Governance Structures - Surrey Teachers Association

Discover how our members shape the STA.

We have 7,000+ members who determine the direction of the Association by participating in a range of governing bodies. These bodies oversee the decision-making processes that shape the STA and its activities.

All members are welcome to attend all governance and committee meetings.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Special General Meeting (SGM)

Responsibilities: the highest decision-making body that makes significant decisions impacting the entire union, such as setting policies, approving budgets, and electing the Executive Committee.
Composition: All members have both a voice and a vote.
Frequency: 1 AGM and at least 3 SGMs a year.

STA Representative Assembly (STARA)

Responsibilities: Discusses school-specific issues and brings concerns forward.
Composition: Elected STARA Reps from each school, Executive Committee members, and Standing Committee Chairs.
Frequency: At least 4 times a year.

Executive Committee (EC)

Responsibilities: Oversees the running of the STA, with Full-Time Table Officers (FTTOs) managing the day-to-day concerns of members.
Composition: 23 members, including 9 Full-Time Table Officers, 6 Local Representatives to the BCTF, the Secretary-Treasurer, TTOC & Early Career Rep, 5 Members-at-Large, and in some years, the Past President 1-year post-presidency.
Frequency: Meets every other Tuesday.

Committees

Responsibilities: Standing Committees have specific duties outlined in the STA Constitution, while Ad Hoc Committees are formed under the direction of the Executive Committee to address specific areas or issues.
Composition: Committee members are elected at a General Meeting annually but may also be appointed by the Executive Committee at any time throughout the year.
Frequency: Each committee sets its own schedule, typically meeting monthly after school.

How do we fit into the BCTF?

The Surrey Teachers’ Association is a local of the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF), which represents public school teachers across British Columbia. We elect 6 Local representatives (LRs) who attend provincial RA meetings to discuss policy and provincial education issues 3 times a year. The BCTF’s highest decision-making body is the AGM, where we send about 70 elected delegates to vote on important resolutions, budgets, and policy changes.