Why is it important to you to belong to a specialist council?
I have an abundant love for mathematics, and I truly found my people when I joined the ATA Math Council. Specialist councils are one of the ATA’s best kept secrets; they connect educators through shared passions and professional curiosity. - David Martin
The networks I've been able to form and be a part of have become irreplaceable. –Paul Bohnert
I love being a member of the Global, Environmental & Outdoor Education Council because it gives me the opportunity to help other teachers find the resources, confidence and As a member of the Science Council, I have been able to build valuable relationships with other teachers who are passionate about science and collaborate with them on classroom resources. - Tara Draper
ATA specialist councils have transformed how I teach and how I collaborate with my teaching team. They’ve helped me apply new research in my daily practice and have inspired me to mentor others. By sharing these insights with my colleagues, I’ve seen a direct, positive impact on our entire school's ability to support our students. - Jennifer Lacourse Member of Council for Inclusive Education and Council for School Leadership
“We’re trying to reach out and do as much as we can with some of the research we’re doing in our council, and then also trying to make those connections for them, for old equipment or additional funding to help get material or to recycle materials, helping to cut costs. [CTS] pro- grams tend to be expensive,” he says. Reid noted that FAC has been focused on improving access to resources and networking opportunities for members, who may not always have easy access to specialized professional learning. “I just love providing the 10 years of resources that I didn’t have as a new teacher and as an ‘island’ teacher. To be able to share information and hear what other people are doing and connect these dance teachers together has been my favourite part.” For Sénéchal, accessibility is a key focus. Through collaboration programs and bursaries, ALIC is working to reduce the barriers that prevent teachers from participating fully in the council’s events and offerings. “I’ve learned in my experience that there are three barriers. [People are saying] I need time, I need money, I need resources. My approach in my presidency has been to remove those barriers.” ATA
joy to teach outdoors. I love being a part of an amazing team of
individuals who all have great ideas about how to incorporate the natural environment into our teachings. - Jessica Kaminski
ATA Magazine Fall 2026
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