Parents, students, and educators throughout the province are getting ready for a return to school following the government’s decision to end a three-week-long strike by Alberta teachers. Schools are informing parents of the scheduled return on Wednesday morning following the passage of Bill 2, known as the Back to School Act, in the early hours of Tuesday in the legislature.
Since October 6, teachers have been on strike due to failed contract negotiations and the rejection of two proposed deals. Both the Edmonton Catholic School Division and the Edmonton Public School Board have confirmed that schools will resume, with a focus on quickly returning to normal routines.
Calgary’s public and Catholic school boards, along with Rocky View Schools, have also announced that classes will resume on Wednesday. Over 51,000 teachers have been on strike, affecting approximately 750,000 students attending public, Catholic, and francophone schools.
According to Sarah Hamilton, an education professor at Mount Royal University, students have experienced varying levels of engagement with their education during the strike, as not all parents have the flexibility to provide necessary support. Rebuilding routines and structure, vital for children, will take time.
Transitioning from strike to regular work, teachers are preparing for the quick turnaround. Vanessa Amyotte, a teacher from Spruce Grove and president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Evergreen Catholic Local 44, mentioned the challenges of hastily preparing lesson plans and expressed frustration over the handling of the contract dispute by the government.
In Leduc, Lisa Paradis has been helping her high school children adjust to a regular schedule and stay informed about strike developments. While her children are happy to return to school, Paradis is concerned about the impact of missed educational support and plans to show solidarity by having her kids wear red.
Grande Prairie teacher Jason Smith emphasized the importance of connecting with students and parents amidst the uncertainty and anxiety. Despite feeling his rights have been compromised by the government’s actions, Smith remains focused on supporting his students and addressing any learning gaps.
The government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to expedite the return to work has sparked criticism and concerns about potential threats to labor rights. The Alberta Teachers’ Association has denounced the government’s actions as an abuse of power, warning of broader implications on labor rights.
The education community is now gearing up for the challenges of the post-strike period, with a focus on supporting students, rebuilding routines, and addressing the aftermath of the contract dispute.