Parents, students, and educators throughout the province are getting ready for a return to school following the government’s intervention to end a three-week-long strike by Alberta teachers. School boards have started informing parents about the scheduled return on Wednesday morning after the legislature passed Bill 2, known as the Back to School Act, in the early hours of Tuesday.
Teachers initiated the strike on October 6 due to failed contract negotiations and two rejected agreements. The Edmonton Catholic School Division and the Edmonton Public School Board have confirmed the resumption of classes, emphasizing the swift transition back to regular school routines.
Calgary’s public and Catholic school boards, along with Rocky View Schools, have also announced the reopening of their schools on Wednesday. Over 51,000 teachers participated in the strike, affecting around 750,000 students in public, Catholic, and francophone schools.
Sarah Hamilton, an education professor at Mount Royal University, highlighted the varying levels of educational engagement students experienced during the strike, emphasizing the challenges faced by parents in providing support. She emphasized the importance of rebuilding routines and structure for children, recognizing that the process of catching up might take time.
As teachers shift from strike mode to regular classroom duties, Vanessa Amyotte, a teacher and president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Evergreen Catholic Local 44, mentioned the urgency in preparing lesson plans. Amyotte expressed anticipation for a return to normalcy but voiced frustration over the handling of the contract dispute by the government.
Lisa Paradis from Leduc has been readying her high school children for the return to school, ensuring they maintain a regular schedule and stay informed about strike developments. While her children are eager to reunite with friends and teachers, Paradis expressed concern over the potential learning setbacks caused by the strike.
Grande Prairie teacher Jason Smith emphasized the importance of connecting with students and parents amidst the uncertainty surrounding the reopening. Despite feeling that his rights were compromised by the government’s legislative actions, Smith remains committed to supporting his students and creating a positive learning environment.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has criticized the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to end the strike, raising concerns about potential threats to labor rights. Teachers and students are now gearing up for a return to in-person learning after the prolonged strike period.
