The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Andrea Berg, ATA executive staff officer in the Professional Development program area, signs up a teacher for a no-cost specialist council membership during the 15th annual Beginning Teachers' Conference, in Edmonton, September 30–October 2.

Since 1996, almost 10,000 new teachers have participated in annual conference

A milestone was reached when the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s annual Beginning Teachers’ Conference turned 15 this year. The Edmonton version of the conference was held September 30–October 2, and the Calgary conference took place October 14–16. Since their inception in 1996, the annual conferences have welcomed more than 9,700 new teachers to the profession.

At the opening session of Edmonton’s conference, ATA President Carol Henderson related stories from her first years of teaching. She told participants that she was recently contacted by someone she had taught in her first year of teaching. “He wondered if I remembered him. Of course I did. His name is Robin Hood!” said Henderson. “His e-mail reminded me that as teachers we have no idea of the lasting effect we have on our students.”

This year, conference participants chose from many sessions, including 21st Century Learning, Brain Compatible Learning Strategies, Meeting Special Needs, Partnering with Schools in Developing Countries, Working with Parents. The conferences also featured educational displays.

And what did participants have to say about Edmonton’s conference? “What a great conference! It gave me ideas to improve my classroom environment and new teaching strategies.” “I loved the variety—just wish I could have attended all the sessions!” “I really appreciated the sessions for second-language teachers.” “Well-prepared presenters and energetic staff.” “Wish I could come back next year.” “It was worth making the 4.5-hour trip for the weekend.” “The discussions were completely relevant to how I’m feeling/thinking right now. I would definitely recommend the conference to all beginning teachers.”

Featured below, teachers new to the profession recount their first impressions of teaching.  

Teaching involves giving and receiving

“On September 1, 2010, when I first received my Grade 10 science students, I was stressed. Then I trusted my instincts and focused on providing information and getting to know my students. One month later, thanks to the advice and support of fellow teachers and especially the support of my director, I have survived. Each day that passes, I learn something new; my students do, too. My first impression of teaching is that it is a work of giving and receiving. Then I remember that the first year of teaching is the foundation for an entire career. We must all build, make mistakes and correct them. But this is very pleasant when you’re in the good company of close collaborators and the Teachers’ Association. God blessed me by sending me colleagues and an administration that gives me all the support that I need to learn more about this exciting work, which is that of a teacher.”

—C. Célestin Nzeugang, J. H. Picard School, Edmonton

First impressions count

“My first impression of teaching is positive. It is a high-energy, fun situation where I have the privilege of interacting with a variety of people (students, staff, and parents) on a daily basis. I am a teacher, guidance counsellor and coach for students from the age of 5 to 18. My students share stories and dreams about their lives. I have the opportunity to be part of their lives today and perhaps influence their lives in the future. I have the privilege of observing my students’ academic, social and skill development. After my first month of teaching, I am still excited and cannot wait for further wonderful experiences!”

—Braidy Brown, Boyle School, Boyle

Working 12-hour shifts is the norm

“Teachers may teach from 8 am to 3 pm, but I’m finding out that we actually work from 7 am to 7 pm. From all the administrative work, to coaching volleyball, to planning interactive, engaging and exciting lessons, working 12-hour shifts has become the norm. University never prepared me for this but the students are completely worth it! The excitement on a student’s face when he or she finally understands the meaning of an adverb or the passion students bring to learning about such things as irrigation use by the Aztecs makes the teaching profession unlike any other. Outside the classroom, my school and school district have been welcoming and supportive with my move from Toronto to Fort McMurray. Staff at Westview are wonderful, helpful and close-knit. They share resources before I even ask, and they encourage me by providing compassion when I face trouble. On numerous occasions, they have invited me (and other school staff) into their homes. The long hours are worth it when you have such complete job satisfaction.”

—Nazia Jeelani, Westview Public School, Fort McMurray

Feel welcomed by staff

“As first year teachers, we—along with seven other new teachers at our school—have been greatly welcomed by the wonderful staff at École Dickinsfield School, in Fort McMurray. Since our arrival, Dickinsfield has provided us with many opportunities to gain an understanding of the curriculum, the school and the board. Providing a new teacher coordinator, mentors and specific professional development opportunities for first-year teachers is contributing to great first impressions of the profession and to our overall success as educators.”

—Jessica Le Clech (left) and Angela Oram, École Dickinsfield School, Fort McMurray