Page Content
Students and teachers at St. James School, in Edmonton, launch the Association’s new partnership with the Alberta division of the Canadian Mental Health Association.—Photo by Koni Macdonald
A new partnership was unveiled at St. James Elementary School, in Edmonton, May 7, when the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the Alberta division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) launched Healthy Minds, Bright Futures, a booklet featuring resources and information on how to identify and assist students affected by mental illness.
“Alberta’s teachers understand that the physical and mental health needs of students need to be taken care of before they can learn,” said ATA President Frank Bruseker.
Tom Shand, executive director of the Alberta region of CMHA, said, “Research has shown that as many as one in five teenagers have experienced a major mental disorder. We are excited about partnering with Alberta’s teachers to remove barriers like fear, embarrassment and peer pressure that keep our youth from getting the help they need.”
• Teachers are concerned about the mental health of students. Many ATA locals are promoting mental health awareness.
• Edmonton Catholic Schools teachers wore green to class on May 7 to raise awareness of student mental health issues.
• Edmonton Public teachers will donate the proceeds from its annual golf tournament in August to the CMHA.
• Chinook’s Edge teachers are sponsoring summer camps for students with mental health issues.
• Teachers in Pembina Hills are attending mental health first aid workshops.
• Sturgeon teachers are distributing posters to raise awareness about mental health issues.
For more information on the program, visit the ATA website (
www.teachers.ab.ca) or contact Jonathan Teghtmeyer. Telephone: in Edmonton and area, 780-447-9477; toll free at 1‑800‑232‑7208 (ext. 477); e-mail:
jonathan.teghtmeyer@ata.ab.ca.
Also In the News
