Summer Conference provides programs that support Association leadership development and training for members who are actively involved or are interested in becoming involved in the work of the Association.
Local association programs
Local associations may send representatives to attend the following programs. Representatives must (1) be an Association member, (2) obtain sponsorship from their local and (3) meet eligibility requirements. Contact your local for eligibility requirements. Course and seminar entitlements vary by local.
Advanced Collective Bargaining Course
The 2026 course is designed to deepen participants’ strategic, analytical and communication skills within the Alberta Education Sector’s complex labour relations environment. This course integrates sector-specific labour relations, legislative and collective agreement interpretation, central table bargaining structures and the evolving role of local Teacher Welfare Committees (TWC). A strong emphasis is placed on advanced internal communications, including managing member expectations, navigating difficult conversations, and translating bargaining realities into clear, credible messaging for members.
Through simulations and applied learning, the course will advance participants’ capacity to operate effectively within the current labour context. These skills directly support the work of local TWC by strengthening leadership, decision-making and member engagement. The program will build participants’ advanced competencies in strategic communication and labour relations governance, positioning them as a strong contributor to their local TWC and the critical work of supporting members’ interests in a challenging and evolving labour environment.
Eligibility
Bargaining unit members who have attended the Introduction to Collective Bargaining Course or already have experience at the negotiating table.
Local Political Engagement Officers’ Seminar
This seminar offers local political engagement officers’ leadership development to enhance the effectiveness of their local’s political engagement efforts. Participants will examine the current political landscape opportunities for teachers through political engagement and political advocacy.
Eligibility
Local Political Engagement Officer
Local Presidents’ Seminar
This seminar provides opportunities for local presidents to examine current Association issues, share information about local initiatives, engage in professional development related to local leadership and meet with Provincial Executive Council.
Eligibility
Local President or designee
Professional Development Course
This course is designed to assist PD chairs and PD committee members to meet the current professional development needs of their local members. Delegates will gain an understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and have the opportunity to explore such topics as (1) current issues, (2) skill development, (3) local initiatives and challenges, (4) succession planning and (5) PD supports and services. Participants will also have opportunities to network with other PD leaders and select sessions from various choices during the week to enhance their own leadership.
Eligibility
PD chair or local PD committee member
School Representatives’ Course
This course will focus on the roles and responsibilities of school representatives. School representatives play a key role in being the face of the Association in the school and this course will dive into what that entails. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of the school representative within the provincial association.
Eligibility
School Representative, who has not previously attended the course.
Women In K–12 Educational Leadership Seminar
This seminar is designed to enhance the leadership skills of participants who are involved in their local Women in Leadership committees. This seminar will draw from the research and organizational exemplars to examine mechanisms that local WIL committees can utilize to grow networks of support for women teachers and school leaders. The seminar creates opportunities for committee members to connect with each other, to share their strategies for supporting the leadership potential of women in the profession and to ensure a better gender composition of the teaching force in Alberta.
Eligibility
WIL Chair or local WIL committee member and provincial WIL field members (3 members).
Association corps program (by invitation only)
Indigenous Education Facilitators’ Seminar
This seminar is open only to Association members designated as Indigenous Education PD Facilitators. This invitation only program forms part of the ongoing training for Association corps members.
Details and registration information will be forwarded to local associations and Association corps in late April. Information on registration will be also posted to the ATA website at that time.
Preliminary information may be obtained by contacting Marianne Moffatt at Barnett House. E-mail: marianne.moffatt@ata.ab.ca. Telephone: 780-447-9427 (from Edmonton) or 1-800-232-7208 (from elsewhere in Alberta).