A. Communications Policy
1. Goals
a) To enhance image of the Association and support quality education in this province. [May/27-28/05] [JC Nov/05] [2007 BGM]
b) To enhance the image of NLTA members while providing motivation and inspiration. [Mar/4- 5/94] [1994 AGM] [2007 BGM] [Jun/10/22]
c) To increase the awareness of the functions of NLTA members within the school system as perceived by the users and other stakeholders (i.e., students, families, etc.) and the differences and similarities between the various groups’ expectations of the school system. [May/27-28/05] [JC Nov/05] [2007 BGM] [Jun/10/22]
d) To increase the involvement of other educational stakeholders in the educational process by enhancing understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and effectiveness of various non-educators, the family, community, corporations, and students in the attainment of excellence in education. [May/27-28/05] [JC Nov/05] [2007 BGM]
e) To enhance understanding of education as continually developing and changing within society.
f) To enhance the understanding of, and support for, the leadership role educators have accepted in meeting the challenge of changing educational needs.
g) To increase awareness among the members of the general public for improvements in the educational system.
h) To increase member awareness of positive community/school public relations in education. [Jun/10/22]
i) To increase member awareness of the leadership role they play in meeting the challenge of changing educational needs. [Jun/10/22]
j) To increase involvement of members in improving education. [Jun/10/22]
2. Internal Communications
a) The Association communicates openly, honestly, and frequently with its membership utilizing all appropriate modes of communication. A good flow of information is considered vital.
b) The Association supports and promotes effective communications among the membership, within branches and special interest councils and with school representatives. [May/27-28/05] [JC Nov/05] [2007 BGM]
c) The Association communicates openly, honestly, transparently and frequently with its staff, keeping all staff members informed on all activities and directions of the Association. The Association is responsive to the needs of its employees and, therefore, maintains a flow of communication.
d) When meeting with members, Executive and staff members are to allow a significant amount of time for discussion on topics and issues of concern to all members. Wherever possible, material should be sent out in advance so that participants can be informed of information prior to the meeting. [Mar/18-19/88] [May/27-28/05] [JC Nov/05] [2007 BGM] [Jun/10/22]
3. External Communications
a) The NLTA cultivates and maintains an ongoing and supportive relationship with outside agencies and government both within and outside of the educational sphere.
b) In particular, the NLTA cultivates and maintains a positive working relationship with the news media. This is accomplished by
- responding quickly and honestly to media enquiries;
- treating media equally when releasing news, bearing in mind their differing needs and deadlines to as great a degree as possible; and
- having the President as the principal spokesperson. If they are not available, the Vice-President will take their place. With approval, the Executive Director or Communications Officer may make statements to the news media. [Dec/4/20]
- seeking approval from members prior to recommending them as resource persons for educational/teacher issues including the media [May/22/87] [May/27-28/05] [JC Nov/05] [2007 BGM] [Jun/10/22]
