Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to attend convention?

All certified teachers employed in Alberta's public school boards have a legal and professional obligation to attend their designated teachers' convention each year.  These two convention days are paid days of work.  Being absent from convention can result in unprofessional conduct consequences including lost wages, fines, termination, and removal of certification.

To be absent from convention to attend a unique professional development opportunity that occurs at the same time, a teacher must be granted permission to participate in Alternate PD by their designated teachers' convention committee.  For more information, check under the Alternate PD menu at CLICK HERE.

Can I attend convention?

This question is answered differently for different people.

Pre Service Teachers

Pre-service teachers may attend teachers' convention provided: they are in the final year of their Bachelor of Education degree program at an institution recognized by the Alberta Teachers' Association and have paid for a current membership in their faculty's student ATA local (education undergraduate society).  Convention identification for eligible teachers is distributed through the student local.  The provincial ATA determines which students from which institutions can attend which conventions.  For more information visit CLICK HERE

Substitute Teachers

Substitute teachers do not have to attend convention but they can if they want to. 

Note

Effective January 1, 2019 substitute teachers employed by Calgary Board of Education are able to receive pay at substitute daily rate for each day of convention attended.  There are two conditions that apply.  See form on CCTCA website under teacher tab.  

This does not apply to substitute teachers with Calgary Separate School District.

Teachers on Leave

There are many different types of leave and, thus, there are many different answers to this question.  A teacher on medical leave is not able to attend convention, because, contractually, convention days are paid days of work.  If a teacher on medical leave attends convention, they would be expected to return to work the next school day after convention. 

Teachers on maternity/parental leave

Unpaid leave, or professional improvement leaves can attend convention provided they have paid their local union dues for the year.  They should call their local office to check their status. 

Teachers from Reserve/Private/Charter/Virtual/Home Schools and Teachers from Out of Province

Teachers who are not employed in Alberta public schools can attend the Calgary Convention, but they must meet all requirements for Out of District registration including purchasing the highest level of ATA membership possible and paying the CCTCA Out of District delegate fee.  

Teachers from other Alberta Public School Boards

ATA members must attend their designated regional teachers' conventions.

How is convention funded?

Each year, the CCTCA receives funding from convention fees paid by members of ATA Locals 38 and 55, registrations, and exhibitor fees.  This income is spent on speaker fees and expenses including honouraria, travel, accommodation, and substitute release costs. Funds are spent to cover the year-round convention planning costs including website maintenance , professional accounting and legal services, meeting costs, and committee member expenses.