The truth matters. You’d think that would be obvious, but lately, the truth hasn’t been getting the top spot it deserves. About three weeks into this strike, Alberta’s teachers are standing together with integrity and purpose, while some corners of the internet are standing on, well, much shakier ground.
Every day brings a new “breaking revelation” from someone who seems more interested in advancing—or even monetizing—misinformation than understanding what’s actually happening in relation to the teachers’ strike. There’s no shortage of self-appointed experts out there, armed with grainy screenshots, wild theories and a YouTube channel to promote. Apparently, facts don’t pay as well as outrage.
Let’s be clear: the Alberta Teachers’ Association isn’t a branch office of any political party. We are nonpartisan, and we don’t take orders from anyone but our members. Our direction comes from teachers themselves, elected leaders who debate and decide on behalf of their colleagues. That’s called democracy. It may not trend online, but it’s how our Association and our profession work.
Teachers aren’t on strike because of politics. They’re on strike because their classrooms are overcrowded, their students need more support, and their profession has been disrespected and stretched beyond reason. Every teacher I’ve spoken with would rather be teaching, but they also know that if nothing changes, their students’ learning conditions will keep getting worse.
The truth is simple: teachers are standing up for what’s right. They’re standing up for the future of public education. Those who twist that truth to self-promote or score political points aren’t protecting students—they’re protecting their algorithms.
So, when you see another viral post claiming to “expose the ATA,” take a breath. Ask who benefits from the lies and confusion they create. And remember that the people who actually live the truth—Alberta’s 51,000 teachers—aren’t hiding anything. They’re out in the open, rain or shine, holding signs that say exactly what they stand for.
The truth may take longer to travel, but it is our richest legacy. Lies burn fast; truth endures.
ATA President
