My parents taught me something simple and true: when you get knocked down, you get back up. They reminded me of this all the time, which might have annoyed me as a kid, but now I’m deeply grateful for the lesson. I can still hear my mother’s voice from the stands during a hockey game yelling, “This is no Sunday skate, Schilling—get moving!” She taught me what I have always seen Alberta’s teachers do—show up for your teammates, work hard and never quit, even if you are bruised and exhausted.
On October 27, Alberta’s teachers were dealt a hard, unfair blow. Being ordered back to work under the weight of the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause has left many feeling disappointed, hurt and deeply demoralized. I feel it too.
But when we get knocked down, we get back up. That’s who we are.
Like so many of you, I became a teacher because I believe in people—in fairness, respect and the power of education to lift entire communities. To have our collective voice silenced by legislation is not only an affront to teachers, but also an affront to all workers and to democracy itself. Watching our Association (and me) be dragged through the mud in recent days has been difficult, but no personal attack or political tactic can erase what teachers stand for.
Now more than ever, we must resist tearing each other down, especially on social media. Every time we do, we give our opponents exactly what they want and weaken the solidarity that carried us through the strike.
Let’s be clear: we will not give up—not now, not ever. We will not give away our power. Remaining silent would be the easiest path, and exactly what the government wants, but silence has never been the way of teachers. We speak up. We stand together. And when it feels impossible to keep standing, we must lift each other up.
The government may have forced us back to work, but they cannot legislate away our resolve. The public sees what’s happening. Parents, communities and students have reached out in overwhelming support because they know the value of Alberta’s teachers and the importance of a strong public education system. We see this support reflected in polls, petitions and conversations. The public has not wavered in its support.
We’ve been knocked down, but we’re getting back up. Together, we’ll keep moving forward with purpose and conviction, fighting for our classrooms, our students and the future generations who depend on us to stand firm for what’s right.
