North West

One representative to be elected

Northwest District on Alberta map

Active members employed by

  • Fort Vermilion School Division, 
  • Grande Prairie Roman Catholic Separate School Division, 
  • Grande Prairie School Division, 
  • High Prairie School Division, 
  • Holy Family Catholic Separate School Division, 
  • Northland School Division, 
  • Peace River School Division, 
  • Peace Wapiti School Division, and 
  • associate members living in the same area.

District Representative candidates

Laurie Dirsa

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With over 20 years of teaching experience throughout the province, I would like to announce my candidacy for district representative (DR) of the North West. I am concerned with the apathy that I see regarding the Association. We need to be a strong voice to face the tough issues educators are facing. If we work together, we can do hard things. My ATA experience includes being a school representative, Teacher Welfare committee chair, Bargaining chair, member of convention boards, secretary, treasurer and the Mighty Peace Teachers’ Convention Association president. I am willing to work hard for the North West district and will stand loud and proud for you!

As your DR, I will serve as the crucial link between the ATA and teachers within our district. This means advocating for you, keeping you informed, and ensuring that your concerns and priorities are represented at the provincial level. Here are the core responsibilities I will focus on if you entrust me with your support:

I will prioritize listening to and communicating the views, concerns and needs of teachers across the North West district. Through regular check-ins, town hall meetings or direct communication, I will be your voice within the ATA, ensuring that your perspective is heard and your concerns are brought to the provincial leadership table.

The challenges teachers face in Alberta are evolving, but together we can build a stronger, more unified voice for our profession. As your DR, I will be committed to advocating for your needs, representing your concerns, and ensuring that our profession continues to thrive in the North West district and beyond.

I ask for your support as we work to bring the voices of teachers in the North West district to the ATA provincial table. Together, we can make a real difference for Alberta’s educators.

Rhonda Kelly

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My name is Rhonda Kelly. I am pleased to seek re-election as your North West district representative (DR). Our government spends the least amount of money on public education in Canada. I would like to continue advocating for the important work our colleagues do in the classroom and stand up for public education in our province.

Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as your DR for northwestern Alberta. Prior to this, I served six years as the local president for Grande Prairie Catholic rural and urban schools. I have held various roles on our local and provincial ATA committees, including Diversity, Equity and Human Rights; Benefits, Insurance and Pension; provincial Political Engagement; and Teacher Welfare, and eight years as treasurer of the Council for Inclusive Education. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the issues facing our education system and a strong commitment to addressing them.

I currently teach math and science in junior high grades seven and eight. Throughout my career, I have taught various elementary grades, including kindergarten. My educational background includes a bachelor of education from the University of Alberta Teachers’ Education North program and a bachelor of commerce degree. I am also currently pursuing my master of education degree.

As a proud Alberta teacher, I share your love for the beauty of our northern communities. I understand the challenges you face and the dedication you bring to your work every day. I hear your concerns, and I am committed to bringing those concerns to the attention of our provincial Association.

It would be an honour to continue to be your strong voice and advocate for our concerns in the North West. I ask for your support in the upcoming election.

What is PEC?

The Provincial Executive Council is the governing body of the Alberta Teachers' Association

Learn more