Index

ATA News 46:9

January 16, 2012

’Tis the season to read

Students attending West Park Elementary School, in Red Deer, came out in force to help Santa with his deliveries.

Cartoon by Huck/Konopacki Labor Cartoons

Call of the North

More than 20 Australian teachers and their families attended the teacher exchange orientation at Barnett House, January 13.

Concordia’s teacher preparation program granted interim recognition

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has granted interim recognition to the teacher preparation program at Concordia University College of Alberta.

Mental health: a basic human right of children and youth

Every once in a while, you hear, see or experience something that reminds you that all is not as it should be.

Guest artist Lewis Lavoie and 120 students attending École Sainte Marguerite d’Youville, in St. Albert, created a mural for the school in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Grey Nuns and Sainte Marguerite d’Youville.

Tripartite discussions enter final stage

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has participated in tripartite discussions with the government of Alberta and the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) since fall 2011.

Editorial – On paper frogs and overhead slides

There’s one professional development day that I’ll never forget.

Q & A - Beware of correspondence about tripartite discussions

Question: What should I do when my board corresponds with me about tripartite discussions?

Minister Lukaszuk reveals 10-point plan for education

After seven weeks of consultations with parents, students, teachers and others on proposed amendments to the Education Act, Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk released a 10-point plan for Alberta’s education system on January 10.

Teachers want a balanced approach to PD

In a recent study undertaken by Rocky View Local No. 35, ATA staff, international researchers and teachers registered their concern about the imposition of district-mandated professional development (PD).

Fact or Fiction - Advent of the Twitter brain

Screen-based reading—computer monitors, cellphones, tablets—has some researchers expressing concern about the potential loss of peoples’ ability to think deeply.

New year brings new staff officer to Government

Shelley Magnusson is the newest executive staff officer in the Government program area.

News View

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

School boards have yet to restore teaching positions

Despite a cash injection of $107 million in October 2011, Alberta’s schools are still experiencing a shortfall in restored teaching positions. UPDATED: December 2011 counts added.

Teachers with Islamic Academy hit bargaining snag

Teachers employed by the Edmonton Islamic Academy (EIA) have reached an impasse in bargaining their first collective agreement.

“BUGM” has nothing to do with insects

This is an article in a series by the Teacher Welfare program area of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.

Journalistic status of ATA News undecided

December 14, 2011, the Supreme Court of Canada issued its decision in Alberta (Information and Privacy Commissioner) v. Alberta Teachers’ Association, 2011 SCC 61.

Boldly going where no board has gone before

Edmonton Public School Board passes landmark policy.

Calgary City Teachers’ Convention bridges divide

The hard work of the Calgary City Teachers’ Convention Association (CCTCA) Committee is resulting in meaningful and focused professional development for teachers.

Notice

On November 21, 2011, a hearing committee of the Professional Conduct Committee, established under the Teaching Profession Act, found that Peter Sior Davies engaged in unprofessional conduct.

Highlights from the legislature

The legislative assembly adjourned December 7 after sitting for 47 days in 2011.

PEC Points

Highlights of the Provincial Executive Council meeting held December 1 and 2, 2011, at Barnett House, in Edmonton

Mental health is recipient of ATA’s Christmas donation

The Alberta Teachers’ Association made its annual $1,000 Christmas donation to the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).