The Alberta Teachers’ Association

What is a caring, respectful and safe school?

The Alberta Teachers’ Association, Alberta Education and the Society for Safe and Caring Schools & Communities are developing a guidebook to help schools create caring, respectful and safe environments that are free from bullying (as identified in Bill 3, Education Act). Educators are invited to participate in a short survey and share their successes and stories on practices used to create caring, respectful and safe schools. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CRSAdmSurvey (the survey takes about 15 minutes to complete). Survey participants will be entered into a draw for a free violence prevention presentation for their school.

Power to the people!

Learn how North American organizations are mobilizing people to win advocacy campaigns. A workshop will be offered by Matt Price from British Columbia. Price has worked for environmental organizations in Canada and the U.S. over the past 15 years. He is coauthor of the paper “Engagement Organizing,” which discusses the emerging methods with which organizations are recruiting and mobilizing their supporters (participants are encouraged to read the paper prior to the workshop). Space in the workshop is limited to 20 participants. The workshop will be held January 22, 2013, 9:30 am–12 pm at Barnett House, 11010 142 Street, Edmonton. The workshop will be followed by a lunch and a two-hour meeting to discuss the launch of a new national movement called “Common Causes” and discuss supporting the Idle No More campaign. Register before January 17 by contacting Public Interest Alberta—e-mail: communications@pialberta.org; telephone: 780-420-0471.

Mystery is theme of Delta Kappa Gamma brunch

Nothing goes better with PD than murder and breakfast. At least that’s what the Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International thinks. On Saturday, February 2, Janice MacDonald, author of the Randy Craig mysteries (Hang Down Your Head, Sticks and Stones and The Next Margaret), will be the featured guest speaker at the fourth annual Author’s Breakfast. The public event begins at 10 am, at Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 Street, Edmonton. A brunch will be served, followed by a talk and book signing. Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional honorary society of women educators that promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education. Tickets are $20 each and available by contacting Jill Lambie—telephone: 780-962-4283; e-mail: jilllambie@shaw.ca, or Janet Clark—telephone: 780-483-4261; e-mail: clarkwinchesters@shaw.ca.

Download the ATA iPhone app

The ATA’s mobile application connects teachers with personalized information from their professional association. The iOS app is available for download from the Apple App Store for use on iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads. (Download the app by searching “Alberta teachers” in the App Store.) The My Info section of the app connects teachers to their ATA local, teachers’ convention and specialist council. Teachers can also access their collective agreement. Another feature allows teachers to search for ATA events and to download them directly into their phone’s calendar. The News tab contains news from the ATA and headlines on relevant education issues. Next advancements for the app are likely to include greater integration for Association subgroups, conversion to other mobile operating systems (like Android or Blackberry) and optimization for mobile tablets.

Register now for premier civics education program

The Forum for Young Canadians is Canada’s premier civics education program for students (aged 14–19 years). Forum brings 100 students per week to Ottawa for an intensive academic adventure, immersing them in the world of national politics and public affairs. After 36 years, this program remains vital for increasing knowledge of decision-making processes for youth from across Canada and engaging them in these processes. This year’s program has new elements. Participants will develop strategies and solutions to tackle some of Canada’s toughest policy issues, such as Arctic sovereignty, energy and Canada’s place in the world. The forum’s week-long sessions will be held in February and March. Bursaries are available. The application deadline is January 21, 2013. For more information, visit www.forum.ca.

Showcasing education graduate student research

“Emerging Possibilities in Teaching and Scholarship” is the theme of a presentation on Saturday, March 16, 2013. The keynote speaker is Dr. Dwayne Donald. The event takes place from 9 am to 3 pm on the University of Alberta campus, Education South. A call for a poster design and papers closes February 4. For information about submissions, contact Colin Saby, by e-mail at csaby@ualberta.ca. For general information, visit www.secondaryed.ualberta.ca or www.elementaryed.ualberta.ca.

Stories and photos wanted

The ATA News is always on the lookout for interesting articles, photos and cartoons. Articles should not exceed 500 words and should be accompanied by a short byline, stating where you work and what you teach. Photos of teachers or students participating in interesting activities are welcome, as are cartoons. Don’t forget to include photo captions. Please note: Receipt of material does not guarantee its publication. Send your submissions to Managing Editor, the ATA News, 11010-142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 or submit electronically to raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.