The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Healthy Interactions Workshops: Relationships are important

Healthy Interactions is a communications and conflict-resolution program offered by the ATA. A four-day workshop is available to teachers wishing to receive a certificate as a trained facilitator in the Healthy Interactions program. A two-day workshop is offered to individual teachers and principals to enhance their conflict-resolution skills. Visit the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) for dates and locations. Registration is free to active ATA members and includes training materials, breakfast and lunch. Participants are responsible for substitute teacher costs, travel and accommodation costs. Registration forms are available from the ATA website. Space is limited. For information, contact Joyce Sherwin at Barnett House, in Edmonton. Telephone: 780-447-9400 (Edmonton and area) or 1-800-232-7208 (toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta). In Calgary, contact Cynthia Malner-Charest at SARO. Telephone: 403-265-2672 (Calgary and area) or 1-800-332-1280 (toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta).

Imagination and technology theme of 2012 conference

The Destination Innovation 2012 Conference will explore imaginative practices for learning with technology. The conference will provide a premiere PD opportunity for innovators on the leading edge of technology in learning and teaching, including educators, IT staff, administrators, researchers and teachers. The conference will be held at the Banff Centre, August 19–22, 2012. Destination Innovation is sponsored by the 2Learn.ca Education Society, Alberta Education, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Alberta Technology Leaders in Education and the Educational Technology Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Registration is now open. The Destination Innovation 2012 Conference team invites proposals that showcase the innovative practices of leading educational technology leaders. More information is available online (www.destinationinnovation2012.ca) and on Twitter (@Dest_2012).

TEACHER WARES

Students can make a difference in their communities

Here’s a chance for students to share their ideas and opinions. DEAL.org is the RCMP’s by-youth, for-youth crime-prevention website. Youth (aged 14–17) are invited to participate in the 2011/12 Youth Advisory Committee. Participants spend two to four hours a month on a secure online forum, where they answer and discuss questions about issues and problems they may be facing in their school or community. Participants gain community service hours while helping shape the RCMP’s youth resources and initiatives. Visit DEAL.org and follow the Youth Advisory Committee link to fill out the application and reference forms.

ATA workshops are only $100

ATA workshop fees are only $100 per workshop. For information, visit the Alberta Teachers’ Association website (www.teachers.ab.ca) and under the heading Professional Development, click on Workshops, Courses and Presentations to obtain information. Book a workshop by contacting Barnett House, in Edmonton. Telephone: 780-447-9417 (in Edmonton and area) or call tollfree in Alberta at 1-800-232-7208 or by e-mail at pdworkshops@ata.ab.ca. Please book workshops six weeks in advance.

Interactive workshops teach students about the UN

“What Kind of World...?” is the title of a free program offered by the Edmonton Branch of the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC). The program teaches children in Grades 3–8 about the UN, Canada’s role in the UN and human rights. UNAC delivers three one-hour interactive workshops to students. The first workshop introduces students to the UN. The second workshop discusses the UN’s specialized agencies and programs and the third workshop focuses on human rights. For more information, visit UNAC’s website (www.edmonton.unac.org/html/what_kind_of_world_.html).

Imagination and technology theme of 2012 conference

The Destination Innovation 2012 Conference will explore imaginative practices for learning with technology. The conference will provide a premiere PD opportunity for innovators on the leading edge of technology in learning and teaching, including educators, IT staff, administrators, researchers and teachers. The conference will be held at the Banff Centre, August 19–22, 2012. Destination Innovation is sponsored by the 2Learn.ca Education Society, Alberta Education, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Alberta Technology Leaders in Education and the Educational Technology Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Registration is now open. The Destination Innovation 2012 Conference team invites proposals that showcase the innovative practices of leading educational technology leaders. More information is available online (www.destinationinnovation2012.ca) and on Twitter (@Dest_2012).

Home is where the heart is

Habitat for Humanity Canada invites students in Grades 4–6 to enter the annual Meaning of Home writing contest (October 3–November 11). The contest is an opportunity for students to put their creative writing skills to work for a good cause. The winner of the contest will be part of the ultimate gift: a $60,000 contribution toward building a Habitat home in or near the winner’s community. The winner also receives a laptop and the winner’s entire school will be treated to a pizza party. Each runner-up receives an iPod Touch! Teachers can download an education module (lesson plan, activity ideas, writing tips and a Habitat for Humanity Canada fact sheet) and contest details at www.meaningofhome.ca.

ATA publications are informative and timely

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has several new publications of interest to teachers.

• Impact of Digital Technologies on Teachers Working in Flexible Learning Environments reports on findings of the largest study of its kind in Canada to date. The authors explore the ways in which the flexible timing and pacing of instruction affects the conditions of professional practice of teachers.
• The Future of Teaching in Alberta, based on discussions with teachers, reviews current trends in education and examines the future of teaching in Alberta.
• The Early Years of Practice: Interim Report of a Five-Year Study of Beginning Teachers in Alberta summarizes the findings at the end of Year 3 of a five-year study that is tracking the experiences of teachers who began teaching in 2007.
• We Are Teachers. Teaching is Our Profession is designed to inform, educate and engage members. The brochure reinforces the value and importance of the core work of the Association and highlights the ATA’s principal programs and services.
• The Courage to Choose: Emerging Trends and Strategic Possibilities for Informed Transformation in Alberta Schools: 2010–2011 draws on ATA research and attempts to answer the question: “What kind of society do we want to create in Alberta and what kind of teaching and learning will get us there?”
• Here Comes Everyone is designed to help school staff establish educational practices that honour and reflect intercultural perspectives. The publication features practical advice for teachers, tips for administrators and a list of community resources.

To order your copy, contact Distribution at Barnett House, in Edmonton (e-mail: distribution@ata.ab.ca).

UNESCO invites teachers to contribute to wiki directory

What are the most successful, effective and productive educational activities promoting a culture of peace in Canada? UNESCO is collecting and publishing a directory of projects that encourage a culture of peace and respect for human rights and democratic values. The project will contribute to UNESCO’s International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World. For more information, visit http://directorypeace.blogspot.com/ (English) or www.repertoirepaix.com/ (French).