The Alberni District Teachers’ Union (ADTU) is your local, member-centred union representing teachers, Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOCs), and Associated Professionals in SD70 Pacific Rim. We advocate for professional rights, safe and equitable working and learning conditions, and the well-being of all members. Guided by our values—Integrity, Equity, Unity, Respect, and Well-Being—we work so every member feels valued, heard, and supported.
As the collective voice for educators in our district, we collaborate with members, school and district partners, and the BCTF to strengthen public education and uphold the conditions that make excellent teaching and learning possible. Whether you’re seeking confidential support, navigating a workplace issue, or looking to get involved, ADTU is here to help.
Our History
Our story begins in 1947, when a small circle of educators set down a constitution and organized to strengthen their professional voice. A turning point arrived in 1987. With Bills 19 and 20 affirming full local bargaining rights, including the right to strike, teachers claimed a stronger, unified voice. On November 7, 1987, the BCTF charter recognized the Alberni District Teachers’ Association as Local 70, anchoring our place within the broader movement for fair and equitable conditions. Our oldest collective agreement on file dates to 1988, a tangible record of rights won and responsibilities upheld. Later, in September 1995, the Association adopted the name Alberni District Teachers’ Union, formally recognized by the BCTF Executive Committee that October.
On the west coast, the Ucluelet Tofino Teachers’ Association formed in 1953 to represent local educators. Records indicate it ceased to operate after the 1970–71 school year, likely amid district consolidations, and by 1977–78 it was listed as a Sub-Local of the ADTU. Today, the Ucluelet Tofino Teachers’ Union continues as part of ADTU, ensuring west coast voices are heard as an ongoing expression of equity, respect, and belonging across our communities.
Together, these milestones trace a shared journey shaped by generations of advocates who stood together to uphold fairness, protect rights, and strengthen the collective voice of our members.
Values & Mission
Together, we support teachers, TTOCs, and Associated Professionals by advocating for their rights and well-being and by working collaboratively to foster strong, respectful learning and working environments. Guided by our shared values—Integrity, Equity, Unity, Respect, and Well-Being—we approach each issue with care and professionalism, strengthening public education through thoughtful dialogue and principled action.
Our Values:
At the Alberni District Teachers’ Union (ADTU), our values are more than words, they are commitments that guide how we work, how we support one another, and how we build a stronger future together. Rooted in our collective agreement and shaped by the voices of our members, these values reflect both our history and our vision for the years ahead.
We centre these values in every part of our union’s work:
- Integrity
We honour our collective agreement and uphold it with courage, consistency, and care.
- Equity
We challenge barriers so every member can thrive.
- Unity
We rise together with collective strength and shared voice.
- Respect
We honour the inherent worth and dignity of every member.
- Well-Being
We care for the people who care for others.
These values guide how we bargain, advocate, organize, and support each other. They remind us of the struggles that built our agreement, the solidarity that sustains us today, and the hope we carry forward for strong public schools and thriving members.
Service Areas
The Alberni District Teachers’ Union (ADTU), a Local of the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF), represents teachers, Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOCs), and Associated Professionals working in School District 70 Pacific Rim (SD70).
Our members support students across Port Alberni, Ucluelet, Tofino, Bamfield, and surrounding communities. In the Ucluelet–Tofino area, the Ucluelet-Tofino Teachers’ Union (UTTU) serves as our Sub-Local, ensuring local representation within the broader ADTU.