The ATA News , March 31, 2026 ❚ 7
Specialist councils: where teachers connect, create and lead
L ike any job, there are many facets to my work as president. Whether I’m meeting with members or ministers (or writing my Off Script for the ATA News ), no two days are ever the same. In that way, it’s a lot like teaching. There’s always something new demanding attention. In this space, I often focus on pressing issues facing public education. But this time, I want to share a different side of the role that reminds me why this profession is so strong and why teachers are so amazing. Alongside the political work, I serve as Provincial Executive Council liaison for two specialist councils: the Fine Arts Council and the English Language Arts Council. Like all ATA specialist councils, they provide meaningful professional development through workshops, one-day events and conferences, creating spaces where teachers connect, collaborate and grow. Through this work, I’ve met colleagues I likely would never have encountered otherwise. I’m continually struck by their dedication and their willingness to volunteer their time in support of the subjects they care deeply about. Many of these teachers go on to take on broader leadership roles, strengthening both the profession and the Association. These councils have also influenced my own practice. Conversations with English language arts (ELA) teachers
have introduced me to new texts and perspectives that expand learning beyond traditional choices like To Kill a Mockingbird , a classic (though problematic) text. Today’s students benefit from literature that reflects contemporary voices and experiences. I’m also constantly amazed by just how much my ELA colleagues read while I sometimes struggle to get through an episode of House Hunters . Equally inspiring are my Fine Arts Council colleagues.Their advocacy for creativity in schools is unwavering. During the 2021 K–6 curriculum review, one of the most striking concerns was that the word “creativity” appeared only once. That matters. Education must be more than the recall of facts—it should foster imagination, expression and critical thinking. Yet fine arts curriculum, much of which hasn’t seen meaningful updates since Wham! was on the charts, continues to be overlooked. Our work is complex and demanding. But I often leave specialist council meetings feeling energized. Yes, we talk about challenges in our schools, but we also share ideas and celebrate learning. This year, ATA specialist councils mark their 65th anniversary. If you haven’t joined one yet, why not? There are 20 from which to choose, and your first membership is free, so consider joining today.
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Members invited to attend virtual DEN meetings
ATA News Staff
The Alberta Teachers’ Association Gender and Sexuality Alliance (ATA GSA) DEN exists to create a safe, welcoming and empowering space for 2SLGBTQIA+ teachers and their allies across Alberta.
M embers can now register for upcoming meetings of the ATA’s Diversity and Equity Networks (DENs). DENs provide a structure for teachers who identity as members of a diverse group to come together to support each other and organize relevant events and services. They are self-defining and self- organizing and focus on developing programming for members across the province. Each DEN holds regular online meetings to allow colleagues from across the province to connect with each other. Meetings will be held virtually from 4:30–6:00 p.m. on the noted dates, and members must register to receive the meeting link. The ATA Teachers with Disabilities (TWD) DEN is a provincial network that provides a safe and brave space for teachers with disabilities. Upcoming meetings
Upcoming meetings Tuesday, April 7, 2026 Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Thursday, June 11, 2026
The Together We RISE: Racialized Teachers’ Circle is rooted in a powerful vision: to build a community of connection, strength and empowerment for racialized educators. Upcoming meetings
ATA to launch May Day Data Drive on class size and complexity ISTOCK
Thursday, April 16, 2026 Thursday, May 21, 2026 Thursday, June 25, 2026
Kim Clement ATA News Staff T his spring, the Alberta Teachers’ Association will launch a provincewide effort to collect independent data on class size and complexity. Known as the May Day Data Drive, the initiative will engage locals and school representatives in gathering information directly from teachers about the classes they are currently assigned. Teachers will be invited to scan a QR code and complete a short survey outlining the size and complexity factors of each of their classes. The process is designed to take only a few
minutes to complete. Participants will also have the option of submitting written comments or short videos describing how class size and complexity affect their work and their students. QR code cards will be distributed to locals and provided to school representatives, who will write their school identification code on each card before sharing them with teachers. The initiative will officially launch on April 23, with data collection taking place April 27 to May 1. The Association is encouraging broad participation from teachers across the province to help ensure that classrooms in every corner of Alberta are represented in the data collected.
Learn more and find registration information at https:// abteach.cc/ atadens.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Wednesday, June 3, 2026
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