Teachers are being encouraged to verify that their contact information in the Teacher Workforce Information System (TWINS) is accurate and up to date. Maintaining current details is essential, as the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission (ATPC) relies on this registry to reach teachers about whom a complaint has been filed.
The ATPC uses the information in TWINS to notify teachers of a complaint and provide important procedural details. If a teacher’s contact information is not current or accurate, they may not receive timely—and vitally important—communication from the ATPC, including information on reaching out to the ATA for representation. Because there are legislative timelines at the start of the ATPC’s process, accurate contact information in TWINS is critical.
Teachers are also reminded to use their personal email address and phone number because work email and phone numbers belong to, and can be accessed by, the employer. Using personal contact information ensures teachers can receive messages from the ATPC at any time. There have been instances when the ATPC has attempted to reach teachers during breaks in the school year (such as summer, spring or winter holidays). If teachers are not regularly checking their work email or voicemail over these breaks, the risk increases that their voice will not be considered at the beginning of the process.
This is especially important during the preliminary inquiry phase, which is triggered when the commissioner receives a complaint. The ATPC has only 30 days to complete this process. In many cases, the ATPC has reported being unable to reach the teacher during this initial window, meaning the complaint is referred to investigations based solely on information provided by the complainant. Had the ATPC been able to speak to the teacher accused of misconduct during the preliminary inquiry phase, some complaints could have been resolved more quickly, potentially without an investigation and with less stress for the teacher.
Teachers can click this link to update their TWINS contact information.
The earlier a teacher is made aware of any complaint, the more time and options they will have. Remember that you are not alone. You have the support of the ATA.
If you receive a notice of complaint from the ATPC, contact the ATA’s Regulatory Affairs team immediately at 1-800-232-7208 or regulatoryaffairs@ata.ab.ca for support.
