Alberta teachers named to national advisory committees

Three Alberta teachers are set to bring provincial perspectives to the national stage after being appointed to Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) advisory committees.

This year, Betty Fu, Isabelle Barre Czarnecki and Joshua LaFleur begin two-year terms on national committees focusing on the status of women, French as a first language and the teaching profession respectively. Their appointments give the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) representation on four of the CTF/FCE’s five advisory committees.

Fu, a Curriculum and Learning Supports program coordinator with Edmonton Public Schools, said she will draw from her experience on local ATA committees, the Science Council executive and the CTF/FCE’s Teaching Together program in her work on the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.

“These experiences showed me the value of building relationships with educators and learning from their diverse experiences,” Fu said. “As an Alberta teacher, I hope to share the issues we face as we continue to advocate for the importance of public education.”

Fu added that she looks forward to representing Alberta teachers on a committee that works to improve equity.

“I hope to contribute my perspective on the unique challenges faced by women and other equity-denied communities within the teaching profession,” she said.

Barre Czarnecki, a francophone teacher with the East Central Francophone Education Region, said she is honoured to represent her colleagues. Originally from France and now active in her ATA local, she is passionate about strengthening francophone education in Alberta and across Canada. She will serve on the Advisory Committee on French as a First Language.

“It’s an opportunity and a responsibility, too, to represent teachers from Alberta and work with colleagues across Canada,” she said. “It’s not only a way to share my voice but also to learn more about francophone education across the country with all the teachers. Together, we can build strategies.”

LaFleur, a learning specialist with Rocky View Schools, also looks forward to collaborating nationally as part of the Advisory Committee on the Teaching Profession.

“I have loved learning from colleagues around Alberta on provincial committees and wanted to learn from teachers across Canada,” said LaFleur. “It is always so helpful to see what is happening in other spaces.”

Having served on several ATA subgroups and currently pursuing doctoral studies, LaFleur encourages other teachers to grow and share their experiences by getting involved locally or through committees.

“[They are] a place for support, encouragement and many valuable ideas,” LaFleur said.

Together, Alberta’s representatives to CTF advisory committees are helping shape the future of education in Canada, ensuring the voices of Alberta teachers are heard.

Each year, the Alberta Teachers’ Association nominates members to serve on CTF/FCE advisory committees. Opportunities and application information are posted on the ATA’s website each spring under Advocacy > Volunteer.