IN THIS ISSUE
This is your MAGAZINE
5 2017 BCTF AGM 6 AGM Now is a great time to be a
Do you enjoy writing? Have a story to tell? An event, topic, or issue you want your colleagues to know about?
teacher in BC! 7 AGM Being part of “something
If so, consider writing for Teacher. We also welcome brief letters to the editor. If you have any thoughts about an article you have read and want to share your opinion with other teachers, send your letter to teachermag@bctf.ca. For more information about upcoming themes, contact teachermag@bctf.ca. Submission guidelines can be downloaded from bctf.ca/publications/TeacherNewsmag.aspx. Teacher reserves the right to edit or condense any contribution considered for publication. We are unable to publish all letters we receive. Deadline: September 2017 issue August 18, 2017
bigger”
5 8
Teacher Advisory Board Valdine Ciwko Catherine Quanstrom Haymen Leong Susan Telfer Jennifer Kimbley BCTF Executive Committee Mike Ball Teri Mooring Rae Figursky Norm Sabourin James Sanyshyn Carole Gordon Glen Hansman Robin Tosczak Jim Iker Kip Wood Clint Johnston Articles contained herein reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily express official policy of the BC Teachers’ Federation. The BCTF does not endorse or promote any products or services presented in the advertising sections of the magazine. All advertisements will be reviewed and approved by the BCTF. They must reflect BCTF policy and be politically, environmentally, and professionally appropriate.
9 AGM Members’ voices 10 Progress report on trans inclusion 11 Restoration stories Library lights up 13 Dead but not buried— Unlearning the lessons of Bill 28 14 The emotional toll of living in a war zone
11
15 Imagining a women’s parliament 19 Drowning on dry land 20 Meeting at the mosque 21 Professional development as patchwork quilt 22 Blanket exercise Heartfelt lessons of truth and reconciliation
15
REGULAR FEATURES 3 President’s message Time to lead on equity and inclusion 4 Readers write 16 Member benefits Spotlight on health and safety 18 BCTF matters Domestic violence
19
24 Teachers making a difference A teacher’s legacy 26 A teacher’s voice Art imitates life 27 A teacher’s voice Tinkering 101 28 Classified ads 31 PD calendar
22 2 TEACHER May | June 2017
8 AGM Pictures tell the cover story
12 Stories behind the numbers
Teacher BC Teachers’ Federation Toll free 1-800-663-9163 Email teachermag@bctf.ca Web bctf.ca/newsmag Editor Susan Croll (on leave) 2017 editor Marian Dodds Assistant editor/design Karen Steel ISSN 0841-9574
8 AGM Picket line baby a born activist
Indicates resources