When I was teaching, I always looked forward to the learning that happens at teachers’ convention. To be honest, I still look forward to convention season.
One memorable convention session focused on poetry for Grade 7 language arts. Though I was not teaching Grade 7 at the time, the information presented was very engaging, so I adapted the lesson for my English 20–1 class. I chuckled a bit to myself as my Grade 11s expressed how the activity was the hardest thing they ever had to do. Little did they know the origins of the assignment. I loved walking away from convention with tools I could apply in my class on Monday.
Along with the sessions, I enjoyed connecting with my colleagues over the two days of convention. It was always great to connect with people I would not usually get to see during the hectic school year, or to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in some time. Early in my career, I attended a session led by an Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) staff member who happened to be my high school English teacher. I stuck around after the session to say hi to Miss Stanley and to see if she remembered me. Sure enough she did, and the conversation we had, not as teacher and student but as colleagues, is one of my favourite convention memories.
Teachers’ conventions hold great possibilities for us as professionals. Thank you to the teachers from across the province who volunteer their time to organize conventions for their colleagues each year.
What is perhaps most remarkable is how they allow teachers to self-direct their professional growth, something the ATA has long protected. In a time of ever-increasing employer-directed professional development, I am grateful Alberta teachers still have this opportunity to take part in learning that best applies to their professional needs. I invite you to make the most of the opportunities to grow and learn as a professional, at and beyond convention.
In addition to presenting sessions at conventions, the ATA offers professional development opportunities throughout the year, including workshops on professional matters such as the new Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders or the impacts of artificial intelligence on education. Be sure you attend some of these workshops, or have these workshops presented at your schools, to stay informed of issues that matter to the profession.
As president, I am fortunate to travel to every teachers’ convention. Unfortunately, I do not always get a lot of time to connect with teachers at each stop, as I often need to hit the road to get to another convention. As it is important to stay fueled for the season, however, I do make time to grab a donut from Crooked Creek (IYKYK) when I’m in the neighbourhood.
Have a great convention season everyone. Check out the ATA booth and say hi!
