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75TH ANNUAL ATA SUMMER CONFERENCE

THE BANFF CENTRE, AUGUST 14–18, 2023

Summer Conference provides programs that support Association leadership development and training for specific roles. Summer Conference provides training to members who are actively involved or are interested in becoming involved in the work of the Association.

 

LOCAL ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS

Local associations may send representatives to attend the following programs. Representatives must (1) be an Association member, (2) obtain sponsorship from their local and (3) meet eligibility requirements.

Contact your local for eligibility requirements. Course and seminar entitlements vary by local.

 

Advanced Collective Bargaining Course

Develop skills needed to negotiate on teachers’ behalf
Participants will add additional skills and further develop those introduced in the Introduction to Collective Bargaining Course. Participants will explore a more refined model of negotiation theory, data analysis, preparation of collective agreement language and costing procedures. The course will include a bargaining simulation to practice these new skills. 

Eligibility
Bargaining unit members who, in previous years, have attended the Introduction to Collective Bargaining Course or already have experience at the negotiating table

 

Introduction to Collective Bargaining Course

Help advance teachers’ economic and social welfare
This course will cover big-picture topics such as working conditions and the duty of fair representation. Participants will explore the dynamic world of collective bargaining, including an introduction to negotiation theory, a review of basic negotiation practices. Participants will review collective agreement provisions and participate in an introductory bargaining simulation. 

Eligibility
Members who have little or no previous experience with local economic policy committees

 

Initiatives in Leadership

Learn about leadership opportunities in your professional association
This course will examine the work of the Alberta Teachers’ Association and build leadership skills through a variety of interactive activities, including simulations and videos. Critical reflective activities will help participants identify their leadership styles, strengths and weaknesses. 

Eligibility
Members who are as interested in becoming involved in the work of the Association.

 

Local Communications Officers’ Seminar

Improve your local’s public and media relations
This seminar offers professional development opportunities in areas of communications, public relations, publicity and media relations. A variety of course content allows for the diverse needs of both rural and urban locals. The seminar provides a rich environment for networking and exchanging ideas and materials.

Eligibility
Local communications officers

 

Local Presidents’ Seminar

Identify local issues and initiatives
Local presidents will examine current Association issues, share information about local initiatives and meet with Provincial Executive Council.

Eligibility
Local presidents or designates

 

Local Program Course

Become a leader in your local
This course will focus on the roles and responsibilities of local office holders and school representatives. Emphasis will be placed on the skills needed to be an effective leader within a local association and the skills necessary to maintain professional responsibilities while handling member concerns and acting as a teacher representative. The course will also cover information regarding ATA services and supports to ensure that local reps have a wide range of knowledge and tools at their disposal.  

Eligibility
School representatives and those new to the local executive

 

Professional Development Course

Provide professional development leadership
This course is designed to assist PD chairs and/or PD committee members to meet the current professional development needs of their local members. Participants will gain an understanding of their roles and responsibilities and enhance their own leadership.

Eligibility
PD chairs and PD committee members

 

SPECIALIST COUNCIL AND CONVENTION ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS

Specialist councils and convention associations may send two representatives to attend these programs. Representatives must (1) be Association members, (2) obtain sponsorship from their specialist council or convention association and (3) meet eligibility requirements.

 

Convention Seminar

Learn about Association convention requirements
This seminar provides convention association personnel with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, share ideas and develop strategies to address issues that can arise in organizing teacher conventions.

Eligibility
New members of the convention executive and those members new to their role on the executive.

 

Specialist Council Seminar

Plan and lead effective professional development for members
This seminar focuses on providing specialist council executives with skills and insights that will allow them to better meet the professional growth needs of their members. Participants will engage in a series of collaborative and interactive activities concerning vision setting and strategic planning, governance and operations, member engagement and recruitment, online and print communications, and professional development event planning. 

 Eligibility
Two representatives per council, preferably new presidents, presidents-elect and/or vice-presidents.

 

 

ASSOCIATION CORPS PROGRAMS (by invitation)

Association corps programs are open only to Association members designated as Association instructors and professional development facilitators. These programs form part of the ongoing training for Association corps members.

Association Instructors’ Seminar

Professional Development Facilitators’ Seminar 

 

Details and registration information will be forwarded to local associations, specialist councils, convention associations and designated Association corps members in early May. Information on registration will be also posted to the ATA website at that time. 

Preliminary information may be obtained by contacting Marianne Moffatt at Barnett House. E-mail: marianne.moffatt@ata.ab.ca. Telephone: 780-447-9427 (from Edmonton) or 1-800-232-7208 (from elsewhere in Alberta).