Two advocates for Alberta’s public education system were recognized at the 2026 Annual Representative Assembly (ARA), with Brandi Rai and Trisha Estabrooks receiving the ATA’s Public Education Award for their visible support of public schools.
The award recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to public education outside the teaching profession.
Estabrooks recognized for leadership and advocacy
Estabrooks, a former CBC journalist and long-time Edmonton Public Schools trustee, was honoured for her years of leadership and advocacy.
Introducing Estabrooks, ATA vice-president Allison McCaffrey described her as a tireless champion for public education who had tackled issues ranging from funding to curriculum.
“Trisha has never hesitated to speak up for all causes in public education—and we know there are many, many, many of them,” McCaffrey said, adding that Estabrooks had consistently advocated for keeping public dollars in public schools.
In accepting the award, Estabrooks emphasized the collective nature of public education. She acknowledged those with whom she had worked in her advocacy efforts, including teachers and other stakeholders. Praising teachers for their vocal and visible support of public education, Estabrooks then pointed to Alberta teachers’ recent labour action as an example of the profession’s strength and resolve.
“You stood up. You showed Albertans the importance and the value of standing up in the face of this government,” she said. “And you inspired kids. You inspired each other. You inspired the public and parents and family in society.”
Estabrooks closed her remarks by reflecting on the significance of the award.
“To receive this recognition and this award from people—from you all who dream big for others and who believe so strongly in what you do, and in the value of public education—it really, truly means a lot to me,” she said.
Rai honoured for amplifying parent voice
Rai, former president of the Alberta School Councils’ Association, was also recognized for her advocacy efforts, particularly in amplifying the role of parents and families in public education.
ATA vice-president Greg Carabine introduced Rai as a “lifelong learner, advocate and ally” who believes that access to quality public education creates opportunities for all to be the best version of themselves. He added that Rai champions the idea that “every child deserves to live authentically” and to succeed in well-supported classrooms.
In her remarks, Rai spoke about the transformative power of education.
“Education and empowerment change us, individually and collectively,” she said. “Through education, we evolve in how we treat each other and how we find solutions. And this is why education is so important generally—yesterday, today and always.”
Rai also addressed the broader political climate surrounding education, urging continued advocacy and resilience and sharing a message of encouragement for teachers.
“You are professionals, you are powerful, you are prepared and you are predestined to be successful,” she said. “Because an educated, empowered and engaged populace is one that volunteers in community, is compassionate to each other, deconstructs the lies and rhetoric that are actually meant to harm them, and then votes accordingly with their dollar, with their time and with their ballot.”
Closing her remarks, Rai thanked teachers for this honour and for the work they do every single day in classrooms across the province.
Together, the two recipients were celebrated for their contributions to the public conversation about the importance and future of Alberta’s public education system.
