Years of advocacy by teachers and the public has finally resulted in progress for Alberta’s public education system. The introduction of additional teachers and educational assistants in K–6 classrooms, to help students with the highest and most complex needs, will begin to restore appropriate learning conditions in at least some of Alberta’s classrooms. It’s important to also acknowledge that this is just the beginning of the work ahead.
“We all know a single initiative cannot fully address the pressures felt in classrooms across the province, nor can it alone repair the years of erosion in supports, staffing and resources. Teachers will expect the government to fulfill the promises made to counter our systemic challenges.
— ATA President Jason Schilling
The gathering and use of class size and complexity data to inform this practice, an initiative the ATA has championed for years, is particularly significant. Policy that will make a difference must be grounded in transparent, provincewide data.
“Recognizing and measuring classroom complexity validates what teachers experience daily and creates a foundation for sustained, evidence-based decision-making.”
—ATA President Jason Schilling
It is now up to school boards to ensure that the additional staffing is quickly put into place. The Association will continue to monitor how these resources are deployed and advocate to ensure that they meaningfully improve classroom conditions.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, supports teachers’ professional practice and serves as the advocate for its 51,000 members.