Dan Coles

Background

About Dan Coles

I am currently an Executive Staff Officer with the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA). My current role at the ATA is working in the Teacher Employment Services (TES) program area. I have the absolute honour of supporting teachers and school leaders (principals and assistant principals) on a daily basis. From 2018-2023, I was assigned to the Government program area as an investigating officer. This role required me to investigate complaints of unprofessional conduct against members of the ATA and if necessary, represent the Association in presenting facts against the member in professional conduct tribunals. Due to legislative changes, that role changed in January 2023 when the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission took over. My role moved to providing representation and ensuring procedural fairness for members of the ATA. On of my joys in my work is being the lead to the Student Local program. Having been a member of the student local at the University of Alberta, I see the value of student leadership. The Student Local program plants the seeds for professional development and Association involvement for the next generation of teachers. Prior to joining the ATA, I was a principal with Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS). I was assigned to St. Martin's Catholic School for my last two years with EICS. I completed my Master of Education through the University of Alberta. My research at the University of Alberta focuses on the use of blogging software as an administrator for the purpose of communicating with the school community. I enjoyed 5 years as an assistant principal working in Vegreville and Sherwood Park, AB. I taught primarily junior high for 7 years before obtaining a school leadership position. I primarily taught mathematics and physical education. Outside of my professional work, I am actively engaged in officiating both ball hockey and ice hockey. In an effort to give back to the sports I love, I recently took on the volunteer role of Officiating Education Lead within the management group of the leading the Hockey Canada Officiating Program. Additionally, I have joined Hockey Alberta as a maltreatment investigator.