We are moving to the River Cree Resort and Casino in 2024. Stay tuned for details on booking your hotel room.
The Alberta Rural Education Symposium was initiated by the Minister of Education in 2012. Alberta Education organized and planned the entire one-day symposium. Since 2013, the Alberta Rural Education Symposium Planning Committee has been an example of effective collaboration between education stakeholder groups. The committee is made up of representatives from the Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Alberta School Boards Association, the Alberta School Councils Association, the Alberta School Business Officials Association, the College of Alberta School Superintendents and Alberta Education.
The Minister of Education has always had a presence at the Alberta Rural Education Symposium. Many rural MLAs have joined the Education Minister in previous years. The audience for the symposium includes parents, teachers, school administrators, trustees, municipal leaders, health care professionals, county counsellors, business leaders and individuals from a rural context who take an interest in rural education and sustainability of rural communities. Portions of the symposium are webcast so participants who cannot attend in-person can still participate in the symposium. The symposium has attracted a provincial, national and international audience. Alberta Education has taken the opportunity to highlight ministry initiatives. The symposium is an excellent venue for the elected representatives and government officials to connect with rural leaders from across the province.
Three R’s of Rural Education:
Resilience, Reconciliation, and Rejoicing.
The traditional “3 Rs” of education have been rewritten to become “Resilience, Reconciliation and Rejoicing.” The previous two years have been especially challenging for schools and families. As government and schools work to support students’ recovery from learning loss, it’s important for all of us to focus as well on well-being and resilience. Simultaneously, we continue our ongoing efforts to foster reconciliation with First Nations partners. Lastly, we celebrate what’s right about rural education.
Sunday evening begins once again with our Ministers’ Panel. Minister LaGrange and her fellow ministers will provide an update and answer questions. Monday opens with Dr. Michael Ungar, a renowned expert in resilience. He will share his insights into how we can support students. The day will end on a lighter note with comedian Phil Callaway. Dr. Emily Milne starts us off Tuesday by sharing her research on working and connecting with Indigenous families. Finally, Dr. Clark Banack will provide insight into the current state of rural Alberta. Of course, we will also have a couple of schools share their success stories with the audience. Sprinkled throughout, we shall be handing out fabulous door prizes sponsored by various school divisions.
We hope you can join us in Edmonton!
