Making core memories

For more than 80 years, the ATA’s teachers’ conventions have created space for meaningful professional growth for Alberta’s teachers. And each year is an opportunity for our members to build core memories as teaching professionals.

This year, conventions kicked off on Feb. 6 and 7 in Edmonton with North Central Teachers’ Convention (NCTC), where members made new memories — and some shared a few!

Session buddies

Bobbi Luymes and Glenda Ferguson, Didsbury

Over the years, we’ve attended sessions by some great presenters, like math teacher Peter Hill and author Phil Callaway.

Another standout was Temple Grandin, who presented on living and learning with autism. Education for her couldn’t look the same as it did for everyone else, and that was something that resonated with us as teachers of kids who all have different needs.

Superfan

Kristi Nelson, Beaumont

There are so many memories over the years! One is just seeing my children’s teachers in a more informal, collegial way.

I also remember one panel focused on how to better support our 2SLGBTQI+ students. It was meaningful to me, particularly as a school counsellor. It really made me think about what I say and how I can do better. It was an opportunity to take that learning and put it into my practice.

I really am a convention nerd (in a good way) and always love sharing what I’ve learned with my colleagues.

First-timer

Bobbi Houle, Hinton

This is my first ATA teachers’ convention. I used to teach at reserve schools and so would attend other conventions. I am with a new school this year, teaching Indigenous languages and cultures, and so get to attend NCTC.

I’m so excited to make new memories here!