The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Teachers from all across the province are involved in the work of the Alberta Teachers’ Association in various capacities. Such volunteer efforts by members are critical to the effective operation of the Association.

Dave Martin

Math/science division lead teacher, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

How long have you been teaching?
Eight years

Why did you become a teacher?
To see the joy in the eyes of a student when he/she starts to love math as much as I do!

Current Association role
President of the Central Alberta Teachers’ Convention Association

What are your main responsibilities?
Oversee the dealings of the convention. Book featured speakers, sign facility contracts and ensure the convention runs as smoothly as possible by working with amazing people on the board.

What do you enjoy most about this work?
I love overseeing two important days for every teacher: teachers’ convention. I have the luxury of planning for 1,800 teachers coming together for two days and ensuring that these days are the most effective use of their time.

What other roles have you held with the Association?
Math Council Conference president, Local Professional Development chair, Association instructor and member of the Council of School Representatives.

Why do you do this work? Why is it important?
Knowing what is going on beyond the walls of the classroom, and school, is the most important piece of information someone could know. As I have joined various roles in the Association, I have had multiple opportunities and experiences to understand education on a global scale. After various meetings, calls, and emails, I have come to know many people who work at Barnett House, and I have great faith in the amount of knowledge that is housed in that facility!

How (or why) did you first become involved in Association work?
I first attended a Professional Development Area Conference and went to the social afterwards. Maybe it was the cold beverage or the spring roll, dipped in plum sauce, but I immediately thought, “There are some amazing people here!” After that, I signed up to be the Math Conference president and my passion still has not stopped growing. Due to many of the people I have met, I started blogging, reading more about current educational issues and truly trying to learn as much as I can every day.

What is your favourite...

Movie?
Fight Club, or I mean, there is no fight club!

TV show?
Seinfeld

Band/singer?
Me in the shower

Book?
The School Our Children Deserve

Summer vacation activity?
Watching my daughter play

Travel destination?
Egypt

What super power would you most like to have and why?
Stop time! Seriously ... where does one go to buy more hours in a day? ❚