The most wonderful Off Script time of the year. with ATA President Jason Schilling See page 4.

Off Script #MyClassSizeIs with ATA President Jason Schilling Tell your classroom story to your MLA. See editorial on page 2. October 15, 2019 Volume 54, Number 3 News Publication of The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Project Overseas

Teachers share life-changing travel experiences. | See pages 8-10.

It’s a race Award winner Two candidates step Research into reading forward in Calgary District difficulties nets award for Candidates byelection. U of A education prof. See page 4. See story on page 7.

Education minister Teacher participation touts funding review Getting into the spirit on Q&A with Orange Shirt Day and World Adriana LaGrange. Teachers’ Day. See page 5. Page 16.

Every Success Stories Chi TTEM a ld Lunch program helps rs hundreds of students. See story on page 6.

Publication Mail Agreement #40065477 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 Managing Editor: Cory Hare | [email protected] | 780-447-9438 Advertising: Clevers Media | [email protected] | 1-778-773-9397 October 15, 2019 Volume 54, Number 3 Designer: John Labots Graphic Design Inc. Copy Editors: ATA Editorial Staff Write a letter for public education of that apartment and eventually bought were being asked to do more for less. By than they were in 2002. Eighty per cent EDITORIAL a place of her own. my second year of teaching, teachers had of K – 3 classrooms exceed recommended This is around the time Ralph Klein had enough. guidelines, and that’s not accounting for Jonathan Teghtmeyer became premier. My parents were both It was 2001/02, and I saw teachers and increased complexity. Too many students ATA News Editor-in-Chief public sector workers, and their work- the Alberta Teachers’ Association taking go without the specialized supports and places became more stressful as layoffs a principled stand to protect and promote services they require for success. intensified the work while anxiety about public education. I knew then that I had The road ahead looks rough for educa- further job losses rose. to join the fight. grew up in a lower middle-class tion funding. I worry about more cuts to My father nearly led his union local And we won that fight. It wasn’t easy — Ineighbourhood in northeast supports and services that students and on strike as management pushed for a nearly two-thirds of members walked off teachers rely on. Edmonton. My father was a public sec- 33 per cent wage rollback. Both parents tor plumber and my mom suspended We need to speak out. I am asking you survived successive rounds of layoffs, but to join me, the Association and your col- her nursing career to stay home and they could hold on only so long. Mom was leagues in the fight for public education. raise the children. I was the youngest eventually laid off and dad was pushed We cannot allow the turmoil of the 1990s of five kids. into early retirement. We need to to be repeated. We didn’t have a ton of money, but we As an adolescent growing up through lived a decent, modest life. this, I came to understand clearly that speak out ... we The first step is the #MyClassSizeIs let- When I was seven, my parents divorced. education would be fundamentally impor- ter writing campaign that we launched My mother moved into a low-end rental in tant for me. Working hard at school, going cannot allow the this fall. Your ATA school representative Edmonton’s Beverly neighbourhood with to university and getting a good education has received a pad of letter templates that two of my siblings, while my brother and I represented a pathway out of poverty. turmoil of the 1990s we are asking you to use to send a quick stayed to live with Dad. My other brother But I knew our struggles were not note to your MLA. Tell the story of your left home at 16. unique. I saw many families around to be repeated. classroom, share your letter on social The next few years came with struggles. me with the same or worse challenges. media and return it to your school rep so My mother, battling depression, went on Education represented hope for them and we can send it to your MLA. social assistance. My dad had the costs of for society generally. I decided education By coming together and engaging all of one household while also paying support would not just be my goal, but it would the job — but we won a fair arbitration for our colleagues, we can ensure that pub- for the second household. also be my purpose. And by 2000, I was a salary and a commission on learning that lic education remains a priority and that I am incredibly proud of my mom, teacher with my own classroom. brought about recommendations on class it continues to live up to the promise that though. She worked hard to get back The challenges affecting my parents’ size and learning conditions. it offers for all Albertans. ❚ up on her own feet. She went back to work were also affecting teachers. Class Unfortunately, colleagues, it feels like school and ultimately returned to nursing. sizes were large, students weren’t getting we are headed back to that dark place. I welcome your comments—contact Within a couple of years she moved out the supports they needed, and teachers Already, our class sizes are now larger me at [email protected]. Strike action isn’t an option … yet are met, the most fundamental being be subject to disciplinary measures up avenue open to them is to take strike Q & A that the collective agreement between to and including dismissal with cause. action. In such an event, the Association the union and the employer must be While the Association, in fulfillment of would ensure that members are fully Dennis Theobald expired and that the parties must have its duty of fair representation, would informed before proceeding intention- entered into bargaining. Currently, an do its best to defend a teacher in this ally, democratically and legally. ATA Executive agreement is in place on central mat- circumstance, our options would be In the meantime, Association bargain- Secretary ters between the Alberta Teachers’ very limited and the prospects for the ing units are busy. They are undertak- Association and the Teachers’ Employer teacher would not be good. ing local bargaining within the context Question: Like a lot of teachers, I Bargaining Association (TEBA) until Several teachers taking action in con- of the current 2018–20 collective agree- am very frustrated by the delay in our Aug. 31, 2020. This means that any cert could also be deemed to be engag- ment and preparing for the round ahead. arbitration and the suggestion in the strike action regarding salary or any ing in an illegal strike. Not only would As an individual teacher, you can help Mackinnon Report that the government other matter within the scope of the these teachers run the risk of being by engaging in the Association’s advo- should limit or even cut teacher sala- central agreement would be unlawful, subject to sanctions or dismissal indi- cacy efforts to raise government and ries. My friends and I are fed up and and none of the protections provided vidually, the Association, as the teach- public awareness of issues affecting want to “work to rule” and perhaps take for striking workers under labour law ers’ union, would be expected by the teaching and learning conditions, and other labour actions to make our point. would have effect. Labour Relations Board to take imme- by actively participating in local meet- Will the Alberta Teachers’ Association diate steps to bring the action to a stop. ings and activities around bargaining. support us? Failure to do so would likely result in Currently we are encouraging teachers the Association being penalized. In the to write a letter to their MLA through Answer: While I appreciate your case of widespread illegal action, there is the #MyClassSizeIs campaign. You can frustration, what you are suggesting is The right to precedent for the courts to impose fines keep on top of provincial developments illegal and could have very serious con- strike is a powerful in the hundreds of thousands or millions by reading the ATA News and updates sequences for you, your friends and the of dollars in addition to other adminis- posted to the members-only section of Association. tool ... and is very trative sanctions on the union involved. the provincial website at www.teach- In Alberta, a strike is defined as “a The right to strike is a powerful tool ers.ab.ca (to access secure areas of the cessation of work, a refusal to work, or much an instrument available to unions and is very much site you will have to ensure you have a refusal to continue to work, by two an instrument of last resort. While the updated your member profile). or more employees for the purpose of of last resort. Association is proceeding to arbitration Finally, it is not too early to begin to compelling their employer to agree to determined to achieve the best possi- plan for an interruption in income that terms or conditions of employment.” ble outcome for the current agreement, would result should strike action be This definition includes any depar- we are under no illusion that the next necessary. ❚ ture from normal work practice, such If you were to decide unilaterally round of collective bargaining for the as “work to rule,” as well as more tradi- not to perform your regular duties as period beginning September 2020 will Questions for consideration in this col- tional strike action. a teacher and employee, you could be be easy or without conflict. It may be the umn are welcome. Please address them A labour union can take legal strike held by your board to be in breech of case that, at some point, the members of to Dennis Theobald at dennis.theobald@ action only if a number of conditions your employment contract and would the Association will decide that the only ata.ab.ca.

www.teachers.ab.ca www.facebook.com/ABteachers abteachers @albertateachers

Canadian Publication Mail Agreement No. 40065477 ISSN 0001-267X Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the following address: Member of Canadian Educational Press Association Subscribe to the ATA eNews. Editorial Office, Barnett House, 11010 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 Association canadienne de la presse éducationnelle bit.ly/2Subscribe_Now Telephone: 780-447-9400 in Edmonton;1-800-232-7208 toll free in Alberta The ATA News, October 15, 2019 ❚ 3

Your Views FOR THE RECORD Facebook Feedback Teachers make a real difference We’re committed to deliver more The following was posted on the ATA’s in new ways about new problems and efficiently, remove redundancies Facebook page in recognition of World made me rethink my previous opinions, Teachers’ Day. not to break them down, but to force me and deliver based on 21st-century Darren Fleischhacker looked out for to make them stronger. She expected me when I was in high school. I was excellence, but always ensured I had delivery models. dealing with a mental illness and strug- ample tools to achieve it. She took time gling to find my place in the world. He out of her day to review personal proj- – Finance Minister Travis Toews speaking about gave me a safe place to explore who I ects and give me feedback, when she education funding in the Alberta legislature on Oct. 9. was, try new things, express myself in wasn’t even my teacher at the time. She new ways and make my own decisions. encouraged me to chase great things He pulled me aside for heart-to-hearts and made me believe I could achieve when he thought I needed them and them. As I said before, in high school, made sure that no matter what I was I was dealing with mental illness and doing, I was safe. He was more than a didn’t have a lot of self-confidence, but teacher. He was my friend. Mrs. Lotoski made me feel like I could Eric Rahn taught me longer than actually accomplish something. any other school teacher. He watched Lastly, Barbara-Ann Goodwin saw me grow up and gave me guidance something in me that no one else, along the way. We had joint interests including me, saw. She saw talents and outside of the classroom, and he used strengths I didn’t think I had, then them to ensure I felt welcome in his forced me to act on them. She wouldn’t class. He went out of his way to help ask or consult me first because she me with projects outside of the class- knew I’d talk myself out of it. She room and outside of the school, and just did things that compelled me to expected nothing in return. He is the acknowledge that I had value and talent only teacher to ever make me laugh so because she knew I’d rise to the occa- hard I cried while in class. I don’t know sion. One of my greatest accomplish- a single student of his with a bad thing ments came as a direct result of her, and to say about him, and countless say he I will never forget it. She’s retired now, has touched their lives. He is an amaz- and we’ve lost touch, but I hope she is ing man, and when he retires, it will doing well and knows how much she impact the entire community like very impacted my life. few teachers before him. Audra Lotoski pushed me to be my Cade Bengert best in areas I didn’t even know I was English and drama, Pigeon Lake good at. She challenged me to think Regional School, Falun

Letters to the editor: We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your submission to 300 words. Only letters bearing a first and last name, address and daytime telephone number will be considered for publication. Teachers are also asked to indicate where and what they teach. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Email managing editor Cory Hare: [email protected]. Public education under attack across Canada • Quality education is fundamental to who we are The funding structure in Manitoba is changing, with viewpoints as a people. a 10-year plan to phase out local tax-based funding Taken at face value, such statements suggest an and using other bases to fund public education. Cassandra Hallett unwavering commitment to publicly funded pub- Most recently, in Alberta, the word “public” has Canadian Teachers’ Federation lic education and an understanding of the vital link been taken out of publicly funded public education; between education and democracy. Yet, from coast to school boards have pre-emptively cut funding to be coast to coast, the CTF is seeing an increasing ero- prepared for government changes; and the cap on sion of publicly funded public education guised in the charter schools is being increased significantly. n the early 1990s, when I was preparing to become false rhetoric of educational personalization, building In Ontario, students are bracing for a reduction in Ia teacher, I had many conversations about educa- resiliency and more, which is really code for the pri- the number of teachers and courses (at the secondary tion and democracy, with professors as well as the vatization of our public education systems. level), significantly increased class sizes, and manda- teachers who supervised me on practicum. We under- If parents, citizens who cast ballots and pay taxes, tory e-learning (for grades 9–12) for large numbers scored, not debated, the responsibilities of the state to become scared that the public system will fail their of students and, as of yet, no confirmation that the ensure quality public education for all. We examined children, more of those who can afford private options courses will be taught by qualified teachers. case studies and almost took for granted that publicly will abandon the public system, not just by withdraw- Viewed individually, the above structural changes funded public education was part of the fabric of this ing their children but also, in many cases, by ceasing to education systems are undeniably problematic. nation. We were to be the stewards of equality. We to support education as a public good. If that occurs, Considered collectively, they are cause for alarm as would invite, expect and support critical thinking, while if we dismantle quality inclusive public education in they point to a pattern of governments underfunding public systems to the point of creating a crisis such nurturing knowledge and skills, and fostering inclusion this country, we are, in fact, striding towards disman- tling our democracy. that private, noninclusive and undemocratic “solu- and respect for all. Although guiding students to grad- If that sounds like hyperbole, please think again. In tions” emerge. If you stop for a minute and really uation was an important objective, our real aim was to recent months alone, governments across this country imagine a Canada 15 or 20 years hence, where qual- help develop citizens who would continue contributing have attacked publicly funded public education and ity inclusive publicly funded public education has to communities, this country and the world. eroded democracy in multiple ways. ceased to be the norm, the images are those of a failed Now, over 25 years later, colleagues at the Canadian In New Brunswick, as well as elsewhere, class- democracy. Teachers’ Federation (CTF) and I discuss the inex- room size and composition have been issues, and We must put aside partisan politics, individual gain tricable link between education and democracy with the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association has been and corporate profit to write a future of Canada that a new imperative. We also have these conversations vocal about having proper supports and funding for we would be proud to read, a history in which our with federal, provincial and territorial government effective inclusion. In a story by the CBC in March publicly funded public education systems are of the leaders and, more often than not, there is unanimous 2019, one of the options offered to “ease the inclu- very best quality and the most inclusive in the world. acceptance of the fundamental role education plays sion strain” was to open more private schools and If we do that, our democracy is safer and the lives of in shaping and sustaining democracies. Frequently, offer subsidized tuition for students — effectively future generations much better. If we do not, too much assertions like the following are made by high-level taking away money from the public system to solve will be lost. Rather than giving into fear, now is a time government officials: the system’s problem. to fight for what we believe in. ❚ In Saskatchewan, an increasing number of teach- • Education is the backbone of a strong democracy. ers are paying to subsidize classrooms with supplies Cassie Hallett is secretary general of the Canadian • Education is a common good. (this is echoed in other areas in the country as well). Teachers’ Federation.

Opinions expressed on this page represent the views of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. PRESIDENT’S COLUMN 2019-2021

FRONT PAGE BANNER (COLOUR AND GRAYSCALE)

Off Script See page 4. with ATA President Jason Schilling

Off Script See page 4. with ATA President Jason Schilling

TWO4 COLUMN❚ The ATA SAMPLE News, October (COLOUR 15, 2019 AND GRAYSCALE) Off New resourceOff helps Script internationallyScript with ATA President with ATA President Jason Schilling educatedJason Schillingteachers

Jen Janzen ATA News Staff

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I do everything I do with full fer- less each year I have been a teacher for 19 years in vour and vigour, and I am really looking I welcome your comments — as the cost of many types ofI welcomeschools, including your comments very forward — to this new challenge. ominationscontact for me the at 2019 [email protected]. Calgary living rises and ruralcontact schools, meurban at schools,[email protected]. reserve I am currently the TW chair for my NDistrict byelection closed Oct. our income stays schools and Métis settlements. I have district, and I jumped into that role with 3. Running for the position of dis- stagnant. We are taught behaviour programs and every- both feet. I have learned a lot over the trict representative are two can- thing from Grade 2 health to high school last little while, and I will keep learn- being asked to COMM 43-9 2019-10 didates: Kerri-Ann Brauner and do more and CALM and English 10-1. Currently I am ing. I look forward to serving you on this Karen Nakaska. The successful can- more work without time being provided a teacher in a middle school in High journey we face and serving you well as didate will represent their colleagues and, as a result, kids are getting tired, River teaching grades 6 and 8, along your representative. employed by Canadian Rockies Public Schools, Christ the Redeemer Public Schools, Foothills School Division traditional and alternative schools, gain- continuously. Alberta’s teachers truly and Rocky View Schools. Karen Nakaska ing extensive experience in both rural are the heartbeat of education, and they Visit www.teachers.ab.ca or follow As a proud and urban settings. I have held a num- deserve strong and effective district us on Facebook and Twitter for more ber of leadership roles within my school representation. Advocating for those information. Alberta teacher and a passion- division and while working with Alberta teachers and their working conditions ate supporter of Education. I have also served my ATA is, undoubtedly, advocating for our public education, local in various leadership capacities and students and their learning conditions. I am honoured to held similar positions in service groups With the many challenges currently Voting opens stand as a candi- within the communities in which I have facing teachers, it is vital that we remain date for the posi- lived. My widely varying experiences united and optimistic in promoting the Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. tion of district have contributed to a unique perspec- cause of public education in Alberta, and runs to representative in tive from which I view our province and as that public education is necessary Calgary District. our profession. for a just and equitable society. In the Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. Throughout Over the course of a three-decade years ahead, I will work tirelessly to my career, I have taught students at career, I have watched the workloads champion our students, our teachers a variety of grade levels, working in and stressors on my colleagues increase and our profession. ❚ The ATA News, October 15, 2019 ❚ 5 Funding review among top priorities for education minister Q&A with Adriana LaGrange

Kim Clement of English language learners that we if it’s not, maybe we can redirect fund- ATA News Staff need to engage with and provide ser- ing to meet those needs. vices for. There’s also the curriculum development part that we can get mov- With a budget to be tabled in one driana LaGrange sat down with ing in the right direction. It does need a month, what can teachers expect to Athe ATA News for a frank discus- critical update — I’ve been able to take see in terms of priorities for funding sion of her assessment of education in the pause off and I’m excited to bring education? Alberta and her plans for the portfolio that forward, and to develop the plan This government has committed to SUPPLIED going forward. on how all of the subsequent pieces prioritizing education and we as a gov- Education Minister Adriana LaGrange says will roll out. ernment really value education as an she is committed to funding education but is investment in our future and in our also interested in exploring funding can be Could you briefly describe your edu- We have the K–4 [curriculum] cur- better targeted. cational background and your career rently, but we need to continue the young people, as they are the future of prior to 2019, when you were elected good work that the 350 plus teachers Alberta. We’re going to continue to fund to office? from the curriculum working group education and to build schools and the and looking at the possibilities of the I’m trained as a rehabilitative prac- have been doing to develop the middle necessary infrastructure that’s needed way that we target our funding. We’re titioner working with the mentally and and high school programming. Once I to meet the needs of our students. engaging all of our partners in that con- physically challenged, and I worked in hear back from my curriculum advi- versation on how the funding is being the field on and off while I was raising sory panel, if there’s any enhance- Class size and supports for inclu- rolled out and is it meeting the needs. my seven children. My husband and I ments to be made in the K-4, we’ll sion are among the top concerns for And if it isn’t meeting the needs, how also own and operate the family farm. be looking at that as well. We’ve also teachers. How do you plan to address can we redirect that funding so that I was also a trustee with Red Deer got the ministerial order in learning these issues? we can meet the needs. Are there pos- Catholic School Division for 11 years, that I’m looking forward to having an I’m just getting a report on the class sibilities for wraparound services? So and for the last of those three years I update provided to me that I can then size audit. We’ve spent $3.3 billion having conversations with other min- was president of the Alberta Catholic take out for engagement to the gen- over the last decade and have margin- istries as well. School Trustees Association and also eral public. ally moved the needle, if at all in some Also, can we look at early inter- vice-president of the Canadian Catholic There’s the funding review that I’ve areas. And I do understand the aspect of vention strategies that may be more School Trustees Association. currently engaged my department in, to classroom composition being an influ- effective if we front-end funding to ensure that the funding that we do have What do you see as the big priori- encing factor as well. Beyond that, I the early years? But those are all con- ties and the big challenges in Alberta is meeting the needs of our system and do believe in having a funding review versations and possibilities that I’m education over the next few years? hoping I will hear more of when we The priorities are being able to have the report back from the funding deliver the absolute best education review group. possible for each and every student, Is there anything else you would given that there’s great diversity in our like to share with teachers and other students’ needs and a growing popula- readers of the ATA News? tion in K–12. We have a long history of I’ve been able to travel the province What do you think is working well and I’ve been so pleased by how posi- in the public education system education excellence that I’ll be tive everything has been. I’ve been able and where do you see room for to engage with school boards and par- improvements? ents and teachers and ATA local exec- We have a long, proud history of 170 striving to improve. We’re world utive members. I’m very appreciative years of education in Alberta, with the of the tremendous and positive work ATA being in existence for over 100 going on in education right across this years. So the structure, the foundation renowned and people see us as province. I believe in having all the is very, very solid. We have a long his- partners work together for the common tory of education excellence that I’ll a leader in education and good of improving student learning, and be striving to improve. We’re world helping some of our most vulnerable renowned and people see us as a leader succeed in life. I want to thank each and in education and innovation. innovation. every teacher, administrator and other But I think there’s always room to staff that sets children at the heart of get better, given that we have a chang- everything that they do. I wish everyone ing demographic with a large number the absolute best school year possible. ❚ Local bargaining stalled pending provincial budget Mark Milne school boards without surpluses,” voted in favour of the package at the ATA Teacher Welfare is also working ATA News Staff Johnston said. end of August and the board followed to assemble a strong case for the “A lot of these school boards run suit Sept. 5. upcoming salary arbitration in mid- pretty close to the last penny. Asking Bargaining units in Wild Rose, Wolf November. Once the arbitration is eachers have them to sit down and bargain with us Creek, Holy Family Catholic and Peace decided, it will complete the central Tbeen left in when they don’t know exactly how River currently have agreements in table settlement, which makes up the limbo as the lack much money they’re getting is a pretty place with ratification votes scheduled core of all local bargaining agreements of a provincial difficult task.” for the upcoming weeks. currently being negotiated. While the Association has opened Johnston hopes to see all units with budget stalls local Work–life balance a priority bargaining. for local bargaining in all 61 bargain- ratified collective agreements before That’s the view of ing units, Johnston said only about Improvements to work–life balance the end of the school year. She’d like to Sandra Johnston, one-third of the bargaining units are seem to be emerging as a strong trend see them wrapped up before list bar- co-ordinator of actively in negotiations. The rest are for those at the table. Strides are being gaining begins in spring 2020, which the ATA’s Teacher preparing initial proposals and sched- made to improve access to professional will kick off negotiations for the next Sandra Johnston, uling meeting dates with school boards. collective agreement. Teacher Welfare Welfare program development funding and add wellness co-ordinator area when asked One down spending accounts to existing health For updates on the progress of bar- about the prog- spending accounts. gaining in your area, check with your ress of local bargaining. The lack of On the positive side, five bargaining Johnston pointed out that changes local Teacher Welfare Committee. a provincial budget has left many units have successfully reached mem- affecting smaller but significant employee “Those are the folks with all the knowl- school boards reluctant to come to the orandums of agreement and one has groups are also under discussion. edge about what’s going on,” Johnston table without secured funding for the ratified. “We’re looking at improvements for said. “They receive weekly updates on upcoming year. Westwind School Division reached its substitute teachers, school leaders and all of the units and have the most up-to- “It’s a difficult position to be in for agreement at the end of June. Members part-time teachers,” she said. date information on bargaining.” ❚ 6 ❚ The ATA News, October 15, 2019 Council supports gender identity conference

The hearing committee imposed the penalties of a PEC Points single letter of severe reprimand for all four charges, a declaration of ineligibility for membership in the Audrey Dutka Association for a period of three months and a rec- ATA News Staff ommendation to the minister of education to sus- pend the teacher’s teaching certificate for a period of three months. Highlights of the Provincial Executive 5. Received the report of a hearing committee, which Council meeting held Aug. 12, 2019, found a teacher guilty on two charges of unprofes- sional conduct. The committee found that the teacher in Banff. acted contrary to the acceptable teacher–pupil rela- SUPPLIED 1. Named three members of Council to a staff selec- tionship and failed to maintain the honour and dignity The B’s Supporting Youth Foundation enables students to of the profession by accompanying a student while assemble more than 300 nutritious lunches each week for tion committee for the position of Executive Staff delivery to various Edmonton schools. Officer, Professional Development, with the position in Europe and paying for the student’s flight, lodging, commencing at a mutually agreeable date. food and activities for the trip. 2. Extended a contract position for a media relations A joint submission on penalty was provided recom- officer for a period of up to six months, with services mending penalties of a letter of reprimand and a Lunch program to be provided between Sept. 1, 2019 and April 30, $3,000 fine for charge one and a letter of severe rep- 2020. rimand and a $3,000 fine for charge two. 3. Disbanded the Steering Committee on Governance 6. Received the report of a hearing committee, which helps hundreds Review with thanks and authorized the Table Officers found a teacher guilty on two charges of unprofes- Committee to manage the consideration of the sional conduct. The committee found that the teacher Governance Review Report, and any further action failed to act in a manner which maintains the honour relating to the governance review. and dignity of the profession by yelling profane lan- of students 4. Named Council and field members to the Women guage, and/or making obscene hand gestures at other in Leadership Committee and named field members coaches and/or officials and/or parents, and failed to to the Pension Committee. treat pupils with dignity and respect and/or be con- SUCCESS STORIES siderate of their circumstances by demonstrating poor Highlights of the Provincial Executive sportsmanship to young athletes. Hamda Ahmed, Mehak Arif Council meeting held Sept. 19–20, 2019, The hearing committee imposed penalties of a let- at Barnett House in Edmonton. ter of reprimand to encompass both charges and a and Shandra Leskiw fine of $300. Special to the ATA News 1. Authorized disbursement of the 2019/20 budget 7. Approved that Council be given the opportunity for international co-operation for 12 international for professional development training regarding gen- program that began with a few teachers wanting goals, including Project Overseas, ATA Dominica IT der bias, racial bias and reconciliation. A to provide lunch at school is now a full-fledged Project Summer Institute and Canadian Women for 8. Approved, for submission to the 2020 Annual charity that feeds hundreds of Edmonton students. Women in Afghanistan. Representative Assembly, a resolution to amend The B’s Supporting Youth Foundation (BSYF) pro- 2. Approved a $2,000 donation to MediaSmarts policy by substitution to read, “the Government of vides nutritious lunches to more than 300 students to help sponsor Media Literacy Week, taking place Alberta should operate a central repository of online in various schools within the Edmonton public and October 7–11, 2019. teaching and learning resources to support curricu- Catholic systems. 3. Approved a $1,000 contribution and in-kind sup- lum implementation and instruction.” “Not only does BSYF feed children, but it also pro- port for the 6th Annual Alberta Gender Identity and 9. Approved an overexpenditure of up to $10,000 to vides a sense of community and generosity in our Sexual Orientation Alliance Conference hosted by the provide for the translation of policy into French. student volunteers who help with our program,” said University of Alberta Institute for Sexual Minority 10. Approved the frame of reference for the Rocky foundation president James Stuart, a teacher at Queen Studies and Services. View Schools Teacher Welfare Committee. Elizabeth High School. 4. Received the report of a hearing committee, which 11. Established the Committee on Council Election Every Tuesday morning during the school year, found a teacher guilty on four charges of unprofes- Processes, approved its membership and frame of student volunteers from different schools are bused sional conduct. Charges one and two were for making reference and elected Council members to serve on to the Millhurst Community League where they are inappropriate comments to students, of a nonsexual the committee. guided through the process of making balanced nature, thereby failing to treat students with dignity 12. Elected Council members to the Central Table lunches, which include whole grain bread, fruit and and respect and be considerate of their circumstances Bargaining Committee. ❚ granola bars, fresh meat and cheese. Once the lunches and failing to maintain the honour and dignity of the are made and packed, students help deliver them to profession. Charges three and four were for forcibly Association administrative guidelines provide for the multiple schools. restraining a student against a wall, which was inap- attendance of observers at selected portions of Council “Our program is improving the lives of many stu- propriate for the situation, thereby failing to treat the meetings. Association members who are interested in dents across Edmonton, while allowing other students student with dignity and respect and be considerate of observing selected portions of Council meetings at to make a difference in their community,” Stuart said. their circumstances and failing to maintain the hon- their own expense are advised to contact their district Created by Stuart in 2013, the foundation is our and dignity of the profession. representative. entirely non-profit and run by a team of volunteers that includes teachers and students. The lunch pro- gram operates thanks to donations from a variety of individuals and organizations, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Edmonton Public Teachers’ Beginning Teachers’ Conference Local No. 37 provided $11,000 this year through its charitable trust. “The program is a hands-on way for kids to expand The Beginning their world view and exercise their empathy muscles,” Teachers’ Conference Stuart said. ❚ drew 457 attendees Hamda Ahmed, Mehak Arif and Shandra Leskiw are from northern former students at J. Percy Page High School and for- Alberta to Edmonton mer members of the B’s Supporting Youth Foundation. from Sept. 26 to 28 and 304 attendees from southern CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Alberta to Calgary Success Stories is an ongoing feature that enables from Oct. 3 to 5. teachers to share their successes with their col- Open to teachers leagues. To submit an idea or an article about a new in their first two program or approach that you’ve instituted, please years of classroom contact managing editor Cory Hare at cory.hare@ teaching, the ata.ab.ca. conference provided sessions on a variety of topics, including Follow us on Twitter: lesson planning, @albertateachers assessment and management. YUET CHAN The ATA News, October 15, 2019 ❚ 7 U of A prof awarded for research of reading difficulties Laura Harris JP Das Centre on Developmental and “What’s really important to recog- teachers for more than a decade, ATA News Staff Learning Disabilities. “One, it enhances nize is that they didn’t improve on the Madsen is a firm believer in RtI. our teachers’ capacity by exposing them same test they took two years ago, they “We need to have strong intervention to instructional approaches that are improved on a norm-referenced scale, at Division I and I think we’ve got to supported by scientific evidence, and which says that they not only have got- have every single kid in Grade 3 read- two, it prevents reading difficulties from ten to be better readers, but they have ing at grade level. Every teacher beyond becoming a lifelong threat to children’s gotten to be better readers based on that benefits,” said Madsen. well-being.” the norm of the students they are being In receiving the ATA Educational The Alberta site in the study followed compared to across North America,” Research Award, Georgiou gave a lot 290 students from 11 different schools Madsen elaborated. “In other words, of credit to the schools, principals and (all Edmonton Public schools) for the the longer they stay with us, the bet- teachers he has worked with over the project. Teacher participants were ter they do, and they are learning more last 10 years. That number of schools trained in evidence-based practices for than a year in a year’s time. It’s remark- teaching reading and provided a data- able stuff.” has grown to 25, and he makes it clear base of daily lessons. Students were Before Nellie Carlson, Madsen was he appreciates every single one of them tested three times each year in October, principal at Ellerslie School, which was and all they bring to what he calls “a January and April. The students scoring one of 10 Edmonton Public schools that beautiful partnership.” below the 30th percentile were given participated in the pilot of Georgiou’s “You cannot really find this any- intensive, evidence-based intervention own RtI program 10 years ago. Having where in the whole world,” Georgiou by U of A graduate students trained as seen Georgiou’s program deliver pos- marveled. “It doesn’t happen anywhere

reading interventionists. itive resultsAT for both studentsAT and else on the planet.” ❚ A ED AT A AT ATA RESEARCHUCAAT A ED RESEARCHEDUCA A ED ED ATA ATA ATIO ED RESEARCHUCAAT ATA RESEARCHUCAAT RESEARCHUCAAT RESEARCHEDUCA LAURA HARRIS ED RESEARCHNAUCAAT ATIO ED RESEARCHTIOEDNA ATIO ATIO ED ATA The interventions were done with RESEARCHUCAAT AW LATIO RESEARCHNAUCAAT AW UCAATLA RESEARCHEDNAUCA RESEARCHNAUCAAT TIOED University of Alberta professor ATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED ARD TIOED AW ATLA AW LATIO ED RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL RESEARCHNAUCAAT AW ATLA ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT RESEARCHNAUCAAT ARDRESEARCHTIOEDNA ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT ARDATIO ED AW LATIO ED ARD TIOED AW LATIO AW LATIO ED AW UCAATLA AW LATIO RESEARCHNAUCA small groups of three or four students ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT ARD TIOED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW L TIO George Georgiou is the recipient of the AW LATIO ARDATIO ED AW ATLA AW LATIO ED RESEARCH AW NAUCAAT AW ATLA ARD NA ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA RESEARCHNAUCAAT ARD TIOED ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT LATIO ED ARDRESEARCHTIOEDNA AW L AW ATLATIO AW LATIO ED RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW LATIO ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT AW UCAATLA ARD ARDRESEARCHEDNA ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT ARDATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED ARD TIOED ATA’s 2019 Educational Research Award. and had different focuses at each grade AW UCAATLA AW LATIO RESEARCHNAUCAAT AW ATLA ARDRESEARCHNAUCA RESEARCHNAUCAAT ARD TIOED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED ARD TIOED AW ATLATIO AW LATIO ED RESEARCH AW NAUCAAT AW ATLA ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA ARDRESEARCHNAUCA LATIO ED ARDRESEARCHTIOEDNA AW LATIO ARDATIO ED AW ATLA AW L TIO level. Three 30-minute sessions took ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT AW UCAATLA ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA RESEARCHNAUCAAT ARD TIOED ARD NA AW LATIO ED ARD TIOED AW ATLA AW LATIO ED RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW L ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT RESEARCHNAUCAAT ARDRESEARCHTIOEDNA ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT ARDATIO ED ARD AW LATIO AW LATIO ED AW UCAATLA AW LATIO RESEARCHNAUCAAT ARDATRESEARCHEDANAUCA EDARDRESEARCHUCANAUCAAT TIONAARD TIOLED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED he Alberta Teachers’ Association place each week over a span of 10 to AW ATLA AW LATIO ED RESEARCH AW NAUCAAT AW ATLA ARDRESEARCHNAUCA ARD TIOED ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT LATIO ED ARDRESEARCHTIOEDNA AW L TIO RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW LATIO ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT AW UCAATLA ARD NA ARDATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED ARD TIOED AW L has selected University of Alberta 12 weeks. Students who continued RESEARCH AW NAUCAAT AW ATLA ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL ARD T RESEARCHLATIO ED AWARDRESEARCHARDTIOEDNA AW LATIO ARDATIO ED ARD UCAAT ED RESEARCHNA RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW LATIO ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT AW UCAATLA ARDATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED ARD TIOED professor George Georgiou as the to struggle in Grade 3 were provided RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW ATLATIO ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT RESEARCH AW NAUCAL Alberta research focused on teachingARD &ATIO ED learningARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED ARD TIO RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW ATLATIO ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT AW NAL ARDATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED ARD recipient of its 2019 ATA Educational intervention on a one-on-one basis. RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW ATLATIO ARDRESEARCHNAUCAAT ARDATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW LATIO ED RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW ATLATIO ARDRESEARCHNAUCA ARDATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW L TIO Research Award. At the conclusion of the study only RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW ATLATIO ARD NA ARDATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA AW L RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW ATLATIO ARD ARDATIO ED ARDRESEARCHEDNAUCA Georgiou’s award-winning sub- four students who received interven- RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW L TIO ARDATIO ED ARD NA RESEARCH AW NAUCAATL AW L ARDATIO ED ARD mission was a three-year, dual-site tion remained at-risk readers, i.e., a RESEARCH AW NAUCAL Worth a mention … ARD TIO AW NAL mere 1.4 per cent of the original cohort ARD quantitative study conducted in • Also involved in the research project were Rauno Parrila, formerly of the of 290 students. Alberta and Quebec called “Response U of A, currently at Macquarie University in Australia, and Robert Savage, to Intervention: Schools Where All formerly of McGill University, and now at University College of London. Children Learn to Read.” It followed Remarkable results a group of students in each province Nellie Carlson School was brand new • “Response to Intervention: Schools Where All Children Learn to Read” (Georgiou, Parrila and Savage 2018) is available online for download (bit. from Grade 1 to Grade 3 (2015–2018) to when its four Grade 2 classes joined ly/Response_to_Intervention ). evaluate the basic assumptions of the the other 10 schools for the second and Response to Intervention (RtI) model third years of the study. Three of the four • Georgiou is now embarking on new partnerships with a number of Alberta in literacy intervention. It also involved classes had average reading scores that school jurisdictions. training teachers in best practices and were below the acceptable standard. • The ATA Educational Research Award is valued at $5,000 and is presented the use of standardized tools for read- “Those same students, followed two annually to a faculty of education member or sessional lecturer at an Alberta ing assessment. years later, are doing really well … university or university college who has undertaken high-quality research “This line of research is extremely they’re well above the norm,” said on classroom teaching and learning. The deadline for applications for next important for two reasons,” said Georgiou, Nellie Carlson School principal Henry year’s award is May 15, 2020. who is also director of the university’s Madsen. Gold medal winners announced ATA News Staff in June 2019. She also holds a bachelor Tunisia. At the age programme d’après-diplôme menant of arts in economics and a certificate in of 20, she returned au baccalauréat en éducation offert par visual design with a specialization in art to France to study at le Campus Saint-Jean. ach year, the Alberta Teachers’ theory and practice from the University the Université Nice EAssociation awards a gold medal of Calgary. Sophia Antipolis, Jacqueline Halase to the student who attains the high- Amber is thrilled to begin her teach- where she earned William Aberhart Gold Medal est general proficiency in the final two ing career with the Calgary Board of a PhD in science in University of Lethbridge years of a bachelor of education pro- Education for the 2019–20 school year. June 2009. gram at each of the four faculties of Guezguez subse- Jacqueline Halase education. Hal Friesen quently spent five completed her com- These awards are administered by Milton Ezra LaZerte Gold Medal years pursuing postdoctoral studies bined bachelor of fine arts and bach- the student awards office affiliated University of Alberta at the Université de Sherbrooke, in with each institution and are generally Quebec. She taught science to second- elor of education awarded at convocation ceremonies in Hal Friesen holds ary students in France as well as to uni- degree in spring the spring. a BSc in chemistry versity students in Montreal. In 2017, a 2019 with a major and physics (2008), desire to reorient her career in a way in drama education. an MSc in electrical that would allow her to continue teach- She excelled both Amber Baker engineering (2011) ing motivated her to undertake stud- academically and Clarence Sansom Gold Medal and a BEd with a ies toward a bachelor of education in in her field experience placements. University of Calgary general science the After-Degree program at Campus Halase’s talent and dedication in major and a French Saint-Jean. directing and producing a highly suc- Amber Baker was minor (2019). In his Amel Guezguez est née dans la ville cessful school drama production, as born and raised in career he’s devel- française de Nice et a grandi en Tunisie. well as her investment in developing Calgary and is the oped laser-based gas detectors and À l’âge de 20 ans, elle retourne en relationships with her students, their mother of three shot lasers for fusion energy research. France pour poursuivre des études à parents and the staff at her school, children. She has a He is currently conducting research l’Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, où left a deep and lasting impression on lifelong passion for on smart lighting. In his spare time, elle obtient un doctorat en sciences en all with whom she worked. One of the learning and is an Friesen also writes science fiction and juin 2009. teachers in her school stated, “It’s easy active volunteer in fantasy stories, one of which is a final- Par la suite, Guezguez poursuit pen- to forget she’s a new teacher! She has her community. ist for the Washington Science Fiction dant cinq ans une formation postdoc- enabled us to grow as well by demon- Her experience Association Small Press Award. torale à l’Université de Sherbrooke, au strating and discussing new and cre- volunteering at her children’s schools Québec. Elle a également l’occasion ative teaching ideas that we can use reinforced her long-term goal of pur- Amel Guezguez d’enseigner les sciences à des élèves du in our own practice.” Said another: suing a career in education. Amber Marie-Louise Grugeyroux Gold Medal secondaire en France et à des étudiants “We have had parents and students received a bachelor of education with Campus Saint-Jean universitaires à Montréal. En 2017, le approach our principal demanding a concentration in elementary math- désir de donner une nouvelle orien- that we hire this young woman right ematics from the Werklund School of Amel Guezguez was born in the tation à sa carrière tout en continuant n o w.” ❚ Education at the University of Calgary French city of Nice but grew up in d’enseigner la pousse à s’inscrire au 8 ❚ The ATA News, October 15, 2019 Project Overseas delivers a life-changing experience Mission is making a difference This past summer, 10 Alberta teachers Michelle Dickie Their daily challenges and successes participated in Project Overseas. Here are ones that I cannot begin to list and certainly put our issues into a new per- is a sampling of first-person accounts t is extremely difficult to briefly put spective. It was a true honour to work Iinto words the thousands of moments alongside them. that made up my experience with The students who must walk for of their experiences. Project Overseas in Uganda. up to an hour with no shoes to get to Every morning, the road to our site school have a different road to travel was covered in fog. Through it, the than our students, but they are being hard-working people of the region met by teachers who care greatly about would emerge: walking to school, trans- their success, and while we may come porting bananas, shepherding livestock, from very different backgrounds, this is carrying water, starting their day. As we where we were no different from each climbed higher and snaked our way other. Together, we worked on the areas through the hills, the lush landscape of literacy, numeracy, instructional lead- would reveal itself: fruit plantations, ership, life skills and physical education homes and sunlight. It was a beautiful with the goals of inspiring, validating way to start the day. and improving current practices. Burkina Faso The teachers that I worked with are professionals living and teaching in sit- Michelle Dickie teaches at Varsity uations that most of us can’t imagine. Acres School in Calgary.

Sierra Leone Ghana

Uganda

Africa

Alberta teacher Michelle Dickie reviews a student’s work during a school visit in Uganda.

Montserrat Girls face barriers to education

Ellen Braaten I was especially affected by our dis- cussions regarding barriers to girls’ education such as early marriage, Caribbean he experience was extremely valu- teenage pregnancy and significant St. Lucia Table for me professionally and gender-based violence within educa- personally. I was inspired by the ped- tional settings. It was a great privilege agogy, enthusiasm and resilience of my to learn from these colleagues, to add Grenada Sierra Leonean colleagues. These are my own contribution to the quality of teachers who often have upward of 75 education in the country and to build students in a class, who are not pre- precious friendships. dictably or sustainably paid and who I am very grateful for the opportunity do not have the opportunity for any to participate in this project and would professional development outside of highly recommend Project Overseas to this project, yet they were willing to my Albertan colleagues. embrace the experience and operate What is Project Overseas? with skill and professionalism. Ellen Braaten teaches in Calgary. A joint endeavour by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) and its member organizations, Project Overseas provides professional assistance to fellow teachers in developing countries. The project takes place during the months of July and August. Started in 1962 with one program in Nigeria, Project Overseas has helped teacher organizations in more than 50 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Since its inception, more than 1,800 Canadian teachers have participated in the program. Currently, approx- imately 50 volunteers are sent each summer to about a dozen countries. Application deadline approaching The deadline to apply for Project Overseas this year is midnight on Nov. 1. More information is available on the ATA home page at www.teachers.ab.ca. The Teachers Action for Girls team in Sierra Leone. The ATA News, October 15, 2019 ❚ 9 Project Overseas delivers a life-changing experience Sierra Leone provides rewarding challenge Lawrence Hunter ultimately rebuilding and healing their country after years of civil conflict. Along with three other Canadian am a seasoned Project Overseas par- teachers and Leonean co-tutors, I par- Iticipant and team leader. In 2016, ticipated in a train-the-trainer program. I travelled to Ghana as a team mem- In collaboration with our Leonean co- ber, in 2018 as team leader for Ghana- tutors, we provided peer coaching and Nkabom, and this year to Sierra Leone team facilitation for workshops in liter- as a team leader, which was another acy, numeracy, teacher action for girls amazing opportunity. and peace education for local teachers. Given Sierra Leone’s recent turbu- This year, the CTF-SLTU efforts dou- lent history, I was uncertain what to bled from previous years, allowing us to expect, but I was quickly inspired by the provide workshops for two groups, each Leonean teachers. They demonstrate of 100 local teachers. The Canadian perseverance, high morale and dedica- team focused on guiding and coaching Karen Dion of Alberta (bottom, left) was part of a team of 10 Canadians who visited Uganda tion to education in the face of poverty, local instructors as they facilitated the to work with leaders of the Ugandan National Teacher’s Union and Ugandan co-tutors. overcrowded classrooms, severe under- workshops. funding and lack of teaching materi- I worked specifically in peace edu- als, many students working well below cation. The primary goals were to stra- Thinking about applying? grade level, overall poor working con- tegically design classroom cultures ditions and limited salaries. They have that nurtured inclusiveness, accep- faith in education as the solution to tance of gender, reduction of violence Go for it! and aggression, elimination of corpo- in Canada, along with a large number ral punishments and the creation of Karen Dion of new strategies and teaching ideas to systemic change across Sierra Leone. try in my own classroom. Engaging in social and educational magine teaching a class of more than You cannot help but get swept up by reform was both challenging and 60 students in a small room with no rewarding for me, but as Augustine I the beautiful music, dancing and art electricity, only enough seats for 20, and that surround you while in Uganda. At of Hippo once said, “Each of us had walls that need to be smeared with cow something to learn from the others and the same time, you discover strengths dung weekly in order to keep the dust that you never realized you had. Some something to teach in return.” down. This is a reality for hundreds of Though challenging, this was another highlights of the trip included navi- teachers in Uganda. Some rural teach- gating the busy markets of downtown extremely rewarding experience with ers don’t even have a classroom, only Kampala, having college students ask Project Overseas. a tree to sit under, while they teach a me to present some of my ideas dur- class of more than 100 pupils. Lawrence Hunter teaches at L.Y. ing a study break, interacting with the Cairns School in Edmonton. Despite this, the individuals I met Neighbourhood children greet Lawrence while partaking in Project Overseas children at a local school, attending cul- Hunter during his walk to work. were enthusiastic, passionate and thirsty tural performances that were radiant for every bit of advice we were able with energy, and being caught in a hail to give. Not only did they prove their storm while boating on the Nile River. resourcefulness and resiliency time and Without a doubt, this trip was one of Journey ignites new passion again, they also made us feel extremely the most powerful experiences of my welcome and actively engaged in the life. I would tell anyone considering Lorie Masur site! As I shared my lessons, the teach- sessions we were presenting, even applying to go for it. You will not believe ers I was working with shared with me though some of our ideas were consid- how much you will learn and grow. their kind spirit, generosity, colourful ered to be quite “out of the box.” If you would like to see more pictures eadership, mentorship, culture and culture, and song and dance. Concepts such as engaging students of Team Uganda Central and our adven- Ladventure — these were some of my I came back to Canada, to my school through movement and games became tures this summer, you can check out eye-opening and life-changing experi- and to my family full of appreciation a strong focus of our presentations, as our twitter account @CTFUganda2019. ences with Project Overseas. and gratitude, full of a love for Africa, did differentiated instruction and lev- When I reflect on my month-long and full of a passion to teach others in elled learning. In return, I walked away Karen Dion teaches at Seven Persons teaching assignment in Ghana, it is the a way that I did not have before I left with a new appreciation for the materi- School in Seven Persons (south of people who stand out. on this adventure. als and support we receive as teachers Medicine Hat). We were a team of eight Canadian teachers from across Canada. I was Lorie Masur teaches at Banting and privileged to work, plan and learn with Best Elementary School in Calgary. these impassioned people. From day one, we knew our team was strong. It Apprentissage actif au was love at first sight, and we hit the ground running! Hard to believe that Burkina Faso over a period of four weeks, these Marie-Eve Allaire n’ont pas l’habitude d’employer les seven master teachers became my new jeux et les activités de manipulation. Il besties and even my family! a fallu beaucoup d’adaptation pour les Greeting our team once we arrived e 8 juillet dernier, je m’envolais avec leur expliquer! L’approche pédagogique in Ghana was the Ghana National mon équipe pour le Burkina Faso. employée au Burkina Faso est fortement Teachers Association (GNAT). Ernest L Dans le cadre du Projet outre-mer, nous ancrée dans les méthodes traditionnelles and Thomas from GNAT looked after allions travailler en partenariat avec les : les enseignants parlent, les élèves us like we were royalty. Our driver, syndicats et les professeurs de l’endroit Eric, immersed us into the culture of notent tout et mémorisent. Cela pose dans le but de donner des formations Ghana with his music and his stories. des défis à plusieurs égards. Comme aux enseignants burkinabés. Nous In Accra, we planned and bonded with le nombre moyen d’élèves par classe allions parler entre autres d’inclusion, our co-teachers from Ghana. peut se situer autour de cinquante (et We taught three professional devel- d’équité des genres et de pédagogie même aller jusqu’à cent dans certaines opment sessions that were each a week générale. Pour ma part, j’ai travaillé régions, y compris au primaire), il est long. The first session in Takoradi lives de pair avec les enseignants des SVT difficile de faire bouger les élèves. in my memory as a rural, go-back-in- (sciences de la vie et de la terre) et Malgré tout, il était évident que les history-50-years session. The teachers d’histoire dans le but de leur fournir enseignants burkinabés veulent ce qu’il we were teaching were kind and gentle, de nouvelles idées de jeux et d’activités y a de mieux pour leurs élèves et qu’ils with stories and song and colour that pour réviser la matière. J’ai aussi donné souhaitaient vraiment apprendre de spoke to me as an authentic African un atelier sur la ligne du temps qui s’est nouvelles stratégies! experience. terminé par une petite compétition The other two sessions took place at pour inciter les participants à créer Marie-Eve Allaire enseigne les 3e Cape Coast College, a local high school Lorie Masur teaches with an aide provided by la ligne du temps la plus complète et 4e années à l’école Les Cyprès de of 3,000 with a monkey sanctuary on one of her colleagues from Ghana. possible. Les enseignants burkinabés Medicine Hat. 10 ❚ The ATA News, October 15, 2019

PROJECT OVERSEAS continued from page 9 Experience sparks imagination and creativity Marianne Darlet in their classrooms that I was humbled by this experience. Imagination and cre- ativity is what we have so much in com- he topic I was asked to cover during mon as teachers, and that is why Project Tmy three weeks was numeracy. The Overseas is so successful. first day I walked into my classroom, The days flew by quickly as we dis- I saw accordion doors that separated covered together new ways to teach classrooms. There was black paint on math. The heat, humidity, birds who sat three of the doors, which were used as on the lattice and noise from the court- blackboards. There were no windows yard did not hinder the fun we shared on one side; instead there was a wall while trying new methods of teaching that was latticed so that air could flow on one another. Un paysage spectaculaire de l’ile. freely through the classroom. I intro- Should you want to help my new duced myself, and the morning passed friends in Grenada, I opened a Facebook quickly as I was inundated with ques- account called Grenada Teachers Intégration des technologies tions about Canada by the 11 teachers Numeracy Aid for elementary math attending my workshop. resources. I know that they would be dans l’ombre du volcan For the next two weeks we worked grateful for any resources posted on together to find strategies and share this site. Shawn Arseneault J’ai eu le plaisir de travailler avec un experiences to improve numeracy on the peu plus d’une vingtaine d’enseignants island. These educators are so resource- Marianne Darlet teaches at Ecole JH sur l’intégration des technologies dans ful and effective with the little they have Picard in Edmonton. on équipe s’est déplacée dans la salle de classe. Il faut dire que la Mles Caraïbes afin de participer plupart des enseignants à Montserrat au tout premier projet collaboratif ont un tableau interactif dans leur salle entre la Fédération canadienne des de classe et que chacune des écoles a enseignantes et des enseignants (FCE) une salle d’ordinateurs. Par contre, les et la Montserrat Union of Teachers enseignants présents n’avaient jamais (MUT). L’ile de Montserrat est un reçu de formation à ce sujet. L’objectif territoire britannique d’outre-mer qui de l’atelier que j’ai animé était donc se situe au sud-ouest d’Antigua et au d’enseigner des stratégies concernant nord-ouest de la Guadeloupe. Le sud de l’utilisation du tableau interactif et les l’ile est désormais une zone d’exclusion technologies d’assistance ainsi que désignée en raison des nombreuses l’intégration des technologies dans éruptions du volcan de la Soufrière les domaines des mathématiques, des depuis 1997. arts langagiers et de l’évaluation. Les Pendant notre séjour, nous avons tra- enseignants sont repartis avec une vaillé avec un groupe d’un peu plus de panoplie de différents outils qu’ils 50 enseignants, ce qui représente envi- peuvent utiliser quotidiennement dans ron la moitié des enseignants de l’ile. Les la salle de classe. participants ont pu choisir parmi qua- Ce fut une expérience incroyable tre différents ateliers. Nous avons offert auprès de gens tellement chaleureux. des ateliers portant sur la numératie, la Marianne Darlet with the Grenada teachers numeracy group. Jamais je ne l’oublierai! littératie, l’évaluation et l’intégration des technologies. Les participants ont assisté Shawn Arseneault est consultant au à deux de ces ateliers sur une période développement des ressources à Alberta Travel overseas brings de deux semaines. Education. joy and confirmation Participation highly recommended Monique Wilson have the same triumphs, challenges, joys and heartbreaks. Stephani Clements sulphur springs, dine at a local fish fry I returned to Canada grateful for a (the catch of the day was tuna or conch, he heat hits you as soon as you strong teachers’ association, happy to locally known as lambi) and climb part he most rewarding professional step off the plane. While it was hot have made new friends both at home way up the famous Gros Piton moun- T development opportunities occur in Ottawa (especially compared with and overseas, and excited to take on a T tain just to try amazing homemade ice when we collaborate with colleagues Edmonton), it is HOT in St. Lucia … new school year! cream (lime and avocado flavour)! St. hot and humid. and share best practices. Professional Lucia is an amazing country! As someone involved in teacher Monique Wilson teaches at Aurora development opportunities such as I would highly recommend Project the Canadian Teachers’ Federation’s welfare both at my school and at the Charter School in Edmonton. Overseas to any teacher, especially Project Overseas enable Canadian ATA through my membership on the one who is team oriented, adventurous, teachers to volunteer and share their Teacher Welfare Services Committee, highly motivated, adaptable and desires expertise while working with teachers I was excited to share my love and a positive professional learning experi- in various partner countries. knowledge of teacher welfare and ence. Participation in Project Overseas During the month of July, I had the collective bargaining over 10 days in is a life-changer! great pleasure of leading a team of Castries, with teachers from all over Canadian teachers to St. Lucia to work Stephani Clements teaches in Calgary. the island. together with local teachers in facili- St. Lucia is a tiny island — the whole tating a 10-day workshop on various island is smaller than the city of Calgary teaching strategies. — with approximately 2,000 teachers The participation of the 60 to 80 working there. Many of them made a teachers from St. Lucia was voluntary, significant drive of an hour or more but these dedicated teachers chose to one way to voluntarily attend the con- take the first few weeks of their sum- ference, even after four days of Carnival mer vacation to attend workshops. celebrations, which included parties Many of them travelled an hour or more that lasted all night! each day, demonstrating a commitment Team St. Lucia comprised me and to their students and their own pro- three other female teachers from across fessional growth. As with teachers the Canada. It was so great to spend time world over, they were concerned with with these amazing teachers, both by reaching every student, working with video conference and at orientation in finite resources and helping students Ottawa, before departing for St. Lucia. achieve various goals. Working with these teachers and with While our focus was academic and the staff in St. Lucia was a privilege and professional (which made for busy a joy, and it was so amazing to confirm planning and teaching days), there Canadian and Lucian facilitators including the idea that regardless of environ- Monique Wilson conducts a collective were several opportunities for cultural Monique Wilson from Edmonton (second ments, circumstances or size of educa- bargaining session with a group of Lucian immersion. We were able to experi- from left) and Stephani Clements of Calgary tion system, teachers all over the world teachers. ence Carnival, visit the volcano and (third from left). The ATA News, October 15, 2019 ❚ 11

Volunteer for Project Overseas To Advertise For advertising information, contact: with CTF in the summer of 2020 Trevor Battye | Clevers Media The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) needs Canadian English- and French- 1-778-773-9397 | [email protected] speaking teachers to volunteer their services in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Advertisers are encouraged to book early — space is Teams are formed in January, with inservice projects taking place in July and August. limited. For more information and to apply, visit www.teachers.ab.ca, under Next deadline: Thursday, October. 24, 2019, 4 p.m. My ATA > Programs and Services > International Cooperation. (Publication date November 5, 2019) Application deadline: November 1, 2019. Circulation: 38,000 We accept Visa, Mastercard, cash or cheque. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Disclaimer The Alberta Teachers’ Association does not necessarily endorse the products or services presented in paid advertisements or in The ATA Educational Trust the Notices and Events column. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ The ATA Educational Trust is a charitable organization that has been supporting public education and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ providing grants to advance teaching practices $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in Alberta for over 30 years. This year, the ATA Educational Trust will award over $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $80,000 in grants. This includes $700 Dr B T Keeler $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Continuing Education Bursaries for teachers wishing to advance their knowledge and teaching skills in a $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ subject area through taking courses. Update your online ATA account between Oct 15 and Nov 15 for a $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Application deadline: May 1, 2020 chance to win $500!

Visit www.teachers.ab.ca to login to your ATA $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ www.teachers.ab.ca > My ATA > Programs and Services > account and update your contact information. Grants, Awards and Scholarships > ATA Educational Trust $$$$$$$$$

AR-ETF 30a 2019-09 COMM-256-1 2019-09

Supporting your students in your schools

Alberta Education is funding Alberta Distance Learning Centre to support Alberta schools to

• provide course content to Alberta teachers to use in your classrooms • provide online and print courses taught by ADLC teachers to your students

There are no fees for instruction. Some courses require the purchase of materials.

Contact our Partner Support Team [email protected] 1-866-774-5333 adlc.ca 12 ❚ The ATA News, October 15, 2019

ATA– CHANGE FOR CHILDREN Applications Teaching Tour are now being accepted Guatemala July Spend two weeks in Guatemala assisting with the professional development of fellow teachers in the areas of language and communication, mathematics, and technology for learning. Collaboration on action plans and incentive strategies to promote school attendance are other components of this teaching tour, with the overal goal being to enhance the quality of education offered to the marginalized Mayan Mam Indigenous population of Guatemala’s western highlands. Travel and living expenses are covered by the ATA. Spanish language ability preferred. To apply, visit teachers.ab.ca>For Members>Programs and Services> International Cooperation>Change for Children For more information, email [email protected].

 Application Deadline: December 15

COOR-61-18a 2019-08 Become a Professional Development Facilitator! PD facilitators are assigned to work with specific locals on a regional basis. They work with PD chairs and PD committees to provide professional development within the region and support the work of Professional Development staff officers. The Alberta Teachers’ Association is seeking outstanding classroom teachers representing all grade levels and subject areas from across the province, including francophone schools. The three-year appointments for these assignments will begin January 2020.

The application process has three parts: 1. Provide a letter of interest, including the following: y Areas of interest and expertise (for example, assessment, FNMI education, inclusive education, student engagement) y Experience in leading professional development Experience Affordable Luxury. y Reasons for applying 2. Download and complete the application form on the ATA website (see below for website information). Enjoy a glass of wine on your private lanai, take a swim in one of the refreshing 3. Provide a resumé outlining education, work pools, relax in your spacious air conditioned villa, or stretch out on your luxurious experience, leadership experience, publications, king size bed. Our fully appointed villas have everything you need to enjoy your stay on the magical island of Maui. 5 Star Dining, Amazing Beaches, Golf, presentations and volunteer experience. Tennis and Upscale Shopping… all within walking distance! Successful candidates are expected to attend two www.beautifulmauivacationrentals.com training sessions per year, as well as the PD Course seminar at the ATA Summer Conference in August. The ATA covers release time and associated expenses to complete the work and provides an honorarium. Please do not apply if you are unable to attend all days of the Changes to Teacher Salary conference or if you cannot commit to attending all training Qualifications Principles sessions. As a courtesy, please advise your superintendent and Deadline for no-cost re-evaluations: January 31, 2020 principal that you will be applying. All applicants must be active or associate members of the ATA and hold an Alberta teaching certificate. Please note the following changes to the Teacher Salary Qualifications Board Principles for the Eval- uation of Years of Teacher Education for Salary Purposes effective July 1, 2019: APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 15, 2019. Subsections c) and d) of Principle 2.01, which deals with recognized institutions, have been amended Send your letter of interest, resumé and completed to read application form to Mardi Veinot, Administrative Officer, c) recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country or is listed in the Association of Com- Professional Development, Alberta Teachers’ Association, monwealth Universities publications, or 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5N 2R1, or e-mail d) recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country or is listed in the International Asso- them to [email protected]. ciation of Universities publications, or For more information or to download an application form, visit www.teachers.ab.ca > My ATA > Engage with Us > Getting Involved as If you have been previously denied credit under Principle 2.01.c) d), you may submit a TQS applica- an Individual > Joining a Corps > Professional Development Facilitators. tion for re-evaluation at no cost until January 31, 2020. Please make sure to indicate the reason for 10 2019 PD-WT-290 re-evaluation in section J. Review of the TQS Application Form. Applications for re-evaluation after January 31, 2020, will be accepted subject to the regular fee, as outlined in section F. Application Fee of the TQS Application Guide Book. It is the responsibility of the teacher to ascertain if changes of principles and their application may affect the evaluation of qualifications for salary purposes. For more information, please contact TQS at 1-800-232-7208. ATAeNEWS Get the ATA News delivered directly to your email inbox. Subscribe today: bit.ly/2Subscribe_Now. TW-145 2019 08 The ATA News, October 15, 2019 ❚ 13

Pension Question? Students compete to win $1000 cash If you’re a teacher in Alberta, by answering the question: ATRF has you—and your pension—covered. “What can you do to For more pension information, and to learn more about improve your watershed?” your plan, visit our website, log into Open to grade 7-12 students across Alberta. your MyPension Please enter the contest closest to you. account or give us a call. Central AB Deadline (north of Airdrie): March 17, 2020 For details contact: Nathalie Stanley Olson, Program Coordinator at 780-672-0276 or [email protected]

Southern AB Deadline (south of and including Airdrie): ATRF.com | mypension.atrf.com | Toll free: 1-800-661-9582 March 13, 2020 For details contact: Cody Field, Program Advisor at Follow us on Instagram: abteachers 403-826-7870 or [email protected]

This environmental competition consists of written proposals and a verbal competition. Total cash prizes for each contest: $6,000 for students and $11,000 for participating schools/clubs.

CaringForOurWatersheds.com 09 2019 EEP-T-27a Full-year and short-term Visit teachers.ab.ca for exchanges for educators applications and details. and administrators. 14 ❚ The ATA News, October 15, 2019

For school leaders

November 18–19, 2019 Hyatt Regency Hotel, Calgary

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Vice-principals, principals or central office teachers, this A P R I L 1 6 - 1 8 , 2 0 2 0 conference is for you! C A N M O R E , A B Network with colleagues and A Conference About Energy and Environmental Education RYAN DUNNE learn about the Professional With Keynote Speak er Simon Jackson Sponsored by Presented by Practice Standards for the E A R L Y B I R D R E G I S T R A T I O N $ 1 9 9 Teaching Profession. W W W . A B C E E . O R G / R E C H A R G E C O N F E R E N C E School leaders in their first five years as administrators, central office teachers or those new to Alberta Advisory Committee their role in Alberta are invited for Educational Studies DR CAROL CAMPBELL to attend. Descriptive or Experimental Studies REGISTER NOW—SPOTS ARE LIMITED APPLICATION FOR GRANTS The Alberta Advisory Committee for Educational Studies (AACES) invites applications for grants up to $6000 to support descriptive or experimental studies in education. Online applications and the guidelines for grant applications are available at: Slip us a tip! www.teachers.ab.ca>Public Education>Education Research. We want to hear about news in your school, district or local. Deadline: October 15, 2019, 4:30 pm Please email managing editor Cory Hare at [email protected]. MS-20 2019 09 MS-20

Do you sell or supply milk in your school? Club Moo is for you!

Club Moo encourages students to make drinking milk a part of their healthy lifestyle by making it fun and rewarding. It promotes healthy eating and students learn better when they consume healthy foods. It also can play a part in your fundraising events too.

Questions? Email: [email protected] Call: 1 877 361 1231

Visit: albertamilk.com/clubmooregistration to register your school with Club Moo The ATA News, October 15, 2019 ❚ 15

Morgex + ATA = 30 years of service and counting!

As an Alberta teacher, your work-life can be demanding. Morgex Insurance ensures you have benefits to give you peace of mind at home and on the road. ATA members can enjoy:

First Claim Forgiveness

Access to 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance

Enhanced Water Coverage options

AIR MILES Reward Miles®-+

Winter Tire Discount

Morgex works hard to put ATA members first, and we offer a wide range of benefits and coverage options, beyond those listed above.

Give us a call today and learn how we are able to help you.

Call or get a quote online today! 1.855.772.8036 Morgex.com

Morgex Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc. ("JI"), a licensed insurance intermediary. Home and auto policies primarily underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company ("UAC"). Described coverage and benefits applicable only to policies underwritten by Unifund in Alberta. JI and UAC share common ownership. ±AIR MILES® Reward Miles awarded only on regular home and car insurance policies underwritten by UAC. At the time the premium is paid, one (1) Mile is awarded for each $20 in premium (including taxes). Miles are not available in SK or MB. ®TMTrademarks of AIR MILES Royalties Limited Partnership used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and JI (for UAC). October 15, 2019 Volume 54, Number 3

Teacher Participation

ducators and students Eall over Alberta rec- ognized Orange Shirt Day on Monday, Sept. 30 in remembrance of the expe- riences of former residen- tial school students. Residential school sur- vivor Phyllis Webstad of Williams Lake, B.C. began the campaign. When she was six, Webstad had her special orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school. Orange Shirt Day Staff at St. John Paul II school in Grande Prairie. School spirit (bear) n conjunction with Orange Shirt Day, Ecole St. Mary School in IWhitecourt held a naming ceremony for its spirit bear, Windy. Provided by the FN Caring Society of Canada, the bear is part of a pro- gram that connects schools with their local Indigenous communities and fosters learning about Indigenous customs, traditions and culture.

Windy, the spirit bear, hosted by Ecole St. Mary School in Whitecourt, is held by Junior Elder Ken Galliot and liaison teachers Natillie Quaife (left) and Pam Fraser. Various ATA locals around the province held events to recognize World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5.

Teachers from four locals (Red Deer City, Red Deer Catholic, Wolf Creek and Chinook’s Members of Calgary Public Teachers Local No. 38 continued their World Edge) advocate for public education at the Red Deer Farmer’s Market. Teachers’ Day tradition of giving away apples at Heritage Park.