Message from the President: Alberta teachers are making history

Standing up for what you believe in is rarely easy. In fact, it can be downright scary—not knowing what comes next, not knowing if your voice will be heard. But it also feels good to take a stand for what you believe in. To raise your voice and stand in your courage, knowing that you are part of a chorus that is united and unwavering. 

The government knows what teachers want. To say otherwise is nonsense. Across this province, we have rallied together—tens of thousands of teachers, parents, students and supporters—to make it clear that teachers want what students need: a strong, well-funded public education system that respects the profession and lifts up every student.

Teachers want to be in classrooms. We chose this profession because we are committed to and believe in our students and their success. But enough is enough. Teachers are stretched too far, resources are too few, and more students are falling through the cracks at a faster pace. 

Together, we are urging the government to provide real solutions. No more band-aids. No more excuses. Teachers need real, tangible ways forward with meaningful investments that address classroom size and complexity and that show understanding of and respect for the teaching profession. 

The Alberta promise is about a better future. This fight isn’t just about today. It’s about protecting the future of our students, our profession and public education itself. We stand here in this moment in time so that the teachers and students who come after us inherit something stronger, not something broken. We don’t want to wind up here again.

What we are doing right now matters. History will remember that when public education was under threat, Alberta teachers stood their ground. This moment is more important than we might ever know. 

So be proud. Be bold. Stand shoulder to shoulder knowing that we fight for each other, for our students and for the future of this province.

Thank you for your courage. Thank you to everyone standing beside us in solidarity. Together, we can do anything. Together, we will stay strong, stay united. Together, we are ATA.