The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Gamma Chapter of DKG hosts author event

Hear Corinne Jeffery, St. Albert author of the “Understanding Ursula Trilogy”—Arriving, Thriving and Choosing. Jeffery will be the guest speaker at the 5th Annual Author’s Breakfast sponsored by the Gamma Chapter of DKG. The event takes place Saturday, February 1, 2014, from 10 a.m.–12 noon, at Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209-123 Street, in Edmonton. Brunch will be followed by a talk and book signing. DKG is an international society of women educators that promotes professional and personal growth and excellence in education. Tickets for the breakfast are $20 and can be reserved by contacting Lorna Berlinguette at 780-444-0532 or Janet M. Clark at 780-483-4261.

Free eye exams curtail future vision problems

Each year, fewer than 14 per cent of Canadian children under the age of six have a comprehensive eye exam before entering school, despite the fact that an estimated one in four school-aged children has a vision problem. In Alberta, a free program offered by optometrists, called Eye See...Eye Learn®, provides kindergarten-aged children with a comprehensive eye examination and a complimentary pair of glasses if they need them. The program is designed to detect, diagnose and treat children with vision problems before they begin school, so they have every opportunity to learn to the best of their ability. For more information about this program, visit www.optometrists.ab.ca/eye-see-eye-learn.

Calling all educators of Indigenous youth

Are you a K–12 teacher who is interested in mentoring Indigenous students? If yes, then consider joining an educator coaching program. The program provides teachers with an opportunity to collaborate with another teacher with the support and guidance of the Indspire Institute (https://indspire.ca/). The program’s goal is to increase the success of Indigenous students. You do not have to be Indigenous to participate in this program. Mentors receive a $600 honorarium. For information, visit http://indspire.ca/programs/peer-support.

Support the Go 2 School Initiative

School enrolment rates for Somali children are among the lowest in the world. In response, Somali authorities, with the support of UNICEF, have launched The Go 2 School Initiative. The goal is to have 1 million children enrolled in education within the next three years. To learn more, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-break-the-cycle-of-illiteracy-in-somalia-with-the-go2school-initiative.

fYrefly in schools: Peer-to-peer education opportunity

fYrefly in Schools is a student-education program offered by the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta. Based on Camp fYrefly, an award-winning summer leadership retreat for sexual and gender minority youth, the fYrefly in Schools program seeks to increase awareness of homophobic/transphobic bullying and equip students to become proponents for diversity, equity, and human rights in their schools and communities. An experienced teacher leads all workshops, which are guided by a peer-led student discussion panel. Typically, it is delivered as an interactive 60–90-minute classroom workshop. Workshops can be tailored to meet individual class or school needs. To learn more e-mail Dr. Kristopher Wells (kris.wells@ualberta.ca) or call 780-492-9908. To book a free workshop for your classroom, please send an e-mail to fYreflys@ualberta.ca.

Stories and photos wanted

The ATA News is always on the lookout for interesting articles, photos and cartoons. Articles should not exceed 500 words and should be ­accompanied by a short byline, stating where you work and what you teach. Photos of teachers or students participating in interesting activities are welcome, as are cartoons. Don’t forget to include photo captions. Please note: Receipt of material does not guarantee its publication. Send your submissions to Managing Editor, The ATA News, 11010–142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 or submit electronically to raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.