A specialist council of the Alberta Teacher's Association
Dr. Angela Burke is a powerhouse educator and leader with over twenty years of experience inspiring change at every level of the educational system. Known for her contagious energy, practical expertise, and authentic passion, Dr. Burke consistently receives glowing feedback for her ability to connect with educators and move work forward with clarity and purpose. She has worked across diverse school settings, including charter, inter-district magnet, pilot, and traditional public schools, serving in roles from classroom teacher (K–6) to Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Technology.
Kara Dymond, OCT, PhD, is a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD advocate, teacher, teacher educator, researcher, keynote speaker, and award-winning university lecturer. Kara teaches autistic elementary students who inspired her practitioner-focused books, Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom (2025) and The Autism Lens (2020). She also teaches graduate courses in accessible education, neurodiversity, and mental health at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. She was awarded the 2024 Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education, after being nominated by colleagues and 21 graduate students. Kara was recently presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a Governor General Award for service for her dedication to improving the lives of autistic people and their communities across Canada. In 2026, Kara began serving on the National Autism Network Strategic Priority 5 Standing Committee, which advises on Canada’s Autism Strategy. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe.
