices and Saturday, September 21, 2013 Professionals Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton Contact: 1-800-667-4548 ContactContact AlbertaAlberta DistanceDistance Learning Centre Today Study With Instructors www.ap.ca Leah Cherniak, Chris Craddock, George Ewonus, Canadian Director or Prairie Dog, Grass, Lake Louise and Winter Robert O’Hara, Sharon Pollock, Donna Chanasyk at [email protected] by Jason Carter - www.jasoncarter.ca Toll Free: 1-866-774-5333 Kelly Robinson, and Donna Sharpe All New Sessions: Toll Free: 1-866-774-5333 Studio Art, Biology (new), Chemistry (new), European History, [email protected]@adlc.ca French Language, Physics, English Literature (new teachers), With Special Guest English Literature (experienced teachers), Mathematics–Calculus www.adlc.ca Oscar-Winner Christopher Plummer Half Day Sessions: Morning: Administrator Panel–AP Cambridge Diploma Afternoon: AP Redesign, AP Coordinator Update

Pre-AP Vertical Team Conference for Grades 6–12 Friday, September 20, 2013 Check out distance learning tips For more information: & more on our YouTube page theatrealberta.com All Day Sessions: @ADLC_Home and more on our YouTube page Administration, English, French, Mathematics, @ADLC_Home www.youtube.com/ADLCHome 1.888.422.8160 www.youtube.com/ADLCHome Science, Social Studies, Studio Art 10 ❚ The ATA News, August 27, 2013 The ATA News, August 27, 2013 ❚ 11 Notices and events John Dunn - Alberta School Tour - Fall 2013

Send information about upcoming events to Raymond Gariepy (e-mail: [email protected]). Inspiring, informative and visually stunning presentations Get your wheels turning: sexual orientation” and allows parents Bike for Wildlife to opt their children out of those based on John’s epic skiing, kayaking and hiking lessons without academic penalty. The Sign up your school to participate foundation is looking for objective, expeditions across Canada’s arctic islands in the CWF Bike For Wildlife. From demonstrable evidence of any effects August 14–October 29, Angella of this legislation for Alberta parents, Goran, Canadian Wildlife Federation’s teachers and students. Participation is 1-3: “In my teaching career, I have only once or Athletic Ambassador, will cycle confidential—names of participants across Canada from Victoria, British will not be used in any reports or twice been so delighted with a presentation in my Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. discussions. The information will be school.” Karen Norton, Jessie Duncan, Penhold, AB Follow Goran’s cross-Canada ride compiled by researchers and may be and how you and your students can used to write a report and to inform 6-12: "... an exceptional speaker ... breath-taking protect Canada’s wildlife. Goran will policy recommendations to various be in Alberta from September 3–9. levels of government. There is no photography”. Ken Sampson, St. Maryʼs, Taber, AB For information, visit www.cwf-fcf.org. compensation for participating. For information, contact Josh Nobleman. K-9 "A masterful ability to manage and engage our Need help with your Telephone: 403-244-6666; e-mail: audience from K to 9.” David Walters, Enchant, AB explore professional growth plan? [email protected]. In Alberta, every teacher employed by a school system must develop Resource promotes safe and 8-12: “You have opened the gate to the road less share and implement an annual plan for caring discussions travelled. We would love to have you back. Bravo” professional growth that outlines The PRISM Toolkit for Safe and Caring Dan Kenkel, Valemount, BC the PD activities the teacher intends Discussions About Sexual and Gender inspire to undertake in that year. The Minorities helps teachers promote 5-6: “Feedback was great! Grade 5 & 6 teachers requirements for an annual teacher safe and supportive classroom were very pleased : it Þt right into the curriculum!Ó professional growth plan are outlined discussions about sexual minorities in the Teacher Growth, Supervision and gender variance. PRISM is an Keith Schantz, Barrhead, AB and Evaluation Policy of Alberta acronym for “Professionals Respecting Education. The ATA has developed and supporting Individual Sexual K-6: “John went the extra mile to make his talk self-paced online tutorials to help Minorities.” The PRISM toolkit provides pertinent to the work our school is doing on the Inuit” teachers with their plans. Visit the opportunities for teachers to explore Ralph Sorochan, Win Ferguson School, AB ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) sexual orientation and gender and click on For Members and variance. For information and access then on Professional Development to resources, visit the ATA website and Professional Growth Plans. (www.teachers.ab.ca) and under For more information about TPGP, For Members, click on Professional or supervision and evaluation, contact Development and then on Diversity, [email protected] jdunn.ca arcticlight.com Association PD staff at 780-447-9400 Equity and Human Rights. (in Edmonton) or 1-800-232-7208 (elsewhere in Alberta). Alberta sports history goes online Sheldon Chumir Foundation Visit the online Alberta Sports History ® seeks input on Section 11.1 Library (ASHL) to learn about the The Sheldon Chumir Foundation history of sports in Alberta. The history Treat it Right! for Ethics in Leadership is seeking project is ongoing, not all sports participants for interviews about played in Alberta are featured at this Treat it Right!® is a series of teachers’ guides Section 11.1 of the Alberta Human time. Visit the ASHL website at Rights Act. The section requires www.ashfm.ca/absportslibrary. designed to provide Edmonton teachers with schools to give advance notice to Contributors and writers are parents concerning lessons dealing welcome—contact [email protected] lessons, readings, and activities that link the with “religion, human sexuality and for information. storm and wastewater systems to the science curriculum.

Classifieds The program includes:

Travel and Recreation Goods and Services Treat it Right!® Wastewater (Grade 4) Palm Springs Vacation! Golf. Tan. Attention Social Studies Teachers: (English and French) Hike. Swim. Shop. Play. ATA member New teaching unit “Dimensions of ® discounts! Visit War and Peace” created for Project Treat it Right! Storm Water (Grade 5) www.luxurypalmspringsvilla.com. Ploughshares Edmonton by the John (English and French) Beautifully appointed Maui & Kauai Humphrey Centre for professionals condos on or across from the beach! and interested Alberta teachers to Treat it Right!® Wastewater (Grade 8) Condos starting from $96 per assist youth in developing a culture of night—now to November 21, 2013 peace. Designed in five units to meet Treat it Right!® Storm Water (Grade 8) and December 3 to December 20, teachers’ time constraints. Free DVD. 2013. Teachers must book direct– www.ploughsharesedmonton.org. Treat it Right!® Puppet Show (Grades 2 and 4) promo code ATA20. Book online Were you stuck teaching art? Check available dates at: www.crhmaui.com/teacher or call Check out www.susancartercomic 866-606-9964. .com for help! Some free ideas. www.treatitrightpuppetshow.ca Great Opportunity! Home-based Contact: Joel Kafka at 780-450-9173 award-winning tutoring agency is [email protected] To Advertise awarding franchises in Calgary and For Advertising Information Edmonton. www.schooliseasy.com Treat it Right!® Wetland Field Trip (Grade 5) 1‑877‑ITS-EASY. Janet Halberg, Contact: Lynne Holzman at Advertising Manager School Tattoos! Temporary tattoos printed with your school’s art. 1000 1-780-447-9433 direct 780-966-9581 tattoos $129, free graphic service 1-800-232-7208 toll free [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] and free tattoo proof. Website: www.schooltattoos.ca; e-mail: Next Deadline [email protected] or call For more information, contact: August 30, 2013, 4 p.m. 613-567-2636. Janice Dewar at 780-442-4364 (publication date September 10, 2013) Please Note: Advertisers are [email protected] encouraged to book their HOTEL RATES advertisement space early—space is www.edmonton.ca/drainage/education limited. A directory of special rates at the larger Alberta hotels is available Cost from Doreen Link at SARO— Classified ads: $1.00 per word plus GST ($15.00 minimum) 403-265-2672 in Calgary or Display ads: Varies according to size toll free at 1-800-332-1280. Payment Pre-payment is required. We accept Disclaimer The Alberta Teachers’ Association does VISA, Mastercard, cash or cheque. not necessarily endorse the products or services presented in paid advertisements or in the Notices Circulation: 44,000 and Events column.

SG_miATAnewsletter_HA_cmyk_Aug2013.indd 1 2013-08-19 11:05 AM TALAugust 27, 2013EVolumeEN 48, Number 1 D

A compendium of news from the world of education

students with the word “Namaste” and Raymond Gariépy Enrique Peña Nieto’s plans to evalu- GSA. Schools with established anti- teaching yoga poses representing dei- ate teachers and fire those who don’t homophobia policies “create a very pass. Many teachers in Mexico are ties was proof that a religion was be- different environment for all students,” unqualified. Before legislation was ing taught. In the 2012/13 school year, commented Elizabeth Saewyc, the It’s never too late… introduced, teachers could buy or sell the school eliminated Sanskrit and study’s senior author and a professor their positions. Despite spending more Namaste, and renamed the poses with One of the world’s of nursing at UBC. However, the study on education than any other member kid-friendly names (the lotus pose was most famous music also discovered that GSAs did not of the 34-nation Organisation for Eco- rechristened “crisscross apple sauce”). performers admits have a significant effect on the drink- nomic Co-operation and Development Nevertheless, Candy Gunther Brown, that being a rock sing- ing habits of gay and bisexual boys. a professor of religious studies who er can be “intellectu- to which it belongs, Mexico has some of Saewyc said this fact could be tied to testified on behalf of the plaintiffs, ally undemanding.” the lowest educational outcomes and society’s ideals on masculinity. “Gener- said yoga indoctrinates Hindu religious In a June 28 interview only 47 per cent of children graduate. ally speaking, boys are less likely to get practices whether the person knows it with BBC Radio 4’s involved in support-type groups than or not. Judge Meyer dismissed Brown’s Today program, Mick girls are.” Yoga is a gateway drug opinion that yoga changes the practi- Wikimedia Commons Jagger, 70, frontman tioner’s brain and thoughts, and acts as for the Rolling Stones, said he had to the occult a “gateway drug to the occult.” … and milk is a once considered becoming a teacher. A judge in California rejected claims “A schoolteacher would have been very that teaching yoga as part of a pub- gateway drug, too gratifying, I’m sure,” mused Jagger. lic school’s physical fitness program Famous sweater retired Milk has always been considered promotes a religion and is therefore Dale Irby, part of a wholesome school lunch, until Spelling errors are unconstitutional. On July 1, Judge John a physical now. A vegan and physician group in Meyer found that the Encinitas Uni- education the United States wants to rid schools unfourgivable fied School District, near San Diego, teacher in of milk because it is “high in sugar, high It was only after 235 million elemen- had developed its Dallas, Tex- in fat and high in animal protein that tary textbooks were printed that more own non-religious as, not only is harmful to, rather than protective of, than 100 errors, ranging from misspell- version of yoga. retired in bone health.” Birmingham observer ings to errors of grammar to punctua- However, Dean June 2013 tion and geographical mistakes, were Broyles, the law- after teaching for 40 years, he retired Back to school with the detected. Despite the mistakes, Emilio yer representing the brown sweater vest and polyester Chuayffet, Mexico’s education secretary, parents Stephen shirt that he’d worn every year for the Walking Dead official school photograph. It all started authorized distribution of the textbooks and Jennifer Sed- Zombies are teaching students about to ensure that his country’s 26 million lock, who oppose the school teaching when Irby first began teaching. For two the spread of disease. The STEM pro- schoolchildren would have resources yoga to their children, disagreed with years running, he’d worn the same shirt gram, which features units on forensics, when classes started. Chuayffet called the judge’s assessment. Broyles ar- and vest for the school photo. Irby’s zombies and superheroes, is designed the errors “unforgivable” and imme- gued that yoga is a religion and does wife, also a teacher, dared him to wear to spark students’ interest in math and diately blamed the country’s previous not belong in public schools, adding: the outfit the following year. “After five science by tapping into the popularity administration. The textbook scandal “There is a consistent anti-Christian pictures it was like, ‘Why stop?’” Irby of zombie pandemics. Texas Instru- is only one of many education-related bias in these cases and a pro-Eastern said. ments and the U.S. National Academy incidents plaguing the Mexican gov- or strange religion bias.” The Sedlocks of Sciences created the STEM (science, ernment. Teachers took to the streets claimed that displaying a poster with Alliances deter binge technology, en- during the summer to protest President Sanskrit characters, greeting yoga gineering and drinking math) Behind Gay–straight alliances (GSAs) in Hollywood high schools have positive effects on program, in which students learn how Luke comes home from his first day of school, and his students’ drinking habits, a recent a zombie disease would attack humans, mother asks, “What did you learn today?” study found. The results of the B.C. calculate the rate of the spread of the study, published in the journal Preven- disease and assess how to control it “Not enough,” Luke replies. “They said I have to go tive Medicine, indicated that straight as they work on creating a vaccine. back tomorrow.” students, and girls who identified as The program can be downloaded for lesbian or bisexual, were less likely free (http://education.ti.com/en/us/ —Submitted by Luke C., Somers, N.Y. to binge drink if their schools had a stem-hollywood).

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE 2013 Volunteer for Project Overseas in the summer of 2014 The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) is seeking English- and French-speaking Canadian teachers at the primary, elementary and secondary levels who are interested in volunteering in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Teachers give their time –19, 2013 (eve) and talent to offer professional development inservice programs in partnership with teacher organizations in developing countries. October 18 For more information and to apply, visit the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) under About the ATA/Programs and Services/International Assistance. Contact Karin Champion if you have a specific question. 1-800-232-7208 (ext. 435) e-mail: [email protected] Application deadline: November 1, 2013. October 18 (eve)–19, 2013 Deerfoot Inn & Casino Project Overseas 11500 35 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta Teachers Reaching Teachers