Page Content
Question: I’m a new school representative. I’ve been told that I’m to report to staff meetings following the local Council of School Representatives (CSR) meetings. My principal has informed me that I can’t present my report during staff meetings. What are the expectations of the Alberta Teachers’ Association regarding school representatives reporting at school staff meetings?
Answer: The Association expects that school representatives will be provided time to report to the teaching staff about CSR meetings and issues raised by the ATA. It’s also likely that school representatives will report to staff on collective bargaining issues. As such, it’s advisable that the school rep report during staff meetings and the ensuing discussion be restricted to ATA members.
The Association expects school reps to have a role in managing ATA information, communicating ATA views to members and advocating on behalf of the ATA and its members. Staff meetings provide an opportunity for members to become informed and to raise issues of concern regarding Association, district and government policies and practices. This further ensures that school reps hear the views of a broader range of their colleagues at meetings and are not, therefore, limited only to personal views or those of their closest colleagues.
School reps are a valuable link between the Association and its members, and it is always the expectation of the ATA that their work be facilitated by their colleagues.
Questions for consideration in this column are welcome. Please address them to Gordon Thomas at Barnett House (gordon.thomas@ata.ab.ca).
