The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Geri Loray delivers a session on teaching students to think for themselves.

Approximately 6,800 teachers descended on Edmonton for the North Central Teachers’ Convention on Feb. 4 and 5. It was the first of 10 conventions that will be held around the province from early February to mid-March.

Drew Dudley delivers a keynote address on leadership at North Central Teachers’ Convention on Thursday, Feb. 4 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton.

What does teachers’ convention mean to you?

“It’s a great time to learn all sorts of new things.”
Jennifer Wiley
Grade 3, Uncas School, Ardrossan
Years teaching: 10

“It’s a great time to network and see people you haven’t seen for a long time. I enjoy seeing the speakers. It just rejuvenates us.”
Michelle Baril
principal, Ecole Citadelle, Legal
Years teaching: 21

“A chance to take in something new. When you’re teaching, you often have your head down and blinders on, so it’s a chance to take in new ideas and get inspired.”
Pawel Romanowski
Grades 9–12, social studies, French, guitar
St. John Paul II Catholic High School, Fort Saskatchewan
Years teaching: 5

“A chance to hear new things, possibly a chance to review stuff you’ve done before. A chance to share ideas with people outside our division.”
Damon Shirley
Grades 7 and 8
Grasmere School, Alberta Beach
Years teaching: 26

Juliette Inglis, a Grade 4 teacher from Ecole Notre Dame in Morinville, has a look at a product called the Tower Garden, which enables the growing of plants in a space-saving and brightly lit vertical tower.

Dakota Gonnet, a Grade 2 teacher at Barrhead Elementary School, follows along during a session entitled Numbers Matter. A full room prompted numerous attendees to sit on the floor.

Oumy Ndir of École publique Gabrielle-Roy concentrates during a workshop session on poetic writing.