Parents, students, and educators province-wide are getting ready for a return to school following the government’s directive to end a three-week strike by Alberta teachers. School districts have been informing families about the anticipated resumption of classes on Wednesday following the passage of Bill 2, also known as the Back to School Act, in the early hours of Tuesday in the legislature.
Teachers initiated the strike on October 6 due to failed contract negotiations and the rejection of two proposed agreements. The Edmonton Catholic School Division and the Edmonton Public School Board have both confirmed the reopening of schools. Similarly, the public and Catholic school boards in Calgary, along with Rocky View Schools, have announced that classes will resume on Wednesday.
More than 51,000 teachers have been on strike, affecting approximately 750,000 students across public, Catholic, and francophone schools. Sarah Hamilton, an education professor at Mount Royal University, emphasized the varying levels of educational engagement students experienced during the strike, highlighting the challenges faced by parents in supporting their children’s learning.
Transitioning back to normalcy may pose a longer adjustment period for some students, as rebuilding routines and structure, crucial for children, will take time. Vanessa Amyotte, a teacher from Spruce Grove and president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Evergreen Catholic Local 44, noted the rush for teachers to prepare lesson plans as they return to work.
While many parents like Lisa Paradis from Leduc are relieved that their children can return to school, there is frustration over the handling of the contract dispute by the province. Paradis expressed concerns about the educational support her children missed out on during the strike and plans to have her kids wear red in solidarity with the cause they were supporting.
As schools gear up to reopen, teachers like Jason Smith from Grande Prairie are focusing on connecting with parents and students amidst the uncertainty. Despite feeling that his rights have been compromised by the government’s actions, Smith remains committed to supporting his students and addressing any learning gaps that may have emerged during the strike.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has criticized the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to end the strike, calling it an infringement on the rights of all Albertans. Despite the challenges faced, educators are preparing to welcome students back with a positive outlook.