Teachers’ Conventions
At a glance—FAQs about teachers’ conventions
Xanthe Couture
Teachers’ conventions in Alberta—A brief history
For more than 100 years, teachers have attended teachers’ conventions in Alberta. Originally organized by the Department of Education, teachers’ conventions provided opportunities for school inspectors to meet with teachers in each community. Over the years, the role played by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) in the annual teachers’ conventions gradually increased.
With the passing of the Teaching Profession Act in 1935, the Association attained the right to and responsibility for organizing conventions. The act requires the ATA to improve the teaching profession by organizing and supporting groups that advance the knowledge and skill of teachers.
As Association subgroups, the 10 convention associations plan, conduct, fund, evaluate and govern the teachers’ conventions held across the province.
Teachers’ conventions are key ATA professional development events that link with local PD committees, specialist councils and other PD groups. The annual two days scheduled for teachers’ conventions are mandated by law by Alberta’s School Act.
At a glance—FAQs about teachers’ conventions
Question: Can I attend a convention in a different local or a conference hosted by another organization?
Answer: With respect to ATA guidelines, and in special circumstances with permission from your convention attendance committee, you may be eligible to attend; however, it is generally not allowed.
Question: Who can attend teachers’ convention?
Answer: Active members of the ATA have a right and a responsibility to attend teachers’ conventions. Other provincial or territorial teacher organization members, education students’ association members, superintendents and chief deputy superintendents may attend teachers’ conventions in certain circumstances. For eligibility guidelines, contact your convention association.
Question: Can federal, charter or private school teachers attend teachers’ conventions?
Answer: They may if they have an associate membership in the ATA and apply to participate in a convention. However, an out-of-district convention fee will be incurred. Associate member application forms are available on the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca, click on Teachers’ Conventions under Professional Development) or by calling Barnett House in Edmonton, 1-800-232-7208. Note: Requests must be made at least two months in advance of the convention dates.
Question: Are there any exemptions to attending teachers’ conventions?
Answer: If you have an illness or a family emergency or weather conditions do not permit travel, you can be excused from attending teachers’ conventions just as you would be excused from teaching. If you are coaching an Alberta School Athletic Association tournament, you can be excused from attending teachers’ conventions. You must, however, have submitted in advance the required form that is available from the ATA website.
Question: How much of teachers’ conventions do part-time teachers have to attend?
Answer: Part-time teachers must attend a portion of teachers’ conventions that is proportionate to the full-time equivalent as cited in their contract. Part-time teachers are welcome to attend both days of teachers’ conventions.
Question: Are retired teachers permitted to attend teachers’ conventions?
Answer: Because of limited
space, generally only active members are permitted to attend teachers’ conventions. Some conventions involve retired teachers as volunteers or have special meetings for retired teachers. For more information, contact your local convention association.
More information about teachers’ conventions appears under Features on the ATA’s homepage (www.teachers.ab.ca) or call Barnett House in Edmonton, 1-800-232-7208.
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