The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Shakespeare selfie contest challenges youth

This year’s CBC Canada Writes contest challenges youth to write a modern-day soliloquy or monologue by a Shakespearean character.

Entries should be between 200 and 400 words, and could be in iambic pentameter or modern syntax. The theme, which is yet to be announced, will be based on current events.

There are two categories: grades 7 to 9 and grades 10 to 12.

One grand prize of an iPad Mini will be awarded in each age category, as well as a school prize for each grand prize winner.

Teachers who inform organizers by March 15 of their plans to participate with their class will be entered into a draw for an online video writers’ workshop with Kenneth Oppel, the Governor General’s Award-winning young-adult author who will be judging this year’s contest.

Further information is available at www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/challenges/shakespeareselfie/index.html.

Nominate an outstanding teacher

Do you know an outstanding teacher, someone who has made a major difference in the lives of students in your community? Now is your chance to nominate him or her for a 2015 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

Recipients receive cash prizes of $5,000 (national level) or $1,000 (regional level), a certificate and a letter from the prime minister. National level recipients are invited to Ottawa to receive their awards from the prime minister and to share best teaching practices with their fellow recipients.

Nomination packages are available at www.pma.gc.ca. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2015.

More information is available by contacting the prime minister’s awards office at 613-991-4255 or pmate-ppmee@ic.gc.ca.

Volunteer Retirement Consultants Needed

The Alberta Teachers’ Association Retirement Consultant Corps exists to provide retirement and pension information to members and assist members in preparing for retirement. Retirement consultants are active teachers who provide this volunteer service to members in their geographic area as required. No specific pension background or knowledge is required. Retirement consultants are appointed for a  three-year term to a maximum of three consecutive terms.

Training consists of seminars at the ATA Summer Conference, which takes place each August, during the first three years of the appointment. Also, two regular Saturday training sessions are held each school year (one in the fall and one in the spring).

Teachers interested in becoming retirement consultants are invited to submit letters of application to

Chris M Gibbon,
Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Welfare
email chris.gibbon@ata.ab.ca or
mail to 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton  T5N 2R1

Letters should highlight reasons for applying and any relevant skills.

Deadline for application is March 20, 2015.

2015 gotcha! Photo Contest

The ATA News invites you to get your ­camera out and start shooting those award-winning ­photographs.

GOTCHA! Contest rules

1. Photos taken by ATA members and associate ­members of ­­education- or school-related activities are eligible. Photos depicting action are best.
2. Entries must be submitted by the teachers who took them.
3. The two best photos will receive first- and second-place awards. ­Honourable mentions will also be awarded.
4. Each entrant may submit up to five photos. Prints must not exceed 5 x 7 inches in size. All entries must be unmounted. Don’t send slides or instant photos. Digital photos are welcome. The file size should be about 4 mb or 5 x 7 inches at 300 dpi. Send photos to cory.hare@ata.ab.ca.
5. Photos taken between September 1, 2014, and May 16, 2015, are ­eligible.
6. Each entry must be accompanied by a description of the activity, the names (if possible) of the people in the photo and the date when the photo was taken. Please provide this information on a separate sheet of paper. Do not write on the backs of the photos or attach anything to the front.
7. Don’t forget to include your name, school, and school and home phone numbers.
8. Send your entry to the ATA News Gotcha! Photo Contest, 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on May 16, 2015.
9. A panel of individuals with photography and ­teaching experience will judge the entries.
10. First- and second-place winners will receive certificates of merit. The decision of the judges is final.
11. Winning photographs will be published in the ATA News.
12. Photos may be published in the ATA News, the ATA Magazine or other Association ­publications.
13. Read carefully. Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in ­disqualification.
14. Get snapping and good luck!

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 cory.hare@ata.ab.ca.