September 2020

Dear NLTA Member:

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all Teaching and Learning Assistants to the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association. We are excited to be representing you and having you as valued members of the professional Association.

When the Premier’s Task Force came forward in July 2017 with the recommendations for improving our province’s education system, it was clear that a key component had to be the provision of additional human resources. We are very pleased that this recommendation was acted upon and that, through the advocacy efforts of the NLTA with other stakeholders, the positions of Teaching and Learning Assistants were created and you have become members of our Association, which is, of course, now your Association too.

There is mutual agreement that the most appropriate place for these new educational professionals would be within the ranks of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association. We are very proud of our role in what we hope will be an era of continued growth in the profession and the provincial public education system in general. We take great pride in welcoming you as members and colleagues. Throughout its 130 years of existence, the NLTA has taken its role as the voice of the profession very seriously. The Association consistently advocates for the highest quality of education that can be provided. Having you join us now as a result of those efforts is an important step forward in creating the education system that our students deserve. Your inclusion in our membership was sought in furtherance of the Association’s overall goal and purpose, as set out in the NLTA mission statement:

“We dedicate ourselves to the professional excellence and personal well-being of teachers, through support, advocacy, educational leadership and the development and delivery of outstanding programs and services.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association exists to serve you. We are your NLTA, and we are here to protect and enhance your welfare. Our staff in Programs and Services are readily available to provide you with a variety of services ranging from personal counselling, to contractual advice and representation, to professional development. All NLTA personnel are dedicated to helping you, and all members, achieve and maintain professional excellence and personal wellness by providing the necessary knowledge and advice to support you in achieving your professional goals and objectives.

Having you all here this week provides an opportunity to ensure that all parties are informed on the best means to utilize your expertise within our schools. It also provides an opportunity for you to become aware of the programs and services that the Association provides for you. I would encourage you to take the time to speak with our staff, to myself and to each other. I am hoping that we will hear from our schools and from you as the year unfolds. Your feedback is critical to ensuring continued growth for the profession and education in general.

Welcome to the profession, and welcome to the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association.

Sincerely yours,

Dean Ingram
President