President’s Report Report to Members– September

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Meetings Attended:

  • Met with Tracy Young, Director of Education
  • ALAC Committee Meeting
  • President/Vice President Connect
  • Met with Shawn Olson, CUPE 4254 President
  • PSTA/PSSD Professional Development Committee Meeting (two meetings)
  •  Met with LINC Chair to discuss Governance review and planning
  • Met with Fay Cassidy, HR Superintendent
  • Governance Committee meeting
  • Executive Meeting
  • Brought greetings to the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatoon Brunch
  • Representative Assembly
  • Wellness Committee Meeting
  • New Teacher Orientation
  • LINC Implementation Committee Meeting
  • Attended Fall President’s and LINC Gathering Hosted by STF

School visits:

  • Aberdeen School Visit
  • Pike Lake School Visit
  • Delisle Elementary School Visit
  • Laird School visit
  • Rosthern School visit
  • Riverbend Colony School visit
  • Riverview Colony School Visit

Overview of Activities:

Relationship Building and Member Engagement

  • General Assembly: The Governance committee developed six options for future General Assemblies; SSLs are currently gathering staff feedback.
  • Retiree Relations: Connected with Prairie Spirit retirees at the STS Brunch. Maintaining these relationships is vital for future bargaining and election support.
  • Representative Assembly (RA): The first RA in September had 63% attendance. Reps are collecting staff feedback on PD Funds, the General Assembly’s business portion, and superannuation gifts.
  • School Visits: In-person visits will increase in October following a busy September meeting schedule.
  • Social Media: Instagram and Facebook are regularly updated, including a “President’s Week in Review.” Watch for contests celebrating World Teachers’ Day (Oct 5) and Education Week (Oct 18-24).

Advocacy

  • ALT Meetings: Advocated for the PSTA President to attend the Director’s Message at ALT meetings, but the request was denied.
  • Collaboration: Met with CUPE 4254 President Shawn Olsen to discuss joint advocacy efforts.
  • Funding Advocacy: Seeking STF Executive approval to meet with local MLAs regarding the underfunding of Prairie Spirit compared to neighboring school divisions.
  • Board Liaison: Requested a board liaison meeting to occur this fall. 

Strengthening our Organization

  • Constitution: The approved Constitution has been submitted to the STF Executive for review.
  • Rep Assembly: The RA is over 90% filled, with every school represented. Eligibility has expanded to include Colony and Substitute teachers (please reach out if you know interested substitute teachers!)
  • Communications: The PSTA website and email lists are actively being updated to ensure accuracy.
  • Appointments:
    • Hali Hamel (Professional Development Committee), Natasha Cochran (LINC), and Jen Green (Secretary).
    • Nicole Anderson, Lisa Kuchler, and Karen Tokar (Scholarship), and Justin Sauer (Chief Electoral Officer).

Belonging, Diversity and Reconciliation

  • September Meeting: Thank you to Amanda Nelson for leading the PSTA Executive in a smudge to start the year.
  • Reconciliation Training: To better embed actionable reconciliation into the PSTA, the President is completing courses through the First Nations University of Canada and the Outdoor Learning School.

President’s Report to Members – August 2026

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Meetings Attended

End of School Year / Over the Summer:

  • Attended the May and June Executive meetings as a guest
  • Attended the May Representative Assembly as a guest
  • Met with the Past President
  • Met with the LINC Chair
  • Met with the Vice President

August:

  • Executive Meeting – August 24, 2026
  • PSTA/PSSD Joint Professional Development Committee Meeting
  • General Assembly
  • Met with the HR Superintendent
  • Met with the Director of Education

Overview of Activities

Relationship Building and Member Engagement

The summer provided some much-needed time to slow down and enjoy some vacation time, but it was also an opportunity to begin getting ready for the year ahead. I connected with several Committee Chairs, both in person and by email, to learn more about their work and prepare for the start of the school year.

I also had the opportunity to informally connect with both new and returning PSTA members at community events, including Jazz Fest and various children’s activities. These informal conversations have been a great way to get to know members outside of the workplace and to hear what is important to them.

It was fantastic to see such strong engagement at the General Assembly. Seeing members participate, ask questions, and contribute to the conversation was very encouraging. I believe this is a positive sign for our organization and an important opportunity to continue strengthening member participation and involvement.

The Governance Committee will be using 1.5 Executive Release time to meet and begin its planning work. We are also planning to apply for an STF Local Association Grant to help support this work.

A large part of my first two weeks back was focused on preparing for and supporting the General Assembly, including helping with setup. I have also spent a significant amount of time meeting with Division Office staff and completing the start-of-year administrative work associated with the PSTA. This has included updating staff email lists, recruiting school representatives, and making sure our systems and communications are ready for the year ahead.

Advocacy

There are no advocacy updates at this time. 

Strengthening Our Organization

One of my priorities over the summer was taking time to better understand the work of the PSTA. I reviewed the past two years of meeting minutes, several months of emails, and documents related to LINC, the Wellness Committee, and Governance. This has given me a much better understanding of where we are as an organization and the work that has already been done.

I am also spending time becoming familiar with our Google Workspace, MailerLite subscription list, and WordPress website. Having a strong understanding of where our files, information, and communication systems are located will help me ensure that we are organized and able to maintain continuity moving forward.

I plan to bring a President Transition Plan forward to the Executive for consideration, with the goal of incorporating it into policy. The intention is to make transitions between Presidents smoother and to ensure that important organizational knowledge is not lost when leadership changes. The plan would outline key topics that should be discussed between the outgoing and incoming Presidents, including:

  • An introduction to all organizational and technology accounts
  • Preparation for the General Assembly and the agenda for the business portion of the meeting, including Constitutional amendments
  • A strong understanding of member email accounts and communication systems
  • An overview of organizational files, documents, and where they are stored
  • Key ongoing projects, committees, and organizational priorities

The goal of this transition plan is to support continuity, preserve organizational knowledge, and ensure that future Presidents have the information and resources they need to begin their terms with confidence.

Looking Ahead

It has certainly been a memorable start to my first few weeks in this role! There has been a steep learning curve, but I am genuinely enjoying the experience and learning something new every day.

I am especially looking forward to getting out to schools over the next couple of weeks and meeting with members in their schools. Building relationships, listening to members, and understanding their experiences will be an important part of my work as President.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to welcome me, share information, answer my many questions, and help me get settled into the role. I am excited about the year ahead and look forward to working together to continue strengthening our organization and supporting our members.

2026 Student Scholarship Winners

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The Prairie Spirit Teachers’ Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 PSTA Student Scholarships. Three scholarships of $1,000 are available to all Prairie Spirit students graduating in 2026 who have enrolled in any post-secondary institution, and the Cindy Clarke Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 is available to a Prairie Spirit student graduating in 2026 who has enrolled in a post-secondary institution in a Bachelor of Education program.

The PSTA Student Scholarship Committee chose Kassidy Pearson of Warman High School, Kale Roberts of Blaine Lake Composite School, and Jorja Neufeld of Warman High School to each receive a $1,000 scholarship to help toward the cost of their post-secondary education.

Autumn Robson of Martensville High School is the winner of the Cindy Clarke Memorial Scholarship for a Prairie Spirit graduate entering a Bachelor of Education program.

Congratulations to all of our recipients. We wish you the best in your future educational endeavors.

Candidate for PSTA President: Scott Woods-Fehr

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My name is Scott Woods‑Fehr, and I am seeking your vote to continue representing you as PSTA President for another two‑year term.

Since 2002, I have worked across a range of roles from classroom teacher to special education teacher in K–12 schools. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the day‑to‑day realities our members face and shaped my ability to advocate thoughtfully and effectively on behalf of Prairie Spirit teachers.

Stepping into the role of PSTA President brought a steep learning curve as I shifted from classroom teacher to association leader. The work demanded a new set of skills: navigating complex agreements and professional relationships, and balancing member needs with the collective good. Now in my sixth year as President, I bring confidence, clarity, and collaboration to the role, supported by a strong working knowledge of the PSTA Constitution and both local and provincial agreements. This foundation allows me to respond quickly and effectively to member concerns.

I’ve always believed in the power of collective action and in the essential role organizations like the PSTA play in giving teachers a strong, unified voice. That conviction drew me to the association early in my career, as the only substitute teacher who regularly attended representative assemblies. In 2009, I was elected as an STF Councillor, a role I held for over a decade before being elected PSTA President in 2020.

Through nearly 17 years on the PSTA Executive and close to six years as President, I have seen significant changes in education both locally and provincially. This experience has strengthened my understanding of our local association’s work and its relationship with Prairie Spirit School Division.

As President, I am seconded 100% from my teaching position, allowing me to be fully available and responsive to the needs and concerns of PSTA members. I make a point of visiting schools regularly to stay connected, listen directly to members, and ensure my work remains firmly grounded in the daily realities of Prairie Spirit classrooms.

I have also worked to strengthen the PSTA’s systems and practices, including transitioning our email, documents, and website from PSSD‑managed platforms to independent services. Throughout these changes, the Executive and I have remained committed to fiscal responsibility. While membership fees have fluctuated over time, in recent years they have remained at or below the 2014-15 rate.

When challenges arise that affect our members, I believe the PSTA President must respond quickly and decisively. Over the past two years, I have continued to work closely with the PSTA Executive, PSSD Senior Administration, STF leadership, and other local associations to address concerns and advocate effectively. I’ve expanded our membership email list and used surveys to ensure teachers’ voices are clearly heard and documented when decisions impact our working conditions. With recent STF bylaw changes making all Prairie Spirit substitute teachers members of the PSTA, I look forward to ensuring this shift strengthens our association and brings meaningful benefits to all members.

As PSTA President, I am committed to maintaining the positive, open relationship our association has built with the Board and Division staff, while continuing to advocate strongly for the needs of teachers.

The work we do together through the PSTA shapes the future of our profession and strengthens the collective voice of teachers across Prairie Spirit. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and remain deeply committed to advocating for your well‑being. I hope to continue this work on your behalf as PSTA President.
Your vote matters. Please re‑elect Scott as PSTA President and ensure strong representation for the next two years.

Candidate for PSTA President: Amy Korver

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My name is Amy Korver. I am a teacher, Vice Principal, mom, wife, and STF Provincial Executive member. As your next PSTA president, I will passionately bring energy, transparency and momentum to our organization.  Over the past 5 years on your provincial Executive, I’ve developed a robust understanding of how local associations can improve the professional lives of the teachers they serve.

We can do better, and I’m ready to lead this work.

As your next President, I recognize that I work for and represent YOU. You deserve to know exactly what that leadership will look like.  I am committed to:

ACCOUNTABILITY of the President’s Time

  • Making the work of the President visible, purposeful, and clearly connected to member needs.
  • Reporting weekly and monthly on how my time is used. The President’s role is fully funded by member fees. You deserve transparency in how that time is spent.
  • Maintaining an office at division office to build strong working relationships and respond quickly to emerging issues.
  • Regularly visiting all Prairie Spirit schools to stay connected with members, meet with school staff representatives, and understand the diverse working conditions across our division.

ADVOCATING for Members

  • Communicating clearly and respectfully with all stakeholders — the school division, school board, and elected officials — while firmly representing member interests.
  • Championing the understanding that your working conditions are students’ learning conditions.
  • Hearing and advocating for all teachers, including Indigenous and racialized teachers, substitute teachers, new teachers, 2SLGBTQ+ teachers, and specialized teachers such as LSTs and CSTs.

STRENGTHENING Our Organization

  • Developing a clear strategic plan that builds member knowledge, engagement, and collective capacity.
  • Embedding meaningful Truth and Reconciliation actions into our work as a local.
  • Positioning our local to be prepared and united for the next round of LINC bargaining and empowering members to advocate collectively.
  • Strengthening connections between Prairie Spirit teachers and the STF.
  • Reviewing and refining governance policies to ensure members are properly represented.
  • Empowering school reps to be strong, school-based leaders and revamping the Representative Assemblies to better gather, share, and act on information from schools.

I have the experience, the skills, and the willingness to lead the Prairie Spirit Teachers’ Association with transparency, integrity, and purpose. I am ready to do this important work on your behalf.

PSTA Logo Design Contest: Call for Member Submissions

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As the Prairie Spirit Teachers’ Association approaches its 20th anniversary, we are inviting members to help shape the future of our Association by submitting ideas for a refreshed PSTA logo.

Our current logo, created in 2006 by Corinne Dutka, has represented PSTA for nearly two decades. As we look ahead, we are excited to see creative ideas from members that reflect who we are today and where we are going.

We know that many PSTA members are creative and artistic, and even if you don’t consider yourself a designer, we still encourage you to participate. Logo submissions may include designs created using AI tools. If AI is used, submissions must include a brief description acknowledging its use and explaining how it contributed to the final design.

How the Selection Process Works

All submitted designs will be reviewed and shared at the May Rep Assembly, where School Staff Representatives will narrow the submissions down to three finalist designs. These finalists will then be shared with the full membership, and all PSTA members will vote to select the final logo.

The designer of the selected logo will receive recognition and credit toward PSTA-branded merchandise featuring their work.

Submission Details

  • Open to PSTA members only
  • Individual or small team submissions are permitted
  • Each member or team may submit up to two designs
  • Designs should be professional, clear, and suitable for use in print, digital formats, and merchandise
  • Logos must work well in both colour and black-and-white

Deadline

Submissions must be received by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

We look forward to seeing the creativity and ideas of our members as we mark this milestone for PSTA.

Submit your design using the online form: https://forms.gle/HghTTPr4wSitoQFX7

Notice of PSTA Presidential Election

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PSTA members are invited to submit nominations for the office of PSTA President for the term of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028.

The PSTA President’s duties are described in PSTA Constitution Section 9.5 President. Please forward completed nomination forms to Returning Officer, Mark Perry by 4:00 pm on February 28th.

We encourage you to provide a photograph of yourself and a written statement, which will be posted on the PSTA web site leading up to the election.

Nominees will be given an opportunity to record a video response to questions provided by the Returning Officer. Questions will be made available to nominees on March 2nd and posted on the PSTA website on March 13th.

The general membership elect the President through an online secret ballot. All PSTA members are eligible to vote.

Voting for the PSTA President election will be facilitated by your School Staff Liaisons and occur using Election Runner on March 30th and 31st.

Please contact Mark Perry if you have any questions.

PSTA President Nomination Form

PSTA President Nomination Form
PSTA President Nomination Form
Published: January 15, 2026
Download Now!

2025 PSTA General Assembly

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Reimagine, Reinvent, Reconnect

Download the 2025 PSTA General Assembly Agenda & Program

Schedule:

9:00 – 9:20Introductions & Greetings
9:20-10:30Keynote: Teaching and Learning with Generative AI with Dr. Alec Couros
Presentation Slides
10:30-10:45Break
10:45-11:45PSTA Business
11:45-12:45Lunch
12:45-1:45PD Session One (registration link)
1:45-1:55Afternoon snack break
1:55-2:55PD Session Two/ Grade Alike/ Subject Alike (registration link)
3:00-3:15Staff Connect and Feedback

Surveys and Forms:

Documents:

  • Budget:
    • 2025-2026 Budget Presentation to General Assembly
    • Motions:
      • Be it resolved that the PSTA General Assembly approve the proposed budget expenditures in the 2025-2026 Budget.
      • Be it resolved that the PSTA General Assembly approve a 2025-2026 membership fee of $195 ($19.50 per month), effective August 31, 2025.
  • Proposed Constitution Amendments:
    • PSTA Constitution Summary of Changes (brief)
    • PSTA Constitution Summary of Changes (detailed)
    • PSTA Constitution (2025) DRAFT
    • Motions:
      • Motion 1: Be it resolved that the PSTA General Assembly adopt all minor wording, structural, and formatting edits in the 2025 Draft Constitution that do not change intent.
      • Motion 2: Be it resolved that the PSTA General Assembly add the Teacher Wellness Committee as a standing committee and include its Chair on the Executive.
      • Motion 3: Be it resolved that the PSTA General Assembly approve all other substantive changes in the 2025 Draft Constitution, including governance, roles, elections, and officer removal provisions.

Lori Jeschke Receives 2025 Arbos Award

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Former Prairie Spirit School Division Director of Education Lori Jeschke was recognized at this year’s STF Annual Meeting of Council with the 2025 Arbos Award for Distinguished Support of Education and the Teaching Profession.

Lori’s 34-year career in education included roles as a classroom teacher, principal, and administrator, ending with four years as Director of Education before retiring in 2021. Her biography and interview reflect on her experiences, the challenges of the profession, and her perspective on teaching and learning.

Read her biography and interview (pdf)

We congratulate Lori on this recognition and thank her for her contributions to education.