Parents, students, and educators throughout the province are getting ready for the reopening of schools following the government-mandated conclusion of a three-week strike by Alberta teachers.
School districts have started informing parents about the scheduled return on Wednesday morning after the passing of Bill 2, also 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 two rejected agreements. The Edmonton Catholic School Division and the Edmonton Public School Board have confirmed the resumption of classes, emphasizing a swift return to normalcy.
Calgary’s public and Catholic school boards, along with Rocky View Schools, have also announced the reopening of schools on Wednesday. Over 51,000 teachers have been on strike, affecting approximately 750,000 students in public, Catholic, and francophone schools.
Sarah Hamilton, an education professor at Mount Royal University, highlighted the varying levels of student engagement during the strike, pointing out the challenges some families face in providing educational support.
Transitioning back to regular classroom routines may take time, as expressed by Hamilton. Meanwhile, teachers are swiftly shifting from strike mode to teaching mode, with some scrambling to prepare lesson plans.
Vanessa Amyotte, a teacher from Spruce Grove and president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Evergreen Catholic Local 44, expressed anticipation for a return to normalcy but expressed frustration over the government’s handling of the contract dispute.
In another part of the province, Lisa Paradis in Leduc has been assisting her high school children in readjusting their schedules and keeping them informed about strike developments. Although her kids are excited to return to school, Paradis remains concerned about the impact of the strike on their education.
Jason Smith, a teacher in Grande Prairie, emphasized the importance of connecting with parents and students amidst the uncertainty surrounding the reopening. Despite feeling that his rights have been undermined by the government’s actions, Smith remains committed to supporting his students.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has criticized the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to end the strike, calling it an assault on the rights of all Albertans. The union has warned of potential threats to other labor rights due to this action.
