Aspen Foundation, AUPE, deliver union education to Alberta students
EDMONTON – The term “student union” could take on new meaning this year at junior and senior high schools across the province.
At least students will now have the opportunity to learn about unions in their Social Studies classes.
The Aspen Foundation for Labour Education has distributed copies of its recently completed teaching unit, Looking into Unions, to more than 1,100 junior and senior high schools throughout Alberta, said Gary Hansen, the Edmonton-based group’s executive director.
The foundation’s new teaching unit was sent out to Alberta Social Studies teachers as a resource to assist them in teaching students about work, unions, and social justice.
Looking into Unions is a six-lesson teaching unit that allows students to investigate issues related to work, unions and the workplace, as well as the contributions made by unions to society, he said.
“These issues are presented to students through high-interest activities. Included in the unit is a lesson where a speaker from the AFLE Speakers Bureau is invited to the classroom to discuss issues of work, social justice and unions.”
The teaching unit, produced at a cost of $30,000, is designed to complement the provincial Social Studies curriculum and to meet Alberta Education guidelines for curriculum supplements.
As Alberta’s largest union with more than 68,000 members, AUPE continues to support the work of the foundation and its teaching unit program.
“Understanding what unions do for societies and the important role they play for workers are pivotal messages to share with young Albertans,” explained AUPE President Doug Knight. “These academic lessons will give students an understanding now that will help them observe and comprehend current events as they move into the workforce.”
The Aspen Foundation is a registered Alberta society that brings together individuals, unions, and other organizations interested in providing another perspective in Alberta schools.
In contrast to business groups that exist to promote market values and entrepreneurship in schools, the AFLE tries to bring community values of social justice and a respect for fairness and equality to our students, Hansen said.
Related Links:
Click here to visit the Aspen Foundation’s Website.