Increasing classroom complexity and recent government decisions have resulted in unprecedented levels of teacher stress and pessimism. From November 21 to December 5, 2025, more than 5,700 teachers and teacher leaders were surveyed for the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s (ATA) Fall 2025 Pulse Research Survey.
“The use of the notwithstanding clause along with the increasing complexity in classrooms has demoralized teachers and left schools scrambling to meet the diverse needs of their students.”
–ATA president Jason Schilling
In fact, 80 per cent of teachers report increased diversity and complexity of student needs compared to the previous year. These layered needs include behavioural challenges, cognitive gaps, language learning needs, social-emotional needs and the impacts of socioeconomic strain.
“Students who require individual supports need 50 per cent more teacher assistance and preparation than typical learners. These complexities in our classrooms add to the already overburdened load of teachers who now have fewer resources than ever.”
–ATA president Jason Schilling
Teachers and school leaders need real solutions to match the conditions they face every day. This can be done by adding more teachers to reduce class sizes, more educational assistants to support with complexity, a counsellor in every school, and by providing access to mental health workers and other wrap around services like speech and physio. It’s time for progress, not promises.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, supports teachers’ professional practice, and serves as the advocate for its 51,000 members.