Professional Development
The Alberta Teachers’ Association encourages and supports teachers’ pursuit of professional learning opportunities.
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The Alberta Teachers’ Association, defines professional development as the wide range of programs, activities and services teachers identify and undertake individually or collectively to contribute to the profession. Expenditures related to travel and accommodation (associated with the PD event or activity), tuition, registration and materials (books, teaching and learning resources) are deemed acceptable. However, expenditures related to the purchase of hardware (ie, laptops, iPads, etc.) are NOT seen as acceptable use of professional development funds. See the entire PD policy here.
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Your PD Fund statement will be emailed to the email address you provided the Local. If you have not yet done this, subscribe below.
Registering for PD and booking your sub (use these steps for PD Grant activities, too) - follow these steps:
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Ensure you have money to use by checking your PD Fund balance (see emailed statements).
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Register and pay for a PD activity.
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Print the receipt showing registration paid, not the registration confirmation.
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Book your sub using the Employee Leave System.
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When asked, “What is the reason for your absence?” select Professional Development from the menu.
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When asked, “Who is paying for your sub?” select ATA PD Fund from the menu.
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Book your sub using your school's procedure.
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Complete the PD Fund Claim Form. Please note the information on the claim form regarding which expenses can be reimbursed prior to attending your PD activity. Sub costs must be available in your PD fund.
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Submit your claim by email to atalocal5pd@gmail.com. Attach the form(s) and receipts to one email. Send from an email address at which you can be reached i.e., not a photocopier address. You will receive email notification that your claim has been received.
PD Grants: There are several PD grants offered by the Local. These have application deadlines. Please see the PD Policy for more information. There are also grants, awards, and scholarships available from ATA Provincial.
​If there is something I can help with, please email me at atalocal5pd@gmail.com. (Please do not send PD-related email to my @holyspirit.ab.ca address.)
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These are the dates I deliver claims to and pick up cheques from the bookkeeper. The cheques are then signed and sent to teachers via your school's Local Council Rep., interschool mail, or Canada Post. Please note: Dates subject to change.
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August 27
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September 10
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October 1 (Final drop off for 2023/24 PD claims)
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October 8
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November 5
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November 12
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December 3
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January 7
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January 14
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February 4
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February 11
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March 4
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March 11
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April 1
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April 8
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May 6
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May 13
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June 4 (Final drop-off for PD claims to be reimbursed before September)
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June TBD (Final pick-up & mail out)
ATA PD Opportunities
Here are a few annual suggestions for your professional development.
Professional Growth Plan
Teacher professional growth means the career-long learning process whereby a teacher annually develops and implements a plan to achieve professional learning objectives or goals that are consistent with their relative professional practice standard(s). More info.
Beginning Teacher Conference
The Calgary conference will be held at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, October 4–5, 2024. This is a no-charge event for ATA members. Also, contact Joan Rogers to let her know you are attending. She will let you know how to book your substitute teacher for the Friday, and how to claim per diem expenses for the two days. More Info.
Substitute Teachers Conference
This annual conference is October 18-19, 2024 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton. The Alberta Teachers’ Association sponsors this annual conference for substitute teachers that provides an excellent opportunity for professional development and networking. More info.
Local Links
These professional development links are Alberta based.
ATA PD YouTube
Offers a wide range of programs and services to education partners.
Mentor Teachers
This website responds to the diverse needs of cooperating teachers, student teachers, school leaders, university facilitators and teacher preparation program partners.
Workshops & Presentations
Detailed descriptions of the workshops are listed in this guide and posted on the ATA's website.
Southern Alberta PD Opportunities
Information about PD opportunities in our area.
Beginner Teachers
The ATA wants to make sure that new teachers start out on the right foot. Here you’ll find resources and information that will help you as you begin.
Alberta Assessment Consortium
Providing opportunities for quality professional learning.
SAPDC
Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium
ARPDC
Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia
You can use your PD for...
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Books focused on professional practice and pedagogy
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Online PD courses and memberships
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Driving to and from Holy Spirit PD activities
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Collaborating with colleagues
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Can't get into a SAPDC workshop? Maybe it's offered in another city! Check on ARPDC
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