Page Content
Recently, I was invited to moderate the Last Lecture put on by the University of Lethbridge. The structure of the event was simple: one short lecture by professors for the graduating students as they begin their own “unexpected journeys,” which was the theme of the day’s lecture.
We can all attest that this last year has been one unexpected journey. As I listened to the range of lectures, a comment that stood out to me came from Dr. Katharina Stevens, an assistant professor in the U of L’s department of philosophy.
Stevens spoke about change, and how too much change at once can be traumatic. This started me thinking about the dramatic changes we have all experienced over the last year of the pandemic. It’s a lot of change at once and it can impact our mental health, and as Stevens noted, it’s important to access mental health supports when this change is overwhelming.
Stevens further explained that when we know the very core of who we are, such as our values and our beliefs, it lessens the impact of the changes that happen to us. Of course, as I listened to this, I thought of my own immediate professional and personal life, but the comment stuck with me throughout the week. Then, as the ATA released its stance of non-confidence in the draft K–6 curriculum, I began to apply Stevens’s comments about change to the draft curriculum and the reaction to it from thousands of Albertans.
Essentially, the change to the curriculum in its content and design are misaligned with the core beliefs and values of Albertans. This has been highlighted explicitly by the thousands of teachers who have taken time to complete the ATA’s survey. The feedback that teachers have provided is detailed, thoughtful and professional, and it speaks to the heart and core of our work.
Teachers care about their students and their future. Teachers want to see a change to the curriculum — some parts of the program of studies are decades old. However, the draft K–6 curriculum needs to be reviewed by Alberta teachers and members from Alberta faculties of education and must be properly inclusive of multiple perspectives, such as francophone, Black, Indigenous and people of colour.
Teachers believe in the future of our students. It provides hope, and that speaks to the very core of our work. ❚
I welcome your comments. Contact me at jason.schilling@ata.ab.ca.
