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Establishing a Local Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Committee
The provincial Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Committee has created this handbook for locals hoping to establish their own diversity committees. Download a copy. 
Gay-Straight Alliances/Queer-Straight Alliances
Alberta GSA Network
The Alberta GSA Network is a collective of resources specific to Alberta K–12 students, teachers, and school staff to support learning environments that respect diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions in our schools.
www.albertagsanetwork.ca
Forming a teacher GSA/QSA in Alberta
Teachers and other school personnel recognize the benefit of gay–straight alliances (GSAs) and queer–straight alliances (QSAs) for their school communities and are beginning to seek those same benefits for themselves, both personally
and professionally. Download a copy.
GSAs and QSAs in Alberta Schools: A Guide for
Teachers
Drawing upon current legislation, educational policy and research, this guide describes how best to create and sustain gay–straight student alliances in Alberta schools.
Human Rights
Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre is a non-governmental organization, and its mission is to promote respect for civil liberties and human rights in Alberta through research and education to contribute to a more just and inclusive community. They provide presentations and educational resources on a variety of issues, including human rights, bullying, anti-racism, LGBT issues, privacy and more. Many resources are free to download from their website.
Canadian Museum of Human Rights–Activities for the Classroom
These classroom activities were collaboratively adapted for use by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and seek to promote human rights, non-discrimination and peaceful conflict resolution through active participation and capacity-building. You will find activities for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Use them as stand-alone classroom activities or as pre- and post-visit activities to complement a visit to the Museum. Reference sheets are provided for each set of activities. These sheets include definitions, tips for facilitation, as well as ways to engage students requiring greater accessibility options.
Human Rights Education Activities for Grades K-2
Human Rights Education Activities for Grades 3-4
Human Rights Education Activities for Grades 5-6
Human Rights Education Activities for Grades 7-9
Human Rights Education Activities for Grades 10-12
Development in a Box, Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
Designed to be an educational kit to be used by educators, Development in a Box aids in the incorporation of global issues into the curriculum and classroom for grades seven through twelve. Kits include lesson plans, hands-on activities and supplies, as well as connections to local organizations (from the ACGC membership) who are working internationally. The kits are available to Alberta classrooms free of charge. Lessons address many global issues and are linked to curriculum objectives in the Alberta Program of Studies. http://www.acgc.ca
Free the Children
Free the Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the exploitation of children around the world by encouraging youth to create and participate in programs and activities that relieve the plight of underprivileged children. Free the Children maintains a bureau of speakers willing to speak to schools, community organizations and youth groups. http://www.freethechildren.com
Human Rights: Education Series from the United Nations
This series contains publications and resources aimed at supporting general human rights education.
Make Poverty History Campaign
The Make Poverty History Campaign in Canada is part of an international campaign called the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. The Canadian campaign has four major goals: (1) to urge the Government of Canada to increase the amount and quality of the aid it provides to developing countries, (2) to ensure that international trade does not undermine the economies of developing countries, (3) to cancel the multilateral and bilateral debt owed by the poorest countries and (4) to end child poverty in Canada. The symbol of the campaign is a simple white band.
Speak Truth to Power Canada, Defenders for Human Rights
Speak Truth to Power Canada, Defenders for Human Rights is a teacher resource intended to facilitate pedagogy for responsible citizenship. By means of this resource, and through the work of teachers, Speak Truth to Power (STTP) Canada can enable students to learn about access to rights from a grassroots to a global level. STTP Canada can enable students to self-identify as local defenders for human rights in their very own communities.
Students for Change Program
The Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre (ACLRC) developed the Students for Change Program which teaches students to problem-solve, resolve conflicts and help each other deal with bullying, harassment and discrimination in nonviolent ways. The program helps them to transform their school environment into one which is welcoming, inclusive, respectful, accepting of all diverse students and free from aggression and violence. ACLRC offers this program at no cost to schools. For further information or to arrange an Information Session, please contact: ACLRC at aclrc@ucalgary.ca, or 403-220-2505.
Voices into Action
Help students will explore all subjects and issues related to racism, social justice, and human rights. Help them to learn from history to create a better tomorrow. This free online educational program gives you everything you need to teach your students about human rights while meeting requirements of Canadian secondary school curriculum. Register at no charge to access teaching tools, lesson plans and assessments.
https://www.voicesintoaction.ca/Home
UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network
UNESCO launched the Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) in 1953. ASPnet operates at three levels. At the national level, ASPnet encourages National Commissions for UNESCO and Ministries of Education to establish networks of schools interested in developing innovative teaching approaches, methods and materials for improving the ethical, cultural and international dimensions of education. Over the years, ASPnet has contributed to educational reform and renewal in several UNESCO countries. At the regional level, ASPnet encourages countries within a region who share bonds of language, religion or culture to undertake such activities as organizing regional seminars and workshops, arranging student and teacher exchanges and sharing information about flagship projects. At the international level, ASPnet undertakes a variety of activities—among them, organizing international flagship projects and arranging special events, campaigns and contests—to facilitate solidarity among participating institutions.
By 2001, ASPnet had ties to more than 6,700 educational institutions, ranging from preschools to teacher training centres in 166 countries. Schools associated with the program agree to promoting the ideals of UNESCO by carrying out projects that better prepare children and young people to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and interdependent world.
Information about the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) in Canada can be found at http://www.unesco.ca/en/interdisciplinary/aspnet/default.aspx. The site contains news from schools participating in the ASPnet Canada project, information about upcoming events and links to other youth-focused projects. In addition, the site features biographies of celebrity spokespersons for ASPnet in Canada, including two Albertans, Tom Jackson and David Morrison.
Click for list of UNESCO Human Rights Education resources.
What Kind of World...?
The Edmonton Branch of the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC) is pleased to partner with over 50 volunteers from the Edmonton area to present the “What Kind of World...?” program to students in Grades 3 to 8. This program, developed with funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), aims to teach children about the UN, Canada’s role in the UN, and some of the issues the UN deals with (for example, human rights). UNAC trains the volunteers to deliver three one-hour interactive workshops with the students, each with a different theme. The program is a great way to get young students thinking about global issues and considering themselves as global citizens. The content fits well with the Alberta curriculum and is popular with both students and teachers. More information is available at http://edmonton.unac.org/programs/what-kind-of-world/
Inclusion
Alberta’s Teachers—Supporting all Families poster [English] [French]
Here Comes Everyone
Published in 2010, this resource is designed to help school staff establish educational practices that honour and reflect intercultural perspectives. It provides practical advice for teachers, tips for administrators and a list of community resources. Download a copy of Here Comes Everyone, or order paper copies by e-mailing distribution@ata.ab.ca or calling 1-800-232-7208.
Teacher Toolkits
These online resources have been created to share best practices based on the See Different-school program. The games, exercises and concepts have supported high school teachers in bringing diversity and inclusion content into their classrooms. The toolkits include classroom or extracurricular programming material, which help high school students to value and embrace diversity and inclusion.
We Are There For You! Poster
Indigenous Education
Alberta Education: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education
At Alberta Education, we work together with First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) communities, Elders, parents, teachers and other education stakeholders throughout the province to learn from each other to best meet the needs of FNMI learners.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Breaking the Silence—A Guide for Sexual and Gender Minority Teachers in Alberta
The Alberta Teacher’s Association is committed to fostering understanding and acceptance of sexual and gender minority (SGM) teachers and works to protect the conditions of professional practice for all members. This guide was written to help break the silence that still surrounds the experiences of SGM teachers in schools. It is a source of information and support for SGM teachers who have questions or concerns about matters related to their employment.
Gender Equity Brochure
PRISM Secondary Edition—Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities
The PRISM toolkit provides opportunities for secondary school teachers to explore content related to sexual orientation and gender variance.
PRISM Elementary Edition—Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities
The PRISM toolkit provides opportunities for elementary school teachers to explore content related to sexual orientation and gender variance.
Safe Spaces Brochure
Safe Spaces Poster
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Policy Brochure
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: Recommended Fiction and Nonfiction Resources for K-12 Schools
Published for the second time in 2014 these resources present diverse points of view to achieve the programming and curricular needs of all students by recognizing diversity and promoting respect in the K-12 program of studies.
Supporting Transgender and Transsexual Students in K-12 Schools
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) is proud to release its latest educational resource, Supporting Transgender and Transsexual Students in K-12 Schools, the fifth publication in an educational series designed to assist teachers, administrators and counselors in understanding sexual and gender minority issues. Authored by Dr. Kristopher Wells, Gayle Roberts and Carol Allan, the 57-page guidebook aims to demystify gender variance and provide evidence-based information for educators wishing to create caring, respectful and safe learning environments for all students.
This resource is available free of charge by contacting Professional Development at the ATA. (780-447-9461).
Supporting the Mental Health of Alberta's Refugee
Students
As a teacher, you have the privilege of developing relationships with Alberta’s refugees—families who have experienced forced migration and have settled in our province. Each day you have a unique and tremendously important opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of refugee students and their families. Working with students with diverse needs brings its own rewards.
Favoriser la santé mentale des élèves réfugiés de l’Alberta
En tant qu’enseignant, vous avez le privilège de créer des liens avec les réfugiés de l’Alberta, des familles qui ont connu une migration forcée et qui se sont établies dans notre province. Chaque jour, vous avez une occasion unique et extrêmement importante d’exercer une influence marquante sur la vie des élèves réfugiés et des membres de leur famille. Travailler avec des élèves ayant des besoins divers apporte ses propres récompenses.
Islamic Social Services Association
The Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) is building bridges, breaking barriers and facilitating access. Through our various publications, public seminars, diversity training, newspaper and journal articles, public and private policy work and personal counselling, ISSA dedicates itself to addressing the needs of Muslims across Canada. One of the most critical components of this task is ensuring that accurate messaging and information on Islam and Muslims is available and accessible.
In addition to dealing with Muslim issues within our community, Islamic Social Services Association collaborates with other social service, cultural and interfaith organizations in order to address human rights issues and build bridges to unite the citizens of Canada.
http://www.issacanada.com/category/publications/
Promoting Success with Immigrant Arab Students Teacher Resources
This document was developed by Alberta teachers to assist classroom teachers and school administrators throughout Alberta to better understand the culture and needs of Arab immigrant students in their schools. It is intended to promote the success of students from Arab immigrant families and strengthen school–community connections within the Arab community.
Promouvoir la réussite scolaire des immigrants arabes – Ressource pour les enseignants
Cette ressource a été créée par des enseignants albertains afin d’aider les enseignants et les directions d’école de l’Alberta à mieux comprendre la culture et les besoins des élèves immigrants arabes. Elle vise à promouvoir la réussite des élèves de familles d’immigrants arabes et à renforcer les liens entre l’école et la communauté arabe.
Promoting Success with Indian Immigrant Students
This document was developed with the assistance of a focus group of teachers, parents, students and community members to assist classroom teachers and school administrators throughout Alberta to better understand the culture and needs of immigrant students from India when they first arrive in their schools.
Ressource pour les enseignants ayant des élèves de l’Afrique centrale
Ce document a été créé par plusieurs enseignants et conseillers albertains afin d’assurer le succès d’enfants provenant de l’Afrique centrale en développant des relations positives ainsi qu’en facilitant la communication entre les élèves et parents venant de l’Afrique centrale avec les enseignants et les directions d’école de l’Alberta. Il peut être considéré comme une ressource pour les enseignants, les directions d’école et les parents des élèves venant de l’Afrique centrale.
Teaching Filipino Immigrant Students—Resources for Success
Filipino families have been immigrating to Canada since the 1930s. They have moved away from family, friends and neighbours as they search for new economic opportunities, connect and reconnect with family living in Canada, or seek new life adventures.
Teaching Pakistani Immigrant Students: Resources for Student Success
This document was developed with the assistance of a focus group of teachers, parents, students and community members to assist classroom teachers and school administrators throughout Alberta to better understand the culture and needs of Pakistani immigrant students when they first arrive in their schools.
Teaching Somali Immigrant Children: Resources for Student Success
Many children from recent immigrant families face special challenges in school - cultural, language and social. Those challenges become their teachers’ challenges. The Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation and the Alberta Teachers’ Association have developed a series of resources that will be useful to teachers as they work with students and their parents from immigrant families, including Somali and South Sudanese.
Working with Karen Immigrant Students - Teacher Resources
Many children from recent immigrant families face special challenges in school- cultural, language and social. Those challenges become their teachers’ challenges. The Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation and the Alberta Teachers’ Association have developed a series of resources that will be useful to teachers as they work with students and their parents from immigrant families, including Somali, South Sudanese, and Karen.
Working with South Sudanese Immigrant Students - Teacher Resources
Many children from recent immigrant families face special challenges in school- cultural, language and social. Those challenges become their teachers’ challenges. The Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation and the Alberta Teachers’ Association have developed a series of resources that will be useful to teachers as they work with students and their parents from immigrant families, including Somali and South Sudanese.
Working with Faith Communities
A Guide for Teachers New to Hutterian Colony Schools
With an increasing number of Hutterite colony schools in Alberta, there is growing awareness in government, postsecondary institutions and the Alberta Teachers’ Association of the unique professional development needs of Hutterite colony teachers. Currently, approximately 250 teachers work on 182 colonies in Alberta.
A Guide for Teachers New to Working with Low German-Speaking Mennonite Students and Communities
There are vibrant and growing communities of Low German Mennonites across Alberta. Low German Mennonites are conservative Mennonites with Dutch–North German Anabaptist roots.
