Number 19

June 15, 2010
ATA locals' community spirit is dazzling

ATA locals' community spirit is dazzling

More ATA locals are actively involved in their communities, thanks to the Association’s Community Relations Grant (CRG).

Caring

Caring personified was the theme of an art activity undertaken by students attending Oliver School, in Edmonton.

Reading ready

For the past two years, Greater Black Gold Teachers’ Local No. 8 participated in a program to support family literacy in playschools and preschools.

Vision of Inspiring Education

The educated Albertan in 2030 will be an engaged thinker and ethical citizen with an ­entrepreneurial spirit.

Class Acts

Twenty-three Alberta teachers received 2010 Excellence in Teaching Awards for their work with Kindergarten to Grade 12 students.

Undeterred by the elements, the citizens of Sturgeon walked

Despite the rain, sleet and snow that fell on May 27, more than 130 hardy citizens of Sturgeon County gathered at Foote Field, in Edmonton.

gotcha! Photo Contest - First Place

Wendy Wylie, a regular contributor to the photo contest, writes that her kindergarten students celebrated the arrival of spring with a teddy bear ­picnic.

gotcha! Photo Contest - Second Place

The judges were drawn to McKennitt’s photo for a number of reasons.

gotcha! Photo Contest - Third Place

The judges said that Richards’s photo embodied the essence of learning and discovery.

Outstanding photos depict diverse learning experiences

Featured here are just some of the many outstanding ­photographs submitted by teachers to the 16th annual ATA News GOTCHA! Photo contest.

Cartoon

"Daydreaming is a serious problem in my classroom. I can't stop thinking about summer vacation."

Kids’ Convention catches fire

Students attending Galbraith Elementary School, in Lethbridge, watch a student and a firefighter with the Lethbridge Fire Department demonstrate the use of a fire extinguisher.

ATA launches renovated website

The Alberta Teachers’ Association’s new website was launched June 4.

Teachers are inspired...

Alberta’s teachers welcome and support the vision for public education outlined in the ­Inspiring Education ­report released June 2 by Alberta ­Education, but wonder how that vision will be achieved.

Editorial - Sex, god and lawyers

“If it deals with plumbing, it’s sex; if it deals with positions, it’s sexuality.”

Q & A - Advice sought about reducing teaching staff

I’ve been told to reduce FTEs (full-time equivalents) at my school for the fall. I have three questions related to this situation.

News View

The following are excerpts from newspapers throughout Alberta. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the ATA.

Does ASEBP cover summer travel?

The end of the school year is almost upon us, and with it comes the promise of summer vacation at home or abroad.

Province moves forward on inclusive education system

The province of Alberta is moving forward on implementation of the 12 recommendations contained in the Setting the Direction Framework.

ATA fellowships and scholarships announced

Provincial Executive Council has announced the winners of the 2010 ATA fellowships and scholarships.

Teachers working to make the future happen

“When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened.”

ATA locals give generously

Grants support teacher continuing education, professional ­development and research projects.

Renew Your Annual Specialist Council Membership for 2010/11

All active members of the ATA are entitled to one no-charge annual membership in the specialist council of their choice.

Is it measuring up?

The online survey, accessible from the ATA home page (www.teachers.ab.ca) should take about15 minutes to complete.

Swann crests learning curve, seeks cure for Alberta

That’s what physician-turned-Liberal Leader David Swann assured the 140 delegates attending his party’s annual convention May 14–16 in Edmonton.

Notice

On February 5, 2010, a hearing committee of the Professional ­Conduct Committee, established under the Teaching Profession Act, found that Steven Begrand engaged in unprofessional conduct.

Do you have a temporary or probationary contract?

At this time of year, teachers with temporary and probationary contracts often wonder what will happen with their contracts and how they can access employment insurance benefits.

Tale End

I hope you will be proud of your roots in public education. I hope you will build on all the lessons you learned here in public school.

Moot Points - The magic of lychee

Many years ago, I was the teacher-librarian of a Calgary high school. Times were good and budgets were generous.

Golden Apple Award celebrates Moot Points

The ATA News is pleased to ­announce the Golden Apple Award, which will be given for the year’s best “Moot Points.”

Notices & Events

A collection of notices and events.

Quick Facts

Number of students who wrote English Language Arts 30-1 diploma exams in 2008/09: 28,330