Due to severe flooding in July, Barnett House will remain closed until early 2027.
The ATA Library is still open and providing resources to members.
Staff are working from home and continue to serve members online and by phone.
The Southern Alberta Regional Office (SARO) in Calgary is unaffected and conducts business per usual.
Recently, I attended the Beginning Teachers’ Conference (BTC) in both Edmonton and Calgary, as well as my own local’s induction ceremony and years of service celebration.
As always, the BTC is full of enthusiasm, optimism and excitement for what the future holds. The teachers attending are eager to learn and seeking support in all sorts of areas, from lessons and assessments to, most importantly, mentorship. I think we can all remember how challenging the first few years of teaching can be. I was lucky to have a team of mentors at my first school who helped me out, listened to my concerns and reminded me that Rome wasn’t built in a day.
We all know how difficult teaching these days can be, and it is important for all of us to support one another. Whether it’s a helpful tip, a lesson plan suggestion or an ear at the end of a busy day, we are all in this together. Teaching is not a solitary job; it’s built on relationships, collaboration and care.
This sense of connection came full circle for me just after the Calgary BTC, when I attended my own local’s induction ceremony and years of service celebration. I have always appreciated how ATA Palliser Local No. 19 acknowledges years of service to the Alberta Teachers’ Association, not just years of service to a school board. For example, a teacher might spend 10 years teaching for one school board before switching to Palliser and teach there for another five. This teacher would be recognized for 15 years of service to the Association, because our membership crosses school board boundaries throughout the province.
Not only was I tasked with bringing greetings to the local, but I was also honoured to be recognized for 30 years of service to the Association. That still blows my mind. How did that even happen? One moment, you’re setting up your first classroom, and then you blink and 30 years have gone by.
My career has had its ups and downs, some private and some very public. However, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every day brings a lesson to learn, and I am grateful for the people I have worked with over the years, many of whom were in the room that evening. (A special shout-out to the Kate Andrews crew!)
As I stood at the podium that evening, I was struck by how much the experience reminded me of standing at the podium at the BTC. At both events, I saw the faces of colleagues who care deeply about public education and their students. Whether we are just starting our careers or reflecting on them, we share a common purpose: supporting one another, serving our students and strengthening public education. And to me, that’s pretty cool.
I welcome your comments. Contact me at jason.schilling@ata.ab.ca.
