Teacher advocate joins ATA staff in Calgary

A teacher and long-time advocate for her colleagues, Shirene Napier will join the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) as an Executive Staff Officer in the Teacher Employment Membership Support (TEMS) program area on Dec. 1, 2026.

With her assignment set to be based in the ATA’s Southern Alberta Regional Office (SARO) in Calgary, Napier brings a wealth of classroom, leadership and ATA experience to her new role.

Napier currently teaches at St. Stephen’s Catholic School in Valleyview, where she has taught Grades 2 and 4 and worked as a student support services teacher. Earlier in her career, she taught Grade 2 at Sturgeon Lake First Nations School, where she also served as vice-principal and coordinator of special education programming.

Having worked in a variety of classroom and leadership roles, Napier believes her first-hand understanding of the challenges teachers face will be invaluable in supporting ATA members.

“When a member calls TEMS, they need someone who understands but also knows what it actually feels like to stand in front of a diverse room of learners, manage workload and handle tough moments,” she said.

Beyond the classroom, Napier has been an active advocate for teachers through her involvement with Greater Peace Local No. 13. She has served as chair of the local’s Teacher Welfare Committee, as negotiating subcommittee chair and as local vice-president. She has also represented the ATA as a trustee on the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan board.

“I’ve loved advocating for teachers locally through my work with our division and our joint local executive,” Napier said. “Stepping into TEMS lets me take that passion for member support and collective strength to the provincial level.” 

4 More Things About Shirene

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself in your first year as a teacher?

First, advocate for yourself, set healthy boundaries and read your collective agreement! Second, let go of perfection. Let your students decorate the room and take ownership of projects, even if it’s messy. They’ll love it, and it takes so much off your shoulders.

What is the greatest life lesson teaching has taught you?

Teaching taught me the power of grace and flexibility. Classrooms are wonderfully unpredictable human spaces. You can’t control every circumstance, but you can always control how you show up for people, listen, and support one another through the ups and downs.

Favourite song to put you in a good mood

I have very eclectic taste—I listen to everything, so my favourite song changes depending on my mood, the moment and the situation.

Favourite activity or hobby

My husband says I volunteer as a pastime—whether it’s Santa’s Anonymous, Friends of the Library or ATA local committees! Beyond that, I love getting lost in a good book, belly dancing or taking my exuberant dog for a long walk.