Today’s appointment of Demetrios Nicolaides as education minister will provide a renewed opportunity for government and teachers to build a better relationship and work together to strengthen Alberta’s public education system.
“Congratulations to Dr Nicolaides on his appointment. Alberta’s public education system succeeds when everyone is working together: government, parents and teachers. I look forward to meeting with Minister Nicolaides and getting to work on solutions to the important issues facing teachers and public education.”
—ATA president Jason Schilling
As the professional organization representing over 46,000 public teachers in Alberta, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is committed to fostering a productive and collaborative relationship with the ministry of education. We believe that by working together, we can create an environment that supports quality public education, enhances student learning outcomes and allows teachers to maintain their professional autonomy.
“There are critical issues facing public education that require our immediate attention: outstanding concerns about curriculum, class size and complexity, teacher recruitment and retention, and our bottom-of-the-nation funding levels. The ATA is committed to working with the minister to address these concerns and develop sustainable solutions for the entire education community.”
—ATA president Jason Schilling
Schilling notes that Premier Danielle Smith has outlined on numerous occasions problems that have arisen—particularly with curriculum—as a result of failures to engage teachers and the ATA. He is hopeful that Smith will emphasize relationship building as part of the mandate tasked to the new minister.
Alberta’s public education system serves 93 per cent of Alberta’s students, and Schilling says it must be protected as an important investment in Alberta’s future.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, supports teachers’ professional practice and serves as the advocate for its 46,000 members.