The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Alberta is on the brink of a provincial general election, so it’s vital that teachers take a lead role in policy and political discussions about education.

With respect to policy, we continue to debate the purpose of public education and the ability of the current education system to meet the needs of 21st-century learners, and we’ve discussed transforming the education system. Globally, a broad educational reform movement is being spurred on by advancements in technology and societal changes such as global recession, starved infrastructures and political unrest.

Now is an opportune time to consider the kind of education system that will serve our children and society. Teachers have long advocated for an inclusive education system where children from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds are taught together in an environment that fosters collaboration and celebrates diversity. Teachers have also advocated for greater professional autonomy and the resources and learning conditions to develop innovative learning programs for their students.

But favourable policy decisions depend on the political environment. Through political means, teachers can ensure that public education maintains its prominence as an important issue in the public discourse and that the interests of the teaching profession are upheld.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has a strict policy of nonpartisanship, although it does encourage individual teachers to engage in the political process by supporting the candidate who best supports their vision of education.

Effective political advocacy requires an awareness of the different parties’ issues and platforms. That is why the ATA is presenting two all-party forums on education in the coming weeks. The first will be held March 17, when representatives from the five parties currently holding seats in the Alberta legislature will participate in a discussion at Barnett House. The forum will be broadcast live from 10 a.m.–12 noon on www.ustream.tv/channels/albertateachers.

The second forum will feature a telephone town-hall format with party representatives. The date of this event will be announced after the election is called. In order to participate in the town hall, teachers must log on to the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) and update their personal profile.

Once you decide whom to support, you have several ways to ­advance your vision for education. You can contact candidates who share your vision and help them disseminate their messages, you can reach out to candidates who do not share your vision and provide them with information or clarify their misconceptions or you can ­participate simply by talking to your family, friends and neighbours about educational issues and candidates’ stands.

Alternatively, you could work with a candidate to help him or her get elected. This kind of participation can lead to developing a positive relationship with people in a position to make important decisions about education.

Getting elected to political office requires human and financial resources. You could offer to volunteer on a campaign, make phone calls, drop off leaflets, knock on doors or put up signs. You could also donate money to the candidate of your choice. Money from donors helps candidates pay for print materials, signs, office expenses and equipment. And such donations are tax deductible—75 per cent of your donation can be claimed as a deduction on next year’s taxes.

In the end, your active involvement in the upcoming provincial election is an investment in education. It will ensure that education and your professional views are important in the campaign.

We are entering an interesting period. Now is the time to ensure that the teaching profession is heard loud and clear.