Three local teachers’ associations have been awarded for their efforts in supporting and promoting diversity in their school districts. The Northern Spirit Local No 6, the Trumpeter Local No 26, and the Grande Prairie and District Catholic Teachers No 42 jointly received the award from the Alberta Teachers’ Association.
Nicole French-Gillies is the President of the Northern Spirit Teacher Association and says the award was in part due to the support their associations have showed for gay straight alliances.
“We’ve also had some displays up at the convention that we sponsored, we brought in Dr. Kristopher Wells from the University of Alberta to speak with teachers about diversity in the classroom. We’ve done many community activities in that area.”
French-Gillies says the Tri-District Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights Committee has brought the three locals together to provide that support in a much wider spectrum.
“Diversity, equity, and human rights really fit with where we stand with supporting students in all areas. Whenever we need to support a student, that’s what we are always looking to do and I guess that’s why it was a really natural fit to have a committee like this.”
Northern Spirit was also recognized individually with a Local Political Engagement award for it’s program that encouraged teachers to address MLAs and community members about education issues.
The awards were handed out last week during the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Annual Summer Conference in Banff.
