Meet the candidates

Nominations for the 2024 Edmonton District by-election closed October 31, with two members now vying for the vacant spot on Provincial Executive Council.

Two candidates are running for the position of district representative, Edmonton District: Carryl Bennett and Deneen Zielke. Read on to learn more about these two teachers who want to represent their colleagues in the Elk Island Public, Elk Island Catholic, St. Albert Catholic, St. Albert Public and Sturgeon locals.

Carryl Bennett

Our profession is a mix of unique challenges, joys and complexities. To ensure that every teacher’s voice is heard, we need a strong provincial ATA that values our diverse community of educators. Recent issues like new curricula, provincial bargaining, underfunded support systems and rising mental health concerns have created significant challenges for us. I am dedicated to addressing these issues and making sure that all concerns — big or small — are acknowledged and addressed.

With my varied experiences both in and out of the classroom, I believe I am well equipped to support the teachers in the Edmonton District. My passion for advocating for ATA members, my flexibility in tackling challenges and my determination make me a strong candidate for the role of district representative.

I have taught Grades 4–12 in a variety of settings, including suburban and rural districts, English and French immersion schools, and both public and Catholic systems. Currently, I am a Grade 8 homeroom teacher in St. Albert Catholic.

My involvement with the ATA began in my second year of teaching when I attended Summer Conference and became secretary of Wolf Creek Local No. 3. Over the past 23 years at the local level, I have served in various roles, including secretary, Economic Policy Committee chair, Annual Representative Assembly representative, Negotiating Subcommittee (NSC) chair, Professional Development chair, local communications officer and North Central Teachers’ Convention Association (NCTCA) representative. I have been local president since 2013.

At the regional level, I have been part of the NCTCA executive since 2017, serving as both secretary and president. At the provincial level, I have been actively involved with the ATA Science Council since 2013, holding positions such as assistant conference director, conference director, president, vice-president and past president.

Currently, I am the local president of Greater St. Albert Catholic Teachers’ Local No. 23, and president of the NCTCA.

Deneen Zielke

I was born in Viking, Alberta, home of the Sutter brothers, which strongly contributed to my love of hockey and cheering for the home team. I enjoyed many things about small-town rural life.

My teaching career began in Sherwood Park. I quickly became a school representative and have since been involved in the work of the ATA. As Teacher Board Advisory Committee chair, I met the superintendent to discuss teachers’ concerns. This led to a role on Teacher Welfare Committee and becoming NSC chair, leading our teachers as we negotiated at the local level.

As local president, I am so proud of the work our local has accomplished. Our executive is an amazing group of professionals. Supporting these local leaders and our school representatives in the work they do is key to our success.

At the provincial level, in addition to supporting my executive at their scheduled seminars, I was selected to serve on the provincial Committee on Coordinating Communications to Members to support member engagement.

I intend to demonstrate integrity by

• building strong collaborative relationships based on trust and confidentiality with the Provincial Executive Council, school districts and members;
• striving for respectful and open communication when sharing teachers’ concerns and opinions; and
• working diligently to support teachers as they navigate the tumultuous environment in education.

I intend to represent teachers by

• strengthening relationships through intentional listening to understand, value and embrace diverse opinions;
• bringing members together to become actively involved in the collective bargaining process; and
• advocating for a fully funded, inclusive public education system.

I intend to use my leadership skills by

• creating open lines of communication between members and the provincial Association;
• working collaboratively to make sure teachers’ concerns are at the forefront of decision making; and
• supporting members to develop their leadership skills and take on roles within the Association.