The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Danielle Wiart (centre), from Whispering Hills Primary School, Athabasca, learned that one balloon will not support her weight, but many balloons will. Each balloon provided by teacher participants represented a coping strategy for stress. Similarly, Wiart found that one coping strategy will not keep the mental health of a novice teacher afloat, but many coping strategies will.

"Beginning Teacher Wellness," presented by Susan Yackulic, was one of many informative sessions offered at the Beginning Teachers’ Conference, held in Edmonton, September 25–27. The ATA’s conference for beginning teachers south of Red Deer will be held in Calgary, October 16–18.—Photo by Yuet Chan