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Greg Jeffery, district representative for Edmonton District (right), presents a Local Public Relations trophy to Mark Ramsankar, president of the Edmonton Public local.—Photo by Koni Macdonald
Excellence in public relations was fêted at the opening session of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s 59th Annual Summer Conference, August 13.
Edmonton Public Teachers Local No. 37 won the best overall program award of excellence for its submission "Keeping Teachers and the Local in the Public Eye." The program increased the involvement of members in local activities and profiled the professionalism of teachers. Actions taken by the local included profiling elected executives, developing a magazine for teachers’ articles, attending principals’ meetings and substitute teachers’ general assemblies, hosting dinners with members to hear concerns and gather information, drafting a new teacher induction initiative, working with the school board on PD and mentorship programs, organizing social events, and sponsoring a summer camp for abused women and their children.
Lethbridge Public School Local No. 41 won the special project award of excellence for its submission "O Christmas Tree." The local sponsored and decorated a Christmas tree to heighten public awareness of teacher involvement in the community. Teachers and students in the local provided decorations based on the theme "Educating for a Healthy Future." The tree was displayed at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital and then auctioned off for more than $1,000 in support of the hospital.
Elk Island Local No. 28 won the newsletter award of excellence for the Bugler. With a goal to increase contributions from members, the local communications officer raised the newsletter’s profile by talking to members; distributing newsletters at local meetings and sending electronic versions to school representatives; and soliciting ideas, suggestions and comments. By May 2007, the newsletter received double the number of contributions from members.
Red Deer Catholic Local No. 80 received an award of merit in the best overall program award category, and Lethbridge Public School Local No. 41 received an award of merit in the local newsletter award category.
Also in Honour Roll
