The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Welcome back to a new school year and a refreshed ATA News.

Just as many teachers are likely to do over the summer, we’ve reflected on our practice, which has resulted in a new approach to communicating news to members.

This issue of the ATA News has a new look and layout, as well as a revised approach to content. Much like the mission statement put forth in 1967 by editor Tom McConaghy in the inaugural issue of the ATA News, we’re focusing on creating "a news medium noted for its brevity and readability" (see "Improving Communications," page 3).

The front page has a redesigned banner, features more graphic elements and introduces teasers linked to content inside the newspaper. We hope you’ll like the two-page editorial spread (pages 2 and 3) and our revamped back-page feature. Of course, we’ll maintain your favourite pieces—Q&A, labour news, Moot Points, news about teachers and more.

As editor-in-chief, I’ve heard from teachers who say it’s time to cease printing a newspaper. Some teachers echoed a similar sentiment in our ATA News reader survey conducted in advance of the redesign. No doubt many members remember the infamous debate regarding the future of the ATA News during the 2008 Annual Representative Assembly. Since then, the Association and I personally have undertaken research into our members’ media habits.

The ATA News survey we conducted earlier this year found strong support for maintaining the print edition: 85 per cent of respondents said they read all or most of each issue of the ATA News.

Even if print newspaper readership is declining, though, I believe it’s important for teachers to express concern for a diminution of printed resources, especially in light of statistics from literacy organizations that indicate a general decline in the population’s literacy skills. Newspaper readership and literacy are important foundations of a healthy society and they nurture social engagement, such as active citizenship and voter participation. Showing leadership on reading in all its forms must be part of our role as teachers.

Although newspaper readership may be declining, it’s unlikely to die completely. People are not disposing carte blanche of certain media formats in favour of others; instead, they are diversifying. People consume media in a variety of formats, including print. Research suggests that media choices are driven more by content or readers’ interests than by format. Given this, people who are interested in specific content will look for it in all media.

The interests of the ATA and the teaching profession are best served by engaging members in a variety of media—electronic and print. Over the past few years, the ATA has improved its web presence by introducing Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages. This fall, we’ll introduce a Pinterest page and push notifications on our iPhone application. It stands to reason, therefore, that the ATA will continue to improve its print publications as well.

Redesigning the ATA News ensures that the print version remains as relevant, interesting and user-friendly as possible for our readers. We’ll continue to focus on readability and visual appeal. And, as always, we’re interested in hearing from you.

Thanks for reading. ❚