Research confirms Alberta teachers are experiencing high workload, stress

Recently released results from the 2024 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) confirm what teachers are saying: the profession in Alberta is under pressure.

The results from the most recent iteration of the TALIS show that Alberta teachers are experiencing the highest levels of occupational stress out of the 50 participating countries. Forty-two per cent of Alberta teachers report experiencing high levels of work-related stress, with the global average at just 19 per cent. Alberta teachers also rank near the top in the world for highest weekly work hours. The data show that Alberta teachers work 47 hours per week, which is behind only Japan, New Zealand and Singapore and is, on average, five hours more per week than all other countries.

TALIS results also show that teachers are needing to spend an increasing amount of instructional time addressing behavioural issues in the classroom. Other data from the study signal that teachers in the province have experienced a sharp decline in how they feel valued by policymakers. Only 13 per cent of Alberta respondents felt their views are respected by the government. 

Further analysis of the TALIS report will be shared with members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association and policymakers over the coming weeks to paint a picture of what teachers are experiencing in Alberta. 

TALIS is the largest international educator survey in the world, surveying over 280,000 teachers and school leaders across 55 education systems. Alberta is the only Canadian jurisdiction that participated in TALIS 2024, and Alberta’s results reflect a sampling of 1,800 participants. TALIS 2024 noted lower participation rates in Alberta this year, so the results must be interpreted with this in mind.