The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Send information about upcoming events to Raymond Gariépy (e-mail: raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca).

Five million Albertans—Really? Ready?

The Alberta Congress Board’s annual workplace conference has as its theme, “Five million Albertans—Really? Ready?” The conference takes place October 24–27 at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper. The conference is designed for senior management and key decision-makers of private and public sector organizations that recognize the value of economic and workplace trend information in their planning activities. Participants will gain insight and knowledge from speakers on managing the many aspects of population growth and its direct consequences on the workplace. New strategies will be developed to anticipate what is required and how to deliver what is needed. For more information, contact Kimberlee Sears, executive assistant. Telephone: 780-910-8539; e-mail: acb@congressboard.ab.ca. Website: www.congressboard.ab.ca.

Support the Go 2 School Initiative

School enrolment rates for Somali children are among the lowest in the world. In response, Somali authorities, with the support of UNICEF, have launched the Go 2 School Initiative. The goal is to have 1 million children enrolled in education within the next three years. To learn more, visit www.indiegogo.com.

fYrefly in schools: Peer-to-peer education opportunity

fYrefly in Schools is a student-education program offered by the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta. Based on Camp fYrefly, an award-winning summer leadership retreat for sexual and gender minority youth, the fYrefly in Schools program seeks to increase awareness of homophobic/transphobic bullying and equip students to become proponents for diversity, equity and human rights in their schools and communities. An experienced teacher leads all workshops, which are guided by a peer-led student discussion panel. Typically, the program is delivered as an interactive 60–90-minute classroom workshop. Workshops can be tailored to meet individual class or school needs. To learn more e-mail Dr. Kristopher Wells (kris.wells@ualberta.ca) or call 780-492-9908. To book a free workshop for your classroom, please send an e-mail to fYreflys@ualberta.ca.

Creating Safe Spaces Waffle Breakfast

The Society for Safe and Caring Schools & Communities will host its annual Creating Safe Spaces Waffle Breakfast on November 20, at the Sutton Place Hotel, Edmonton. The breakfast, in recognition of National Bullying Awareness Week, brings together youth, adults and community leaders and partners who are creating safe and caring spaces for children and youth across the province. The breakfast is also an opportunity to honour people who have taken steps to create a safe and caring society. For information about the Heroes of a Safe and Caring World Award and tickets to the breakfast, please e-mail www.safeandcaring.ca or call 780-822-1500.

Need help with your Professional Growth Plan?

In Alberta, every teacher employed by a school system must develop and implement an annual plan for professional growth that outlines the PD activities the teacher intends to undertake in that year. The requirements for an annual Teacher Professional Growth Plan are outlined in the Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation Policy of Alberta Education. The ATA has developed self-paced online tutorials to help teachers with their plans. Visit the ATA website and click on For Members and then on Professional Development and Professional Growth Plans. For more information about TPGP, supervision and evaluation, contact Association PD staff at 780-447-9400 (in Edmonton) or 1-800-232-7208 (elsewhere in Alberta).

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 byline, stating where you work and what you teach. Photos of teachers or students participating in activities are welcome. Receipt of material does not guarantee its publication. Send submissions to Managing Editor, The ATA News, 11010–142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 or submit electronically to raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.