Rally attracts thousands

The weather was cool and damp but the mood was warm and lively as an estimated 5,000-plus people descended on the Alberta legislature on Oct. 22 to express their support for public education.

In the hours leading up to the rally, a steady stream of buses dropped off teachers from all over the province, volunteers handed out scarves and the band Melafrique created a lively vibe with its blend of R&B, reggae and soul. With the temperature hovering a few degrees above the freezing mark, poet Ahmed Ali Knowmadic energized the growing crowd through boisterous turns at the microphone.

By the time the 1 o’clock program began, the city block-sized plaza in front of the legislature steps was a sea of faces, signs and red scarves bearing the slogan Stand for Public Education.

What followed was an hour-long program featuring a variety of speakers advocating the importance of public education and the need to impress this importance on any and all candidates who run for office in the next election. 

Each speech was interspersed with regular roars of approval and sign waving from the crowd, which embodied a blend of concern and enthusiasm.

ATA president Jason Schilling rounded out the lineup of speakers with an impassioned plea for

• smaller class sizes;
• modern, diverse, forward-thinking curriculum;
• comprehensive school plan that addresses complex needs of students;
• funding that supports students’ needs;
• for teachers to be listened to; and
• for public education to be seen as an investment.

After the rally, Schilling said the event accomplished its mission.

“I am so pleased with the turnout, the positive messages delivered by all the speakers, and the energy embodied by the thousands who gathered,” he said. “We wanted to create a sense of solidarity around the importance of public education and to generate momentum to ensure that education is a top issue leading into next spring’s election.” ❚ 

Photos by Yuet Chan and Cory Hare.

Why did you attend the rally and what message do you hope it sends?

It seems to be getting more and more challenging. We need to work together so that our kids have a good future.” 

– Angela Bell, Weinlos School, Edmonton

I like the fact that it’s more than just educators here ... it’s nice to come and be surrounded by people who actually care about what it is that you’re doing ... and they do support you in your classroom and you know that you’re not alone and your voice is being heard.”

– Brennan Bell, Shauna May Seneca School, Edmonton

I just think that teachers are getting overworked, and it seems like we’re moving away from a system that values education. It just seems like there’s so much ignorance and so many people without a clue about what’s going on, so I’m here. I care.”

– Bruce Plante, retired teacher

We really need to look at class sizes and support within the schools, especially in the elementary schools for those kiddos who have those complex needs. I’ve noticed in the last five years or so, those complex needs kiddos, there’s more of them coming through the elementary system and we just don’t have the support to give them what they need, and they’re not entering a specialized program until they’re in Grade 4.

“When you’ve got a class of 38 in Grade 1 and a child with severe needs ... I’m a special needs teacher so it’s near and dear to my heart.”

– Susie Baker, teacher, Ranchlands School, Calgary

I believe the current government has cut back way too much in the education funding. I think that educating our young ones is the best way to ensure that we have a prosperous future. I’m a big fan of educating everyone as much as possible.”

– Charles Baker, Alberta resident (married to a teacher)

Just excited to be here to support public education.” 

– Michelle Wirstiuk, Aurora Elementary School, Drayton Valley

And excited to see the unity of people coming together to do this from all over the province.”

– Tracy Solomon, Aurora Elementary School, Drayton Valley

We’re seeing students who are academically further behind than they might have been a few years prior to Covid. Without the funding and without the extra support in the classroom that we’re not getting, that’s a huge concern right now.  There’s only one of us in the classroom trying to help all of the students and logistically it’s just not feasible.

– Caitlin Campbell, Cooper’s Crossing School, Airdrie

I want to raise awareness of everything that’s been going on for us. The government’s been really hard on us and I want them to be aware of that. The new curriculum was really hard on us. We didn’t have any resources given to us – it’s hard to develop that on our own — and they’re cutting funding.”

– Devon Tracey, École Routhier School, Falher

I came here today because I want to defend public education ... and the highest standards of education, an education system where teachers play a very important role, where teachers are taken care of, where the teaching conditions are good and up to date and a system where parents and teachers are involved in students’ personal development.”

– Georges Pigoue, École de la Rose sauvage, Calgary

What’s next?

Now that the Oct. 22 Stand For Education rally is over, teachers and all residents are being asked to keep the momentum going by engaging in the political process in three ways:

1 Tell three people why it’s important to stand for public education.

2 Participate in a series of public discussions that the ATA is organizing to identify a bold, hopeful vision for the future of public education.

3 Ask every candidate that knocks on their door what specifically they are going to do to support public education. 

“The rally was just part of a larger campaign to engage the public and elected representatives in discussions around the importance of education and generating ideas for a bold future,” said ATA president Jason Schilling.

“We want Albertans of all stripes to get involved and make their voices heard.”

Stay current by signing up at standforeduation.ca