Parents, students, and educators throughout the province are getting ready for a return to school following the government’s directive to end a three-week-long strike by Alberta teachers. School boards have begun informing parents about the planned resumption of classes on Wednesday morning after the approval 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 the rejection of two proposed deals. The Edmonton Catholic School Division has confirmed that schools will reopen, with a similar announcement from the Edmonton Public School Board emphasizing a swift return to normalcy.
Both Calgary’s public and Catholic school boards, along with Rocky View Schools, have announced the reopening of their schools on Wednesday. Over 51,000 teachers have been part of the strike, affecting approximately 750,000 students in public, Catholic, and francophone schools who have been out of classes.
Sarah Hamilton, an education professor at Mount Royal University, highlighted the varying levels of educational engagement students have experienced during the strike. She emphasized the challenges some parents face in providing educational support and noted that catching up could be a prolonged process for some students. Reestablishing routines and structures, essential for children, will also require time.
Transitioning from strike to regular teaching duties in a single day poses challenges for teachers. Vanessa Amyotte, a teacher and president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Evergreen Catholic Local 44, mentioned the urgency to prepare lesson plans and expressed frustration over the handling of the contract dispute by the government.
In Leduc, Lisa Paradis has been preparing her high school children for their return, ensuring they are back on a regular schedule and informed about strike developments. While her children are eager to reunite with friends and teachers, Paradis voiced concerns about the impact of missed support on their learning and plans to have them wear red in solidarity with the teachers.
Grande Prairie teacher Jason Smith emphasized the importance of connecting with students and parents amid the uncertainties surrounding the return to school. 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.
The use of the notwithstanding clause to expedite back-to-work legislation has sparked criticism from educators, with concerns raised about the implications for labor rights in Alberta. Despite these challenges, teachers are preparing to welcome students back with a positive attitude as they navigate the transition back to in-person learning.