The first of nine provincewide teacher conventions began this week to offer teachers a professional development opportunity away from the classroom. The North Central Teachers’ Convention Association (NCTCA) brought 200 speakers to the Edmonton Convention Centre on Thursday afternoon for a two-day event. “It has been a challenging year, but the fact that we get to do professional development together for two days is really exciting,” said NCTCA president Carryl Bennett. “Some people came for inspiration, others for improving their pedagogy.” In January, the Alberta Teachers’ Association released a survey of 10 per cent of the province’s teachers which indicated educators were experiencing “record-high” levels of stress. The study cited systemic and structural challenges, from worker pay and retention, to classroom size, complexity and lack of resources, especially after tumultuous labour action earlier that school year. In October, tens of thousands of teachers across the province had begun striking for the first time in more than 20 years. Classes resumed when the Alberta government used the notwithstanding clause to order teachers back to work. “The average classroom teacher has definitely felt the highs and lows of what’s been going on, whether it’s curriculum, lack of resources, the strike,” Bennett said. “This midpoint is sort of a chance to reset.” Eight more conventions will be held across the province over the span of two months. The events are paid for through teachers’ union fees.
