The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Six reasons to get or update your online ATA account now

An online ATA account allows members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association to access important tools, services and information housed in the Members Only area of the Association website.

Before turning out those lights in your classroom for the summer, update your online ATA account or — if you don’t yet have one — get one now. Here are six reasons why you should.

1. Get collective bargaining updates.
   When the bargaining of collective agreements is imminent or underway, regular updates and other information critical to keeping you informed of developments will be posted in the Members Only section of the Association website. All collective agreements between ATA bargaining units and their respective school jurisdictions expire Aug. 31, 2018. Bargaining for new agreements is underway.
   
   
2. Vote on central table collective agreements.
   Ratification votes by teachers on central table collective agreements negotiated between the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association are conducted exclusively online. An online ATA account is required to vote.
   The current central table agreement expires on
   Aug. 31, 2018.
   
   
3. 2019 is a PEC election year.
   Provincial Executive Council (PEC) conducts the business of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. It is made up of 20 members, 18 of whom are elected by you. PEC represents teachers across the province and brings their voices to the table when determining Association strategies and actions.
   PEC elections for all positions are held every two years and are conducted exclusively online, as are byelections, which take place as necessary. An online ATA account is required to vote. Updated account information is needed to ensure you are assigned the correct ballot.
   
   
4. Use ATA library online resources and databases.The ATA library has an extensive collection of books, periodicals, videos and other materials focusing on educational research and professional development for teachers. Library services and materials are available in both French and English.
   Get your online ATA account and log into the ATA library catalogue to reserve books or videos.
   
   
5. Get no-cost ATA specialist council memberships.
   As a benefit of ATA membership, active members are entitled to join one specialist council of their choice each year at no cost. Specialist councils promote the development of specialized professional expertise. Each of the 21 councils is operated by a team of volunteer teacher members who contribute their time, talent and enthusiasm to developing materials and organizing events that assist in gathering ideas, sharing information and building capacities among ATA members. Active members must have an online ATA account to select and join the specialist council of their choice.
   
   
6. Print your own ATA membership card.
   The Association launched online self-serve membership card distribution in 2016. With an online ATA account, you have the convenience of printing your own ATA member card from the Association website when you need it. ATA member cards are useful when your identification as a teacher or member of an association is needed to attend events, receive discounts or be eligible for other offers from retailers and service providers. ❚