The start of the new year marked a new and significant addition to the ATA’s Professional Development (PD) program area. On Jan. 1, Andrea Berg took the helm as the inaugural associate coordinator for a brand new subunit dedicated to the coordination of the Association’s programing, policy and services relating to Indigeneity, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Berg says she was honoured to have been selected for this challenging new role. She hopes the new direction will provide an opportunity for diversity to be infused throughout everything the Association does across its various program areas.
“I hope that it will create a space for all of our members to feel that they belong and are heard, that they can come together to network and receive support,” said Berg.
Berg began her teaching career at Julia Kiniski School in Edmonton. For the next 13 years, she worked at a variety of different schools in the Edmonton Public School Division until she joined the ATA’s PD program area in 2009.
During her time at the ATA, Berg has played a key role in developing the Association’s Diversity, Equity and Human Rights (DEHR) Committee. She was also instrumental in building the ATA’s Walking Together Indigenous Education program, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) initiative, and the Status of Racialized Teachers Working Group. Though Berg moved to the Communications program area in 2017, she retained her DEHR file.
In 2017, Berg earned her doctorate in education from the University of Alberta. Her research centred on integrating diverse viewpoints, such as francophone and Indigenous perspectives, into the curriculum.
Berg says her education and experience will play an important role in her new position.
“I’m a good listener,” said Berg. “I want to meet with members, talk with members and take direction from members about what they need in order to feel supported by the Association.”
Berg is excited to return to the program area where she began her career with the ATA. Familiar with building programs from the ground up, her first task is to get the new Diversity and Equity Networks (DENs) up and running.
“The purpose of DENs is to provide opportunities for teachers to network and support each other. It’s an avenue for advocacy in areas of diversity.”
She’s also looking forward to developing the first-ever diversity sessions at the annual Summer Conference in Banff.
The Provincial Executive Council (PEC) selected Berg as the successful candidate for the new associate coordinator position at their November meeting.
“Diversity and inclusion have long been identified by PEC as areas in need of attention,” said ATA president Jason Schilling. “Council is excited to see what Dr. Berg will bring to this new and vital role within the Association.”❚