Ever felt like giving Alberta's Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange your viewpoint as either a parent or teacher?  

Here's your chance to do exactly that.  The Alberta government is looking for more perspectives from parents and teachers in an effort to strengthen the education system in the province.  

Alberta Education is looking for approximately 80 individuals to serve as members of either a Parents Advisory Council or Teacher Advisory Council.  It's hoped that the two councils will provide valuable input on the education system directly to the Minister of Education.  

However, the President of the Alberta Teachers Association calls the formation of the two committees "unnecessary."

Jason Schilling says the Alberta government has heard from teachers and parents continuously regarding topics like the proposed changes to the K to six curriculum, class sizes, funding and, of course, school during pandemic times.  He says the government has ignored that feedback from school councils and the teacher's association and two new councils won't get any different results.  

The new councils are meant to provide the minister and the department with input on key priorities within, what the government is calling, 'a collaborative and respectful setting.'  The model for the advisory councils is based upon the successful Minister’s Youth Council, a group of approximately 40 Alberta junior and senior high students providing input to the minister and government on provincial education initiatives.

The councils will consist of approximately 40 members each with members serving a 10-month term, aligned with the school year.  Members will be expected to attend up to four meetings with the minister per term.

“As a parent of seven children who went through the Alberta education system, I know how important the voices of parents and teachers are," Minister LaGrange said.  "Creating these two advisory councils provides another way for parents and teachers to share their views on education policies and initiatives as we work to improve outcomes for students. I encourage any interested parent or teacher to apply, and I look forward to hearing the valuable input they will provide.”

Council members will reflect the diversity of Alberta, including a variety of geographical locations, school authority types, socio-economic backgrounds and cultural groups.

Interested individuals can apply online to the Parent Advisory Council or the Teacher Advisory Council until August 31st,  Successful applicants for each council will be announced later in the fall.

More information on the two councils can be found here:

Minister's Parent Advisory Council 

Minister's Teacher Advisory Council 

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