Since the strike, teachers across the province are increasingly becoming targets of online harassment campaigns driven by bloggers and podcasters who falsely accuse educators of “indoctrination” for doing nothing more than teaching the mandated curriculum. These groups attempt to manufacture outrage and personal attacks. I know this from experience, as I am often the target of such posts. The goal is not accountability or transparency, but intimidation: to make teachers fearful of doing their jobs.
The word “indoctrination” is used to stir anger, not to describe what is actually happening in classrooms. Teachers are required by law to follow the curriculum set by the government. They do not decide what students must learn. When a teacher explains history, health or social issues that appear in the curriculum, conspiracy bloggers turn that into proof of wrongdoing. They take lessons out of context and spread false stories to attract attention and clicks.
Even more troubling is the minister of education and the premier choosing to publicly weigh in on individual classroom situations. When elected government officials intervene in matters involving a single teacher, they blur the line between political theatre and professional oversight. This is not leadership; it is escalation. By repeating or amplifying claims originating from partisan bloggers known for misinformation, they lend institutional legitimacy to stories that should have been dismissed outright or left to legitimate processes that school boards have in place to investigate alleged incidents.
This amplification effect is powerful. When the province’s highest offices echo allegations rooted in distortion and speculation, those allegations gain traction regardless of their accuracy. What might begin as fringe commentary suddenly carries the weight of authority. Speaking from experience, the result is reputational damage and increased harassment. It also creates a chilling effect on classrooms where teachers should feel safe to teach openly and students should feel safe to learn.
Elected public officials have a responsibility to protect the integrity of public education, not undermine it for political advantage. Teachers deserve due process, professional respect and freedom from mob-style scrutiny driven by online outrage. Conspiracy theories thrive in environments where facts are ignored and fear is rewarded. Governments should not be feeding that cycle.
ATA President
