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.
Beginning this fall, Edmonton diversity consultant and teacher Janice Pinnock will represent the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) nationally as a member of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) Advisory Committee on Diversity and Human Rights.
With nearly two decades of experience in education and a strong commitment to building inclusive learning environments, Pinnock brings a wealth of knowledge to the committee. She regularly presents at teachers’ conventions and conferences on such topics as antiracism and holds a Master of Professional Education in Equity, Diversity and Social Justice from Western University. Pinnock looks forward to sharing her expertise with the national committee, learning from colleagues and connecting with educators from across Canada.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with many different communities, from rural to urban settings, with unions, schools, division leadership and other school boards,” Pinnock said. “I hope to bring these perspectives to the table and share what we are learning as we forge ahead here in Alberta.”
Pinnock also looks forward to the opportunity to learn from approaches being taken in other provinces and territories and to bring promising practices back to her own work and her educational community.
“This work is important and nuanced,” she added, “so, the more identities and voices that are represented in these conversations, the more impactful our work will be for all communities.”
Reflecting on her appointment, she recalled a quote from author Dina Nayeri: “It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks.” For Pinnock, this captures the responsibility she feels in taking on a national role focused on diversity and human rights.
“I feel a responsibility to throw the door open, quit talking, listen and then roll up my sleeves and get to work!”
The CTF/FCE currently has five advisory committees: Advisory Committee on Diversity and Human Rights, Advisory Committee on French as a First Language, Advisory Committee on Indigenous Education, Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and Advisory Committee on the Teaching Profession. With Pinnock’s appointment this year, the ATA has field member representation on three CTF/FCE advisory committees for 2026/27.
Each year, the Alberta Teachers’ Association nominates members to serve on the CTF/FCE advisory committees. Opportunities and application information will be posted on the ATA’s website in the spring under Advocacy > Volunteer.
Did you know?
A nonprofit organization, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial member organizations and associate organizations representing more than 370,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. Learn more about CTF/FCE and its work to advocate for teachers and public education at www.ctf-fce.ca.
