Contributors
EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK NOTE DE LA RÉDACTRICE
ATA Magazine Fall 2025 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elissa Corsi | elissa.corsi@ata.ab.ca MANAGING EDITOR Cory Hare | cory.hare@ata.ab.ca CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Solano | erin.solano@ata.ab.ca ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lindsay Yakimyshyn ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN Alexa Guse Bianca Ho Michael Parillas COPY EDITOR Sandra Bit SECTION EDITOR Shelley Svidal FRENCH EDITORS David Martin, Régine Toal ADVERTISING Trevor Battye Advertising Sales trevor@tbasales.ca The ATA Magazine is published three times a year and is distributed to more than 35,000 members. Articles, commentary and editorial material represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect ATA policy. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply ATA endorsement. © 2025 by The Alberta Teachers’ Association. Unauthorized use or duplication without prior approval is strictly prohibited. The Alberta Teachers’ Association 11010 142 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1 Telephone: 780-447-9400 Toll Free in Alberta: 1-800-232-7208 Website: www.teachers.ab.ca TABLE OFFICERS President Jason Schilling Vice-Presidents Greg Carabine Allison McCaffrey Past President Greg Jeffery Executive Secretary Dennis Theobald Associate Executive DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Calgary City Kevin Kempt, Kent Kinsman, Alicia Taylor South Central Rockies Wade Westworth Central Brenton Baum Central East Murray Lalonde Central North Rick Kremp Central South Brice Unland Central Prairie Sky Janet Westworth Edmonton McMurray Carmen Glossop, Chandra Hildebrand, Jay Procktor North West Rhonda Kelly South East Heather McCaig South West Katherine Pritchard Secretaries Elissa Corsi Robert Mazzotta
WRITER
ARTIST
PHOTOGRAPHER
Elissa Corsi
ALEX CHEN | pp. 10 and 11 Alex Chen is an award-winning illustrator based in Toronto. She earned her bachelor of illustration degree from Sheridan College, and her work has been recognized internationally by organizations including 3x3, WIA and RGD. She finds inspiration in everyday life, transforming simple moments into delightful illustrations that radiate positivity and warmth. See more of her work at alexshed.com or @alexchen_art on Instagram. CARLYN VOLUME-SMITH | p. 12 Carlyn Volume-Smith is the chief stakeholder relations officer at the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP), as well as a licensed clinical pharma- cist with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy, a master of science degree in health promotion and a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Alberta. Volume-Smith has been in the pharmaceutical policy and health benefit industries for more than two decades, managing complex scientific advisory processes and serving on several pan-Canadian committees in that time. CRYSTAL PUIM | cover, pp. 18–21 Crystal Puim is an Edmonton-based corporate photographer. A trusted industry partner with more than 20 years’ experience, she elevates brands with a pro- fessional, discerning eye. Fun fact: Crystal is a huge supporter of Alberta teachers and was once accepted into the education program at the University of Alberta only to later politely decline it to follow her photography path. Her company, Crystal Puim Photography (crystalphotos.ca), is a staple in Western Canada. ROBERT LEBLANC | pp. 32 and 33 Robert Jean LeBlanc is associate professor of ELA/literacy in the Faculty of Education at the University of Lethbridge. He received the 2024 ATA Educational Research Award. AMY STORNAIUOLO | pp. 32 and 33 Amy Stornaiuolo is a full professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. COPPER LEAF PHOTOGRAPHY | pp. 48–50 and 52 Chasidy Kuffner is a photographer whose work is rooted in capturing authentic, heartfelt moments. Based near Brooks, Alberta, she’s a proud wife to her high school sweetheart, a busy mom of four and a devoted caffeine enthusiast. Her love for the arts was nurtured by her teacher Ms. Pool (now Mrs. Sturch), whose encour- agement inspired Chas in all aspects of life and into a career that truly fulfills her soul. LORI WHILLIER | p. 55 With 26 years of experience at Edmonton Public Schools, Lori Whillier currently serves as a consultant, providing K–12 visual art and dance support through professional learning, resource development and teacher mentorship. Her career has largely been spent as an elementary classroom teacher and primarily in Arts Core schools, allowing her to integrate her personal passion for the arts into her professional life.
Editor-in-Chief, ATA Magazine Rédactrice en chef de l’ ATA Magazine
Rooted in hope, rising to challenge
Enraciner l’espoir, relever les défis
EVERY NEW SCHOOL YEAR brings a mix of anticipation, resilience and reflection. Even as Septem- ber retreats further into the rearview mirror, we are still surrounded by reminders that these are uncertain times —economically, socially and politically. The education landscape is ever shifting, and with it, the pressures placed on teachers continue to grow. From curriculum changes and class size challenges to questions around funding and professional autonomy, there is no shortage of complexity facing classrooms across our province. And yet, here we are again—ready. There is something remarkable about teachers' ability to show up, year after year, with renewed pur- pose. Each new school year brings not only a return to routines but also the promise of new beginnings. It is a time of clean notebooks, sharpened pencils, fresh faces and the quiet optimism that comes with starting anew. In the face of uncertainty, hope is not naive—it is necessary. It is what allows us to see our students not only for who they are but for who they might become. It is what drives innovation, compassion and the courage to speak out when something isn’t working. And it is what unites us as a profession committed to public edu- cation as a cornerstone of democracy and equity. As we continue to settle into this school year, let us lean on each other. Let us celebrate small victories, ad- vocate for what matters and continue to find joy in the everyday moments that make this work meaningful. Your voice, your care and your commitment to students matter deeply, especially now. To a year of persistence, possibility and hope.
CHAQUE NOUVELLE ANNÉE SCOLAIRE s’accompagne d’un mélange d’anticipation, de résilience et de réflexion. Malgré septembre qui s’éloigne peu à peu dans le rétroviseur, les signes que nous vivons une période d’incertitude sur les plans économi- que, social et politique restent omniprésents. Le paysage éducatif est en constante évolution, et il en découle que les pressions exer- cées sur les enseignants ne cessent d’augmenter. De la refonte du curriculum aux défis liés aux classes trop nombreuses en passant par les enjeux du financement et de l’autonomie professionnelle, ce n’est pas la complexité qui fait défaut dans les salles de classe de notre province. Et pourtant, nous revoilà, prêts pour ce qui nous attend. Il y a quelque chose de remarquable dans la capacité des enseignants à se présenter, année après année, avec une motiva- tion renouvelée. Le début d’une nouvelle année scolaire signifie non seulement un retour à la routine, mais aussi la promesse d’un nouveau départ. C’est à ce moment que les cahiers sont propres, que les crayons sont bien taillés, que les têtes sont fraiches et que le renouveau est porté par un doux vent d’optimisme. Face à l’incertitude, l’espoir n’a rien de naïf : il s’agit d’un atout essentiel. C’est grâce à l’espoir que nous voyons en nos élèves tout ce qu’ils sont aujourd’hui, mais aussi ce qu’ils pourraient devenir. C’est l’espoir qui stimule l’innovation, qui inspire la compassion et qui donne le courage de prendre la parole lorsque quelque chose ne fonctionne pas. Enfin, c’est l’espoir qui nous unit en tant que profession engagée en faveur de l’éducation publique comme fondement de la démocratie et de l’équité. Alors que la routine de cette nouvelle année scolaire s’installe petit à petit, entraidons-nous. Célébrons les petites victoires, défendons ce qui est important et continuons à tirer de la joie des petits moments qui donnent un sens à notre travail au quotidien. Votre voix, votre bienveillance et votre engagement envers les élèves sont d’une importance profonde, surtout en ce moment. Que cette année en soit une de persévérance, de possibilités et d’espoir.
The ATA Magazine is a member of the Canadian Educational Press Association. Canadian Publication Mail Agreement No. 40065477 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the Alberta Teachers’ Association. ISSN 0380-9102
PEFC Certified
This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources
The Alberta Teachers’ Association respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 territories—the travelling route, gathering place and meeting grounds for Indigenous Peoples, whose histories, languages, cultures and traditions continue to influence our vibrant community. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.
www.pefc.org
PEFC/29-31-75
ATA Magazine Fall 2025
2
3
THE ALBERTA TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting