FROM THE ARCHIVES Indigenous role model recognized as one of Will the real Bruno Gerussi please Canada’s best. stand up? See story on page 4. See story on page 8.

Learn from the past. Inspire the future.

October 24, 2017 Volume 52, Number 5 News Publication of The Teachers’ Association

Project Overseas makes a difference Alberta teachers share their experiences with international co-operation. See pages 6 and 7.

SUPPLIED Explaining the teacher discipline process. See infographic on page 3, feature story on page 5.

INVESTIGATIONS HEARINGS SUSPENSIONS & EXPULSIONS

Social Engineering 101 Teachers sprint their way We can’t ignore our colonial past. to classroom solutions Read Jonathan Teghtmeyer’s ATA program experiencing editorial on page 2. exponential growth. See story on page 4. Income taxed Financial resources are at the Local agreements root of food insecurity. delivering improvements Read Viewpoints on page 3. Mediation expected in some locals as bargaining continues.

Publication Mail Agreement #40065477 See story on 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 Acting Advertising and Business Manager: Renee Hughes | [email protected] | 780-447-9417 October 24, 2017 Volume 52, Number 5 Designers: Erin Solano and Kim vanderHelm Copy Editors: ATA Editorial Staff Let’s not throw a blanket over our colonial past

only recently — at the Calgary Begin- EDITORIAL ning Teachers’ Conference — had the opportunity to participate. Wow! The awareness will begin with our profession as we work Jonathan Teghtmeyer While I have come to learn of many ATA News Editor-in-Chief of the injustices put upon our Indig- to inform and educate children about this history, but I enous peoples through 500 years of colonization, I had never had a full ap- am also hopeful that the education and awareness can preciation for the accumulative weight he white European man walked up of these actions until participating in extend to the generations of adult Canadians who will Tto me and told me that since I had this great experiential learning activity. gained a university education, I would And yet, at the same time, there was not get them through schools. be enfranchised. a great deal of new learning too. “Now step off your blanket,” he said. The calls to action of the Truth and In the Kairos blanket exercise, an ar- Reconciliation Commission (TRC) are ray of blankets spread across the floor spurring a national awakening to the Unfortunately, despite the recom- of common knowledge and skills, but are used to signify the land of Turtle troubling residential school experience mendations of the TRC, there is still it is also sharing the values that are Island (aka North America). Partici- and that is spurring the spread of this some resistance to the history of col- common to the society. pants, taking on roles as Indigenous important learning through programs onization being included in new cur- I will not apologize for thinking that persons, walk their way through 500 like our Walking Together project. But riculum. Some — including a few very those values should include respect for years of history. As blankets are folded there is still much work to do. influential people — believe that ed- diversity and support for an inclusive up and participants separated from Unfortunately, as I read social me- ucation about colonization is a sign of and cohesive society, and that they each other, this signifies the removal of dia commentary on news stories or problematic “social engineering” being should be informed by an understand- land and the placement of Indigenous listen to talk radio call-in shows, it is embedded into the curriculum by the ing of how Canada’s colonial past has peoples on scattered, segregated and absolutely clear that Canada’s roots of NDP government. worked against the same values. suppressed reserves. racism against Indigenous people are It’s ridiculous. You know what If this is social engineering, so be it. Under the federal government’s en- dug in deep. As Canadians, we all have was social engineering? Residential franchisement policy, all First Nations a journey of reconciliation to complete schools. You know what else was social On a side note, I am very sad- people who became teachers, doctors, and I, like most other white Canadians, engineering? A system designed to dened by the recent passing of lawyers or soldiers were rewarded with am still ashamedly working through keep young Albertans, like me, from one of my favourite musicians, the full colonial citizenship. some deeply engrained stereotypes. learning about residential schools. I Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie. His It sure didn’t feel like a reward. But education and learning are an didn’t really know about them until I songs taught us about important Rather, I was being kicked off the last important part of that. was well into my 20s — and already moments in Canadian history and little bit of land that I had left and sep- The awareness will begin with our practising as a teacher. geography. I am grateful that he arated from my people who remained profession as we work to inform and Nevertheless, this causes me to shared his music with us and also on the blanket. I was enfranchised, but educate children about this history, but reflect. Some of my colleagues in the grateful that he chose to use his in the process, I was being stripped of I am also hopeful that the education Professional Development program spotlight to shine some light on my legal Indian status and much of my and awareness can extend to the gen- area point out to me that education issues facing Canada’s Indigenous identity as an aboriginal person. erations of adult Canadians who will is social engineering. Curriculum is people. ❚ The Kairos blanket exercise is a not get them through schools. I wish social engineering. profound and moving experience. I had every Canadian could experience the Through public education, society I welcome your comments — contact heard many great things about it, but blanket exercise. is instilling into its young people a set me at [email protected].

‘Pedagogical supervisor’ a position that raises questions

things by your principal or by others who teacher’s professional practice, this Q & A serve as an agent of the board. position does not really line up with That said, it is highly doubtful that a the support requests made by teach- And there it was. Gordon Thomas lawful order can compromise your stat- ers. We hear calls for more support for ATA Executive Secretary utory obligations to teach competently inclusion, for complex classrooms and Boom. and to follow the program of studies. for reduced class sizes. Establishing You are responsible for meeting the a pedagogical supervisor to engage Big place for room requirements of the Teaching Quality in surveillance and provide feedback Standard and you must adhere to the wouldn’t be anywhere near the top of I’m to be visited by a for improvement Question: Code of Professional Conduct. a teacher’s support wish list. “pedagogical supervisor” from central A pedagogical supervisor cannot I would encourage you to advise your of basic skills. office who is going to tell me how to replace the principal, whose responsi- pedagogical supervisor of the supports teach. Do I have to put up with this? bilities with respect to teachers are also that you require to improve your ability I’ve taught for 20 years and I know what established in the School Act. I have no- to meet your professional obligations I’m doing. ticed a significant increase in positions as a teacher. Those would be the most Answer: Let’s start at the beginning. like this one in the past two years. constructive conversations to have. If If the goal of the pedagogical super- You hold a certificate of qualification to your pedagogical supervisor seeks to Education Minister David visor is to provide surveillance of the teach in Alberta, and that means that direct your professional practice, you Eggen reacting to news teacher to central office, it is a waste you must adhere to section 18 of the should contact Barnett House or the that about one-third of of money and serves to undermine the Southern Alberta Regional Office and School Act, which sets out your statutory Grade 6 students failed the role of the teacher and the principal. ask to speak to a Member Services ex- duties as a teacher. They include teaching no-calculator portion of the If the goal is to direct the teacher’s ecutive staff officer. ❚ competently and following the program professional practice, that may cross 2016–17 PAT math exam of studies approved by the minister of into the teacher’s statutory duties. A Questions for consideration in this col- that he introduced last year. education. You are also an employee of teacher’s instructional duties are not umn are welcome. Please address them As reported by Postmedia. a school board and you can be directed to be handed off to a pedagogical su- to Gordon Thomas at Barnett House lawfully, as an employee, to do certain pervisor. If the goal is to support the ([email protected]).

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: Member of Canadian Educational Press Association scanning the QR code or Editorial Office, Barnett House, 11010 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 Association canadienne de la presse éducationnelle searching “Alberta teachers” Telephone: 780-447-9400 in Edmonton;1-800-232-7208 toll free in Alberta in the App Store. The ATA News, October 24, 2017 ❚ 3

A Decade of Discipline: 2007–2016 YOUR VIEWS The discipline of teachers is a professional regulatory function of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, legislated through the Teaching Profession Act. FACEBOOK FEEDBACK Via the ATA Facebook page, we asked INVESTIGATIONS HEARINGS SUSPENSIONS teachers how they deal with Halloween. INTO ALLEGATIONS COMPLETED & EXPULSIONS Here is a sampling of the responses. AVERAGE PER YEAR AVERAGE PER YEAR AVERAGE PER YEAR Cassandra Greve We wear black and orange, do celebration centres (Halloween themed), incorporate the theme into lan- guage and music instruction throughout the month. Paul Gagne I deal with it like I deal with everything, with books. I brought several hundred Halloween books to school on Friday the 13th (including a couple dozen written by my students), and I’m encouraging them to read 1.9 1.9 Halloween books and making them write Halloween ATA membership suspensions suspensions of certificate themed stories. BOO! 75 14 Cherra-Lynne Olthof I tuck the oars into the canoe and go with the flow. May HIGH LOW HIGH LOW 2.6 2.2 as well enjoy it! I dress up, hand out candy, tell spooky ATA membership cancellations 104 in 2008 59 in 2013 21 in 2010 9 in 2015 expulsions of certificate stories, play games … it’s one day. And it’s for the kids. Jocelyn Stickel Encinas Afternoon dress up, throw a party, movies, crafts OTHER PENALTIES *Multiple penalties may result from and snacks. Halloween is my fav. Going as Roberta AVERAGE PER YEAR 0.4 3.8 6.2 3.7 oral reprimand written reprimand severe reprimand fine a single hearing. Bondar this year. Dwayne Wenaas I try my hardest to ignore it. Most hated holiday on the calendar.

Everyone deserves to have enough food LETTERS TO THE EDITOR and the issue is politicized faster than News should be free of politics VIEWPOINTS you can wolf down a bowl of food I am writing out of concern for a political cartoon bank hamper staple mac ’n ’ cheese. published in the Aug. 29 issue. This is the second time Katarina Graves For no reason I have ever been that the ATA News has published an item critical of able to discern, some of us are born Vibrant Communities Calgary another nation’s leader. While I strongly dislike Don- with more and better, and some ald Trump, I find it in very poor taste that a publica- with less and (much) worse. We tion from an organization that represents all teachers do not earn the social, economic in Alberta should depict this type of message. a basic income guarantee could do “The freedom of man, I contend, or geographic privileges we are Can we not keep our news as politics-free as possi- more to ameliorate the issue than is the freedom to eat.” afforded at our entrance into this ble, as we have a diverse membership with a variety of food-based solutions might sound world — they are a matter of fortu- –Eleanor Roosevelt their own political views. If necessary, does this need unintuitive, even strange. But, as nate, or unfortunate, circumstance. to be made into an ARA resolution for future debate McIntyre told an audience of more ccording to the Universal If we don’t believe that those among other colleagues? Declaration of Human Rights, than 220 Calgarians, no study in differences should decide the free- A John Halvorsen adopted by the United Nations Canada has shown that any food- dom and dignity of a life, if we Grade 4, Edmonton Public Local No. 37 General Assembly in December based program reduces household believe, instead, that all deserve of 1948, all human beings are food insecurity rates. justice and choice — not only to born free and equal in dignity and Not one. eat, but to work, play and partic- Letters to the editor: We welcome letters to the editor. Please For those of us who have un- ipate fully as citizens in our city limit your submission to 300 words. Only letters bearing a first rights, without distinction of any and last name, address, and daytime telephone number will be kind. Importantly, this freedom questioningly accepted the food and our country — then perhaps considered for publication. Teachers are also asked to indicate and equality includes the right to bank model as the best, perhaps we might be willing to take a closer where and what they teach. All letters are subject to editing for even the only, way to impact the look at basic income. length, clarity, punctuation, spelling and grammar. sufficient food to ensure a stan- Email managing editor Cory Hare: [email protected]. dard of living adequate for the lives of the food insecure, this health and well-being of an indi- will be hard to swallow. However, vidual, yet in Canada alone four McIntyre is far from alone in her There is enough for all, million people are food insecure. critique of the charity model, which Food insecurity, as defined by Mary Ellen Prange, of the Ontario if we decide that all the Household Food Security Mod- Society of Nutrition Professionals ule, is a lack of access to adequate in Public Health, calls “an inef- deserve enough. food due to financial constraint. fective and counterproductive re- This could mean a parent skipping sponse to food insecurity.” meals so there’s enough food for That’s not to say that food banks their children on the table, or a are the villains of this story, but Regardless of where you find student not eating for a whole day neither are they the heroes. Indeed, yourself on the political spectrum, to save money for textbooks. Food the director of policy and research or compass, or whether you dis- insecurity doesn’t look the same for Food Banks Canada has himself avow political affiliation altogether, for everyone, but if you’ve ever had stated that “income, low income, is you are part of this conversation. to worry about not having enough at the root of food insecurity, root of Basic income and the impact that food, or had to rely on low-cost or hunger, [and] root of food bank use.” it can have on food insecurity, as unhealthy options, there’s a good In short, as noble as it might make well as numerous other contempo- chance you’ve had a taste of it. us feel to donate, we’re probably rary societal concerns that are not At a September event hosted by not making the difference we think within the scope of this article, are Vibrant Communities Calgary and we are. At best, our charity is a band- worth talking about. There is enough for all, if we Basic Income Calgary, Dr. Lynn aid. At worst? It could be part of decide that all deserve enough. ❚ McIntyre, professor emerita of the problem. community health sciences at the The good news is, as McIntyre Katarina Graves is an engage- University of Calgary, delivered explained in our Enough for All ment and administrative assistant a keynote address that explored Community Conversation, food at Vibrant Communities Calgary, a what a principles-based basic in- insecurity is highly receptive to in- non-profit organization working to come guarantee would mean to the come receipt. Research has shown address the root causes of poverty food insecure of Calgary. that when people are given the in that city. In a country like Canada, where money they need to buy the food the only legislation to address they need, food insecurity rates can This opinion column represents the food insecurity in more than 30 decrease dramatically. views of the writer and does not nec- years has been to support dona- It’s not that radical, but call the essarily reflect the position of the tions to food banks, the idea that above income receipt “basic income,” Alberta Teachers’ Association. 4 ❚ The ATA News, October 24, 2017 A star is born ATA president-elect wins national look-alike contest

broadcaster was running a look-alike FROM THE contest to find someone resembling the show’s star Bruno Gerussi. A classically trained actor who was born in Medi- ARCHIVES cine Hat, Gerussi was among Canada’s most famous faces. The contest winner Maggie Shane would not only meet Gerussi but would JEFF JOHNSON ATA Archivist also appear in an episode of the wildly Principal Terri Lynn Guimond, a member of the ATA Agile Schools popular show. Edmonton cohort, shares her thoughts during a launch event at Leading up to its official 100th anniver- After the nationwide search drew the Fantasyland Hotel in September. sary in June 2018, the Alberta Teachers’ 500 entries, a winner was declared, Association is celebrating its history and he turned out to be a dead ringer through a number of initiatives, one of for Gerussi. Not only that, but he was which is this column. Curated by archivist also from . The win- Teachers sprint their Maggie Shane and appearing in each ner was Kenneth (Mac) Kryzanowski, issue of the ATA News this year, this col- a 37-year-old school principal, who umn will feature significant moments and was the president-elect of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. way to classroom individuals in the Association’s history as “It was so eerie. The resemblance well as interesting artifacts or documents is striking. Mac could easily be my from the Association’s archives. brother,” Gerussi said, as reported in solutions The Brandon Sun. he year was 1977. Prime Minister Kryzanowski’s daughters had con- 260 participants and a Calgary group of Pierre Trudeau sent congratu- Cory Hare T vinced him to shave his beard and enter more than 90. lations to new U.S. president Jimmy ATA News Managing Editor the contest. After he won, the entire These teachers are using sprints Carter. The world mourned the death to address a wide range of identified of Elvis Presley. A new house would family spent six days in Gibsons, B.C., Alberta Teachers’ Associa- issues, Johnson said. The method is an run you $49,000; tack on another $7,990 where the show was filmed, watching the production. Kryzanowski had a An tion initiative that promotes a alternative to large-scale, top-down ini- for that new BMW 320i in the garage. grassroots approach to problem solving small role as the cousin of Gerussi’s tiatives that involve significant expense, Kids on summer vacation strapped on is growing exponentially. hiring consultants, etc. roller skates and their wrist-worn AM Nick Adonidas character, while his wife The ATA Agile Schools Network is radios and grooved to Manfred Mann’s and three children served as extras. a collaborative initiative that seeks to “Blinded by the Light,” The Eagles’ “New Kryzanowski had never acted be- boost the quality and equity of Alber- Kid in Town,” and ABBA’s irresistible fore and declared to CBC radio’s Peter ta’s education system by empowering How do I know learning “Dancing Queen.” Industry wondered Gzowski that it was “hard, tough work.” teachers to seek their own solutions to if the first Apple computer was worth When the Sun asked if he’d caught problems they’ve identified. sprints are having an the $667 price tag. the acting bug, Kryzanowski replied, The program employs a method called “improvement sprints,” in which impact? Because teachers It was also the fifth season of CBC “Well, sort of … it’s been a wonderful teachers define a challenge and design television’s and the experience and I’d love to do it again.” ❚ a solution that they then implement in a and students are showing “sprint” of just one to four weeks. If the me … sharing their stories solution works, it is scaled up within the school. If not, the teacher goes through of success and failure. another quick sprint process in an at- tempt to solve the challenge. –Terri Lynn Guimond, Principal “The speed is important so you don’t spend or waste too much time and energy on any one approach,” said Jeff “This instead harnesses the power Johnson, the executive staff officer who heads up the ATA’s involvement of the teacher to be creative and create in Agile Schools. his or her own solutions,” Johnson said. “You’ll know very quickly within At a launch event in Edmonton in about a three-week time period wheth- September, participating principal Terri er the solution that you’re suggesting Lynn Guimond said learning sprints are for a particular problem is working,” having an impact in her school. Johnson added. “If it’s not, then you “How do I know learning sprints are pivot and move on.” having an impact? Because teachers This agile approach to problem solv- and students are showing me … shar- ing is common in the software industry, ing their stories of success and fail- he said. ure. Learning sprints have drastically The ATA’s Agile Schools Network changed the conversations teachers is being offered in conjunction with are having with one another, improv- Australia-based education consul- ing professional practice and student tant Dr. Simon Breakspear. As well as learning one sprint at a time.” ❚ Alberta, the program is being employed in schools in Australia, Mumbai and Hong Kong. Last year the ATA program had one Agile Schools Network Edmonton cohort that included more More information about the than 70 classroom teachers along with ATA Agile Schools Network is school leadership teams and a district available by contacting Jeff John- FILE ATA president-elect Mac Kryzanowski (left) strikes a pose with The Beachcombers star lead teacher. This year it has expanded son at [email protected]. Bruno Gerussi in 1977. to include an Edmonton cohort of about

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, October 24, 2017 ❚ 5

Five things to know ATA discipline process protects about the ATA discipline process the profession and the public 1. It’s exclusive to ATA members. With the exception of superinten- dents and a small number of central office teachers, all certificated teach- ers employed by Alberta’s public, IN FOCUS separate and francophone school jurisdictions, as legislated by the Laura Harris Teaching Profession Act, are active ATA News Staff members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association and are subject to its Welcome to In Focus, an ongoing discipline process. series that shines a spotlight on the The discipline of teachers in char- operation and programs of the Alber- ter and private schools, some central ta Teachers’ Association. This second The ATA’s discipline process is initiated when a complaint is filed with the executive office teachers and superintendents, instalment focuses on the ATA’s teacher secretary. All complaints are investigated to determine whether the matter is to be is the responsibility of the minister of discipline process. referred to a hearing committee. education. Complaints are managed by the registrar of Alberta Education.

2016, four teachers had their 2. There are no investigations Alberta teaching certificates can- In are resolved, some are terminated due without complaints. celled for reasons of unprofessional The process works The Association conducts investi- conduct. They represented less than .01 to withdrawal of the complaint and some are dismissed due to insufficient A teacher found guilty of unpro- gations of all unprofessional conduct per cent of Alberta’s classroom teach- fessional conduct, depending on the evidence or because the subject matter allegations but doesn’t initiate them. ers. Still, the findings made during their severity of the offence, faces penalties A written complaint to the Associa- of the complaint is frivolous, vexatious respective discipline hearings were ranging from a verbal reprimand to tion’s executive secretary is required or without merit. detrimental enough to the profession the cancellation of his or her Alberta to start the process. and the public that members of the Know the code teaching certificate. The last verbal Association’s Professional Conduct reprimand was issued in 2011. Just last 3. The public is represented. Committee recommended penalties What constitutes unprofessional year a teacher received the most severe Each of the Association’s three that ended their careers. conduct is outlined in the Teaching penalty in Association history when he discipline committees has at least “The Association and the members Profession Act. It is any conduct of a received a $10,000 fine, was declared one public member named by the selected to serve on our discipline teacher that, in the opinion of a hear- permanently ineligible for ATA mem- lieutenant-governor. It is mandatory committees take very seriously the re- ing committee, is detrimental to the bership and had a recommendation for a public member to be on any hearing committee dealing with sponsibility of safeguarding the teach- best interests of students, the public made to Alberta Education for the a complaint relating to a teacher ing profession,” said Member Services or the teaching profession, or harms cancellation of his teaching certificate. charged with an indictable offence. Co-ordinator Robert Mazzotta, who the standing of teachers generally. The As executive secretary, Dr. Gordon minimum standards of professional handles discipline process inquiries Thomas has overseen the Associa- 4. Membership does have its from members and the public. conduct for Alberta teachers are con- tion’s discipline process for 15 years. privileges. “We have the authority to investigate tained in the Association’s Code of Hundreds of investigation reports Teachers who have had their ATA and discipline our members, but also Professional Conduct. containing issues from the frivolous to membership suspended, or have encourage anyone who has a con- Initially proposed as the Code of the criminal have crossed his desk, all been declared ineligible for ATA cern about the conduct of a teacher to Honour in 1918, when the Association requiring his decision as to whether membership by a hearing committee, first attempt to communicate with the was in its fledgling state as the Alberta they warranted a discipline hearing. cannot teach in any Alberta public, teacher, the school or, if necessary, the Teachers’ Alliance, the code is heading Reflecting on his experience with the separate or francophone school. school board to resolve it. The discipline into its 100th year of existence. Maz- discipline process, he said teachers Suspended members must apply for process works, but isn’t always the ap- zotta suggests the long-standing set need to remember that they are always reinstatement in order to be eligible propriate initial measure to take.” of guidelines is something with which teachers first. once again for membership. The discipline process is one of the teachers should become very familiar “In fulfilling your obligations as A teacher whose teaching certifi- Association’s professional regulatory and take into consideration at all times, a parent or a community member, a cate is suspended or cancelled by the teacher is always a teacher,” Thomas functions and is legislated through the especially in this age of texting and minister of education cannot teach in said. “The Code of Professional Con- Teaching Profession Act. It is initiated social media. any Alberta school. duct is never switched off. The interests when a complaint about the conduct of “A text or social media post, whether of the public and the profession are 5. Hearings are public. a teacher is filed with the ATA’s execu- words or pictures, can have the same always paramount.” ❚ Discipline hearings are public un- tive secretary. Complaints can be filed effect as an announcement over a loud less closed by the hearing committee. by anyone — a parent, superintendent, speaker in a room filled with a million Open hearings provide transpar- a school administrator, even a colleague people — it can be amplified that fast Code of conduct ency and assist in protecting the or a student. and to that many people,” Mazzotta public interest and the interest of All complaints are investigated by an said. “Unprofessional conduct, whether The Code of Professional Con- the profession. Association executive staff officer to that is disrespecting your colleagues or duct and details of the discipline Closed hearings can take place determine whether the matter is to be overstepping boundaries of behaviour process can be viewed online at when, in the opinion of the hearing referred to a hearing committee. Over with students, is the same in the digital teachers.ab.ca. Pitfalls and Precau- committee, there exist circumstanc- the last 10 years, the Association has world as it is when it takes place face tions, a column highlighting pro- es detrimental to the interests of averaged 75 investigations and 14 hear- to face. Teachers are teachers 24/7, 365 fessional conduct issues, appears anyone other than the investigated ings annually. There is a difference be- days a year and they have a responsi- regularly in the online and print teacher (e.g., a child witness) if the hearing is not held in private. tween the number of investigations and bility to understand and follow the code versions of the ATA News. hearings because some investigations at all times.” Local agreements delivering improvements for teachers Cory Hare in June, with others occurring through- While some agreements have been ATA News Managing Editor out September and October. These are at reached relatively quickly, this won’t hap- various stages of the ratification process. pen everywhere. Local collective Common themes within the agreements “We have some employers whose bargaining report alf a dozen local bargaining are improvements to leave provisions attitude is ‘teachers got enough out of H units have reached agreements and a variety of improvements for school the central agreement, what more do Bargaining units in the fol- with their employers, and all the administrators, Johnston said. you want?’” Johnston said. “In places lowing locals have reached agreements contain improvements “What we’re seeing is a number of like that, we will likely be heading off collective agreements with small improvements that, together, make for teachers, said Sandra Johnston, to mediation.” a good agreement for teachers,” she said. their employers: co-ordinator of the Teacher Welfare Johnston said that some employers With this round of local bargaining program area of the Alberta Teachers’ are increasing assigned time to ensure • Aspen View No. 7 Association. being the first under the new model, it that teachers are working as closely as • Black Gold No. 8 Under a new bi-level model intro- was important to prove that the struc- possible to the 1,200 hour maximum that duced by the NDP government, a cen- ture would benefit teachers. • Edmonton Catholic No. 54 tral table deal between teachers and “We really needed this round to be was part of the central agreement. • Elk Island No. 28 a group representing their employ- successful locally, or else why do it?” “Which clearly isn’t the intent or the ers was finalized in May. This cleared Johnston said. language of the memorandum of agree- • Lethbridge Public No. 41 the way for local bargaining units to “I’m pleased. I think in these agreements ment, so I’m going to prognosticate that • Northland No. 69 begin negotiating on local matters. teachers can say that they achieved some- bargaining in those places may not go The first agreement followed quickly thing in this round, which is very important.” really well.” ❚ 6 ❚ The ATA News, October 24, 2017

ATA INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION Project Overseas delivers PROGRAM Helping teachers change the world a life-changing experience he International Co-operation This past summer, 10 Alberta teachers participated in Project Overseas. T Program supports the Associ- ation’s belief that Alberta teachers Here is a sampling of first-person accounts of their experiences. can affect change around the world. Through its close working relation- ships with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and other education- focused organizations, the Asso- ciation is able to offer a variety of projects that allow ATA members to provide and acquire profess- ional development opportunities in unique educational environments around the world. In addition to Project Overseas, there are two other International Co- operation Program projects seek- ing talented teacher ambassadors. Deadlines are coming up fast, so apply soon!

Project Overseas Project Overseas (PO) is a joint en- deavour of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) and its member organizations. The Association has supported and participated in PO since 1964. Timing: July and/or August 2018 Location(s): Africa, Caribbean and, occasionally, elsewhere Travel and living expenses: Covered by the CTF and its member organi- KEVIN WEIMER zations (including the ATA) In Guyana, Africa, reaching the remote town of Kwakwani involves an arduous journey by vehicle. The last Application deadline: Nov. 1, 2017 100 kilometres can take up to six hours to travel, depending on the amount of recent rain and the road conditions. Masulita Professional Development Project This collaborative project supports Serving the neglected of the neglected primary and secondary schools. It involves the ATA, the Ugandan Kevin Weimer jungle, far from major urban centres through the rain forest. Our students National Teachers’ Union, the Ugan- Centennial High School, Calgary and with limited access to commu- often ride bicycles to school; many of da Women’s Effort to Save Orphans nication, supplies of any kind and their students paddle a canoe to school. and the local government of Masu- transportation. Although each teacher Many of the teachers work in schools lita’s Wakiso District. cheesy as it sounds, I have always in Guyana is issued a laptop, access to with only a few colleagues (sometimes As wanted to use any talent or skill I electricity, the Internet and printers is only one other teacher) and most come Timing: July 2018 might have to make the world a better place. limited and sometimes non-existent. from outside the region. The Guyanese Location: Masulita, Uganda And so I decided very soon after I com- So we were serving the neglected of government provides not very good Travel and living expenses: Covered pleted my public education that I would the neglected — neglected in the first teacher accommodations as incentive to by the Alberta Teachers’ Association be a teacher. Very early in my teaching instance by much of the rest of the world bring qualified staff to the Hinterland. career I had a colleague participate in by virtue of Guyana being a developing Application deadline: Dec. 1, 2017 However, as this does not always garner Project Overseas and since that time I nation, and in the second by virtue of sufficient numbers to staff schools, the have always wanted to do this sort of work. its sparse population and geographic government often employs high school In July of 2017 I was a member of distance from the levers of power. graduates and teachers in training. ATA–Change for Children | the Project Overseas Guyana team Teacher training is two years with an Guatemala Project assembled by the Canadian Teachers’ optional two additional years to earn Federation. Along with a support team This is a pilot project actioned a university degree, and it takes place from Georgetown, Guyana, all six of us These incredible, passionate through the partnership of the only in Georgetown. As such, becom- were each partnered with a co-tutor ATA and Change for Children, an from the Guyana Teachers’ Union to educators are doing the best ing a teacher represents a tremendous organization founded in 1976, and run a 10-day workshop for teachers in they can with no training, commitment of time and money, which highlights education as one of its the remote town of Kwakwani. can have a significant impact on family top priorities in the fight against Although only 200 kilometres from no resources and in difficult life for participants in the Hinterland poverty and injustice. the coast (90 per cent of Guyana’s pop- where the norm is to start families environments. earlier rather than later. Timing: July 6–20, 2018 ulation live on the coast), Kwakwani is beyond the end of the road. During the Our participants came from the entire Location: Comitancillo, Guatemala rainy season, the mining and logging remote region (again, there aren’t many Travel and living expenses: Covered town can be reached only by boat. At The workshop participants were roads, so many traveled by boat); were by the Alberta Teachers’ Association other times of the year, a small plane teachers and administrators from mostly female (three of 70 were male); Application deadline: Dec. 15, 2017 is an option for government or corpo- Kwakwani and the surrounding region varied in age (from just graduated high rate officials, but an arduous trek by — and they were amazing. Kwakwani is school to 30 years of experience); and vehicle is the travel mode employed by the largest town in the region but has varied in training. Participants were To apply or get more details on virtually everyone else. The last 100 ki- only three schools — a nursery school divided into five groups and rotated lometres of the journey takes 3.5 to six (public education in Guyana begins at through a daily timetable. Subjects these projects, visit teachers.ab.ca> hours depending on the daily amount three-and-a-half years of age), a prima- covered methodology in teaching core For Members>Programs and Ser- of rain and the road conditions. The end ry school and a secondary school. Most subjects with an emphasis on adminis- vices>International Cooperation. is capped by a short ferry ride. of the workshop participants came from tration and guidance counselling. The Guyanese refer to this area as “river schools,” schools on one of the the Hinterland. This is the rain forest/ many rivers and tributaries running SERVING continued on page 8 The ATA News, October 24, 2017 ❚ 7 Projet outremer Cette expérience a transformé ma vie. Nancy Crousset l'École Voyageur, Cold Lake

uillet 2017 a été un mois inoubliable Jpour mon équipe de la Fédération canadienne des enseignantes et des en- seignants (FCE) et moi. Depuis plus de 50 ans, des enseignants canadiens sont envoyés dans des pays en développe- ment dans le cadre de Projet outremer (PO) pour offrir du perfectionnement NANCY CROUSSET professionnel au personnel enseignant. Cette année, grâce au travail collaboratif Autophoto de Nancy Crousset en compagnie de la FCE et de l’ATA, j’ai eu la chance d’une chamane vaudoue, lors de son voyage en Haïti. de participer au PO. Je suis allée à Haïti, plus précisément dans une commune de Haïti appelée Les Gonaïves avec comme klaxons; chants de coqs; discussions; etc. SUPPLIED Tout cela anime cette ville qui ne dort projet l’amélioration de l’enseignement Teachers unveil a new “peace hut” on the grounds of a school in Sierra Leone where donné aux élèves haïtiens afin que tous jamais et dont l’empreinte coloniale local teachers can practise techniques learned from Project Overseas to replace corporal laissée par les Français se voit et se reçoivent une éducation publique inclu- punishment. The hut is also available for families and community members to gather in order ressent partout. sive de qualité. Bénévole à Haïti, la Perle to peacefully settle disputes. Les Gonaïves le 17 juillet. Ai-je besoin des Antilles. Quelle belle mission! de vous dire qu’il faisait extrêmement Le 11 juillet 2017, me voilà dans un chaud? En juillet, c’est la saison des avion plein à craquer en direction de pluies, il pleut presque tous les soirs et Project fosters Canadian pride Port-au-Prince, capitale de ce pays de le jour… il fait chaud, très chaud. La plus de huit-millions d’habitants où a distribution d’électricité est limitée, Carla Cuglietta through improved education despite of- eu lieu le terrible séisme de 2010. mais certains endroits sont équipés de ten dealing with seemingly impossible Si à première vue Port-au-Prince res- St. Joseph High School, Edmonton générateurs de courant ou de batteries, situations in which desks, books and semble à un guêpier, c’est aussi un cœur comme la salle où nous avons travaillé resources are limited or not available. qui bat : artistes dans la rue; mobylettes pendant deux semaines. Bien que nous his year I had the absolute pleasure The learning exchange is definitely qui se faufilent dans les couloirs bru- arrivions à 8 h 30, nous ne faisions of leading a team to Sierra Leone. mutual. I learned what reconciliation, lants de la ville; marchands qui s’agitent; T fonctionner le générateur que de 11 h The Sierra Leone project is unique perseverance, selflessness, peace and tap-taps (camionnettes très colorées) in that it follows a “train-the-train- respect for all people looks like. Through qui embarquent des passagers; bruit de OUTREMER continued on page 8 er” model. Teams from the Canadian five-minute conversations in the hall Teachers’ Federation (CTF) and Sierra with each fellow teacher in the morn- Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) train ing, centring on the question “how are professional development facilitators you really feeling,” I was re-reminded who work intensively to learn the of the importance of slowing down and techniques and basic building blocks of fostering a human connection with oth- numeracy and literacy as well as how ers instead of rushing through my day. to establish and maintain peaceful and Projects like these are important and gender-friendly classrooms. The train- often life-changing for both sides. I am the-trainer model is a sustainable and so proud to be part of a provincial as- effective one that both organizations sociation that year after year supports are very proud of. teachers not only here at home, but also Through Project Overseas it is tru- all around the world. ❚ ly amazing to work with passionate Carla Cuglietta is a religious stud- and hardworking local teachers who ies teacher and service co-ordinator manage to show up each day and try at St. Joseph Catholic High School in their best to move the country forward Edmonton.

SUPPLIED Alberta teacher Robert McKague teaches a vocational education class how to make and repair an extension cord in the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A life-changing assignment Helping overseas yields better teachers at home Shawn Arseneault part of the next 20 days. We worked on Jasper Elementary School, Jasper developing the program that we would Robert McKague extreme heat and classrooms designed be delivering to 160 teachers over the subsequent two weeks. St. Francis High School, Calgary with only one electrical outlet or no electricity at all. fter spending three days in Ottawa I had the pleasure of working in a city It was clear that the Canadian Teach- for our orientation, my team and I called Masaka, located west of Victoria A Lake and slightly below the equator. In aribbean! This word sent a shiver ers’ Federation (CTF) and Project headed to Uganda. Our journey in this Masaka we spent two weeks on a teach- down my spine the first time I heard Overseas have had great success in St. eastern African country exceeded all of C ers’ college campus where we delivered that I had been selected out of all of Vincent and the Grenadines, as it now my expectations. We spent our first three Canada to return and be the team leader recognizes that education is one of the days in Uganda in the nation’s capital, professional development sessions with Project Overseas on the Caribbean keys to the advancement and develop- Kampala. In the capital city we met to members of the Uganda National island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ment of the country. our Ugandan co-tutors who we were Teachers’ Union and head teachers in The Canadian team was greeted Being a part of Project Overseas was a going to be working with for the better the following areas: numeracy, literacy, warmly by the St. Vincent and the truly rewarding experience and one that English as a second language, life skills, Grenadines Teachers Union executive, will stay in my heart for the rest of my physical education and instructional who provided amazing hospitality and life. I was fortunate to work with some of leadership. cultural tours of their island paradise. the most dedicated Caribbean teachers, My co-tutor and I delivered lessons In conjunction with our Caribbean who endured tremendous challenges in the field of instructional leadership. co-tutors, we strived to focus on to attend the only professional devel- Our focus with the head teachers was to methodologies and pedagogy for all cog- opment course of the year. There was give them the tools to be able to make nitive levels of students — basically our always a sincere feeling that the CTF the change from being a simple manager Alberta motto of leaving no child behind. participation was truly appreciated and to becoming more of an instructional Caribbean culture focuses around welcomed by the entire country. leader. We had sessions on mentorship, dance and music, so as team leader I When Canadian teachers return from on lesson observations and on defining entreated teachers to adopt and adapt a Project Overseas country, they return instructional leadership. this methodology into each of their daily as better teachers who appreciate the This Project Overseas assignment was lessons. It was exciting to see Caribbean wealth of resources and technology life changing. I cannot express enough teachers embrace my personal lessons they have taken for granted their entire gratitude to the Alberta Teachers’ Asso- from the Albert Education Career and teaching careers. ❚ ciation, the Canadian Teachers’ Federa- Technology Studies curriculum and SHAWN ARSENEAULT tion, my co-tutor and our Masaka team. ❚ comment that they would use these les- Robert McKague teaches mechanics, sons in their classrooms in September. vocational education, social studies, legal At a school for the deaf in Masaka, Uganda, Shawn Arseneault is an assistant Canadian Project Overseas teachers studies and art at St. Francis High School children are mesmerized by the teachers’ principal and learning support teacher need to be very flexible and adapt to in Calgary. cameras and other electronic devices. at Jasper Elementary School. 8 ❚ The ATA News, October 24, 2017 Criminal conviction Alberta teacher wins brings automatic ruling of national award unprofessional conduct PITFALLS AND people suffered during the times of residential schools, I’d love for every child states another nomination let- PRECAUTIONS ter written by a colleague. who is Indigenous — “She has truly helped our Gaylene Schreiber First Nations, Métis or students to have a more clear Secretary to ATA Professional understanding of the truth,” Conduct Committee Inuit — to put their hand the letter states. “Billie-Jo’s leadership in our up and do it proudly. school district is truly a gift to Pitfalls and Precautions is and the profession, and to all who are blessed to learn a series that aims to educate serve the public interest. The –Billie-Jo Grant, committee declared the teacher award-winning teacher with and from her. She leads teachers on professional conduct with such passion and compas- issues by highlighting situations ineligible for membership SUPPLIED sion that it is hard not to want addressed by the ATA Profes- in the Association, and the to follow.” sional Conduct Committee. The committee made a recommen- dation to the minister of edu- and help Indigenous students Grant’s leadership in Indig- purpose of the series is purely Cory Hare cation that the teacher have his reach their full potential. enous issues got a boost in educational, so some non-essen- ATA News Managing Editor teaching certificate cancelled. A teacher for more than the summer of 2016 when she tial information from the actual In its reasons for the penalty, 20 years, Grant delivers three attended an Indigenous rela- case may be omitted or changed. the committee noted, “This Indigenous workshops as a tions conference in Winnipeg. Alberta teacher is behaviour is a heinous and member of the instructor corps She came away with a desire to teacher found guilty of among 10 recipients reprehensible betrayal of the An of the Professional Develop- focus on the calls to action that two indictable offences of a national Indigenous edu- A trust placed in [the teach- ment program area of the emerged from the Truth and for sexual interference and cator award. er] by the public, profession Alberta Teachers’ Association. Reconciliation Commission. Billie-Jo Grant, a teacher luring a child was convicted of and children. Society expects She currently teaches the RISE “Responding to the Truth with Greater St. Albert Catholic unprofessional conduct as per teachers to refrain from sexual and Reconciliation calls to ac- Schools, won a Guiding the Jour- (respectful, inclusive, supported the Teaching Profession Act. interference and luring of stu- tion is not only a professional ney: Indigenous Educator Award education) program at Vincent Section 41(2) of the act states dents. The teacher’s persistent responsibility for me but also in the “role model” category. J. Maloney Catholic Junior High that a teacher who is convicted and repeated sexual interfer- a personal journey,” she said. “I “Receiving this award was School in St. Albert. of an indictable offence in the ence with [the student] was was never a Métis child and I an incredible honour. The day Grant serves on her divi- courts is automatically guilty of sustained and occurred both am now learning what it means I received the call I started cry- sion’s First Nations, Métis and unprofessional conduct. during and after school hours, to be a proud Métis woman.” ing because I could not believe Inuit committee and is a leader In its consideration of pen- and in a variety of locations, Grant elaborated that being that there were professionals in raising staff awareness of alty, the Professional Conduct including the school. Through Métis wasn’t celebrated when across Canada that chose me Indigenous issues, states one Committee determined that the his actions, the teacher abused she was young. as an inspiring educator in of the nomination letters sub- teacher be removed from the his position of trust, authority “There was a fair amount of Indigenous education,” Grant mitted on her behalf. Grant profession to protect children and responsibility.” ❚ stated via email. facilitated her school’s first dysfunction around me … until “There are so many amazing blanket ceremony last year I started meeting positive role people that are doing excep- and also shared the experi- models, then I did embrace tional work in this area and to ence with every school in the who I was,” she said. SERVING OUTREMER be considered one of them was division as well as staff at her Grant said she regularly en- overwhelming.” division’s office. counters students who are continued from page 6 continued from page 7 The award is from Indspire, She also led 500 students hesitant to acknowledge or an Indigenous-led non-profit through the nationally known embrace their Indigenous her- The participants were in- à 16 h afin de pouvoir utiliser les organization that invests in Project of Heart, in which stu- itage, just as she was when she credibly receptive and engaged ventilateurs. Inutile de vous dire the education of Indigenous dents learn about residential was younger, but she’s sensing with the content the entire que tout le monde croulait sous people. The annual award pro- schooling and draw their re- that is starting to change. time, professional from the la chaleur. Néanmoins, nous con- gram aims to acknowledge sponses on small tiles that are “I’d love for every child who first to the last day. Mental tinuions à animer des ateliers et à educators who have innovative made into a collage. Through is Indigenous — First Nations, health and leadership infor- enseigner. Quant à l’eau potable, il and impactful teaching prac- this project, Grant awakened Métis or Inuit — to put their mation were highly valued by fallait prévoir d’en apporter. Nous tices, advocate for resources students’ minds to the heart- hand up and do it proudly,” the participants, who told us allions chercher des seaux d’eau and culturally based curricula, ache and loss that Indigenous she said. ❚ it shifted their thinking and afin que les participants puissent would change how they inter- se laver les mains avant de man- acted with students. The need ger, car une épidémie de choléra Two Alberta winners in this area for the instruction qui faisait rage depuis 2011 avait, Another Alberta educator also won a Guiding the Journey award. Pamela Sparklingeyes, we brought is extremely high. soi-disant, déjà causé 8 000 morts. program manager for aboriginal learning with Edmonton Catholic Schools, won in the role These incredible, passionate Qui plus est, l’urbanisation anar- model category. educators are doing the best chique causée par le tremblement they can with no training, de terre en 2010 et la surpopu- no resources and in difficult lation engendraient une gestion environments. chaotique des déchets, et beau- Our Canadian team was sup- coup de chèvres, chiens et chats portive of one another. We en- errants, voire quelques cochons noirs se nourrissaient des débris ATA– CHANGE FOR CHILDREN joyed spending time together épars dans la ville. and we worked together to Applications Il est vrai que cette expérience 2018 Teaching Tour make the workshop as ben- are now being est un défi pour nous, Canadiens, eficial as possible for all the accepted mais nous nous devons de pren- Guatemala July 6–20, 2018 participants. I was privileged dre part à l’éducation des élèves Spend two weeks in Guatemala assisting with the and honoured to have spent de ces pays afin d’éradiquer la professional development of fellow teachers in the areas July and all the months lead- pauvreté et de contribuer au ing up to it working with these of green technologies, permaculture and nutrition. développement durable. Person- incredible educators. I am also nellement, cette expérience a été Collaboration on action plans and incentive strategies to pleased to know that I now un apprentissage qui a trans- promote school attendance are other components of this have colleagues across the formé ma vie et que je saurai teaching tour, with the overall goal being to enhance the country to continue to converse transmettre à mes élèves fran- quality of education offered to the marginalized Mayan Mam and collaborate with as a new cophones. ❚ school year begins. ❚ indigenous population of Guatemala’s western highlands. Nancy Crousset enseigne le Travel and living expenses are covered by the ATA. Kevin Weimer teaches math français, les études sociales et To apply, visit teachers.ab.ca>For Members>Programs and at Centennial High School in les sciences à l’École Voyageur Services>International Cooperation>Change for Children 2018 Calgary. de Cold Lake. For more information, email [email protected] Visit teachers.ab.ca to read more online  Application Deadline: December 15, 2017

COOR-61-18a 2017-10 Project Overseas articles. The ATA News, October 24, 2017 ❚ 9

AnimalTales A free book lending program

The Alberta Teachers’ Association invites applications for the positions of that inspires empathy EXECUTIVE STAFF OFFICER, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (GENERAL)

EXECUTIVE STAFF OFFICER, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (INDIGENOUS EDUCATION)

Competition: ESO3/18 (two positions) Location: Edmonton Commencement: January 1, 2018

These positions will assist in the work of the Professional Development (PD) program area Visit our website to learn more or request a with responsibilities in the areas of teacher education, curriculum and student assessment; kit for your elementary classroom! (K‐6) technology in education; working with specialist councils; assisting local PD chairs; training and supervising Association instructors and Association administrator instructors; preparing policy and position papers; assisting with programs for beginning teachers; assisting in the development and revision of workshops; liaising with universities and other institutions; handling field service requests; serving as Association resource person in specific areas of expertise; and special or continuing assignments in other areas of Association operation. One of the positions will also focus on providing support and services related to Indigenous education and initiatives. General information regarding the Professional Development program area and the services it provides is available in the Programs and Services section of the ATA website. A proven commitment to public education, excellent skills in leadership and human relations, facility in oral and written communication, and good health and stamina are all essential requirements of these positions. In addition, travel and evening and weekend work will be Volunteer for Project Overseas necessary at certain times of the year. A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience WITH CTF IN THE SUMMER OF 2018 in public education is also required. Demonstrated commitment to the Alberta Teachers’ Association (or other Canadian teachers’ organization) will be considered an asset, as well as CTF needs English- and French-speaking Canadian teachers at the ability to work in the French language. the primary, elementary and secondary levels who are interested Total compensation for these positions includes a starting salary of $132,851, pensionable in volunteering to offer services in a wide range of subjects in Africa, service under the Teachers’ Pension Plan of the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund Board and Asia and the Caribbean. Each year, about 50 Canadian teachers are employer-paid benefits as stipulated in a collective agreement. The initial location will be in chosen to volunteer on CTF’s Project Overseas. Based on requests from CTF’s partners overseas, teams of Canadian teachers are formed Edmonton, but future assignments may be to any present or future Association office. Duties in January and inservice projects take place in July and August. are to commence on or about January 1, 2018. CTF follows strict guidelines pertaining to Project Overseas’ participant safety and project location. Applicants should quote position ESO3/18 and include the names, phone numbers and email addresses of at least two referees who are not Association employees or elected officials of For more information and to apply, visit the ATA website its provincial executive. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on November 17, 2017, and (www.teachers.ab.ca) under For Members > Programs and should be addressed to Services > International Cooperation. Ms Denise Wladyka, Human Resources Director If you have questions, contact Robert Mazzotta. The Alberta Teachers’ Association Telephone: 780 447-9445 in Edmonton and area 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton T5N 2R1 or 1-800-232-7208 (ext. 445) from elsewhere in Alberta Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]. For more information, please see our website at www.teachers.ab.ca. Application deadline:

LIB-31 2017 09 2017 LIB-31 November 1, 2017.

NEW free downloadable teaching materials aligned with the outcomes of the Alberta Social Studies and other curricula Short-Term Exchanges GWG: Piece by Piece – A Resource for Alberta Teachers for Educators and Administrators Engages GWG: Piece by Piece Let’s Make Blue Jeans – students in (video) A Factory Line Simulation (grade 7) AUSTRALIA GERMANY SPAIN examining the Interpreting the Stories working lives of the Women of GWG – Taking Collective Action: Readers Theatre A Simulation Activity of immigrant (grades 4, 5 or 7) (grade 9) Host a teacher or school leader from Australia, Spain or Germany for two weeks and give them women from the The Chocolate Bar War: The Stories Behind Our a glimpse of our education system. Then your guest becomes your host – travel to your guest’s Great Western Story Approach Clothes: Project-Based country for a bird’s-eye view of their system. Garment factory (grades 4 and 5) Learning in Edmonton. (grade 10) Exchange dates and duration vary by country. Please visit www.ieep.ca. A Snapshot of Immigrant Life in Western Canada: Great Western Garment Deadline for applications: early December 2017 Project-based Learning Factory: Collectivism in (grade 5) Action Contact [email protected] or 780-392-6901. (grade 12) IEEP-T-26 More information available at: Applications at www.ieep.ca ^^^HÅLJH 10 ❚ The ATA News, October 24, 2017

CLASSIFIEDS To Advertise Goods and Services For Advertising Information, contact the Advertising Manager HIGH SCHOOL One-bedroom apartment. 780-447-9417 direct N/S, N/P. January 1 to March 10. 1-800-232-7208 toll-free MATH AND SCIENCE English Bay, . Call (604) e-mail: [email protected]. 559-8128 for more details. Next Deadline TEACHER WANTED. Friday, Oct 27, 2017, 4 pm NOTICES (publication date Nov 7, 2017) SEEKING FURRY Starting on January 16th Qilu Sino-Canadian Interna- Please note: advertisers are encouraged SUBMISSIONS! AND EVENTS to book their advertisement space tional School in Dongying is looking for a Sr. High Math/ early—space is limited. Science Teacher. Duties will include teaching Math 10 Deadline approaches for The ATA News is seeking Cost and Physics 20 for the second semester. The teacher overseas opportunities Classified ads: $1 per word entries for Teacher’s Pet, The Canadian Armed Forces Overseas plus GST ($15 minimum) which profiles­ teachers’ may choose between a six month or a 1.5 year contract. Schools are accepting applications Display ads: Varies according to size furry, feathered or even from teachers and administrators until The pay grid for teacher’s starts at $51,000 CAD and Nov. 1 for the 2018/19 school year. Payment scaled friends. Prepayment is required. We accept includes flights to and from China, bonus pay, medical The Canadian Armed Forces operates VISA, Mastercard, cash or cheque. If you have a cuddly companion insurance, and on campus housing. Dongying has a two overseas schools, one in Belgium that you’d like to share with and the other in The Netherlands. Circulation: 44,000 very low cost of living and these wages are considered your colleagues, please send Available positions, information us a picture, along with the extremely competitive for our area of the world. and the application package are Disclaimer The Alberta Teachers’ Association following ­required information: available at the following website: does not necessarily endorse the products or Native English speakers are preferred and as we are www.cafconnection.ca/CEM/ services presented in paid advertisements or in • Your name, grade, school Teacher-Recruitment. the Notices and Events column. and the subject(s) you teach an accredited Alberta International School, applicants • Your pet’s name and breed must have or be qualified to get a teaching certificate Also, please answer these from Alberta Education. (minimum — Bachelor of Get 2Know two questions: Education required). Educational resources for teachers 1) What makes your pet special? Please forward your resume to [email protected] Feature topic: Special Editions Examples of previous 2) How does your pet help and recurring Special Editions you in your profession? and [email protected] to apply and visit This 2Learn.ca feature provides teacher resources are listed below: www.qisalberta.org for more information. that address events in the news, whether they be • Remembrance Day A selection of entries will be unique or annual occurrences. • Terry Fox Run published in an upcoming While such events provide opportunities for • You Are What You Eat teachers to make relevant connections to issue of the ATA News. • Fake News curriculum, most teachers don’t have time to quickly organize resources for these events or topics, which • The Group of Seven Please email your • The 100th Anniversary of SLIP US A TIP! is why 2Learn.ca Special Editions provide relevant, submissions to reliable links to those emerging topics. the Battle at Vimy Ridge We want to hear about news in your school, Special Editions contain sections for teacher • Planets Known and Unknown [email protected]. resources and student interactives. They are To find current Special Editions, district or local. Please email managing editor available throughout the school year, with topics visit 2Learn.ca and click on Special DEADLINE: NOV. 13 Cory Hare at [email protected]. changing regularly. Editions Index. Morgex Newsletter FINAL ART.pdf 45 2017-08-15 2:13 PM The ATA News, October 24, 2017 ❚ 11

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K TALEEND October 24, 2017 Volume 52, Number 5

FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

HAYLIE DUDAR

SAWYER WHITSON The face of photography student Tee Mwagura is superimposed with a nature scene taken near McNally High School in Edmonton. The image was created by fellow student Sawyer Whitson using the double exposure feature within a Canon 6D digital camera. The photo was an assignment for Mark Knoch’s Photography 20 class at McNally.

ANNA DWYER

AIDEN MYSCHUK MYLES McCULLOCH

For an assignment that’s simply called the FOOD project, Grade 9 students at Edmonton’s Vimy Ridge Academy spend a day researching professional food photography then bring in some food that they prepare and shoot in SUPPLIED studio light boxes. They complete the project by cropping and editing their Teachers from Local 21 and staff from Elk Island Catholic School gathered and dropped off food at the Vegreville Food photos in Photoshop. Bank in late September. Pictured are Local 21 president Rhonda Borowski and executive secretary Marc St. Jean.