Families, students, and educators throughout the province are getting ready for the reopening of schools following the government’s intervention to end a three-week-long strike by Alberta teachers. School districts are informing parents about the scheduled return to classes on Wednesday after the passing of Bill 2, also known as the Back to School Act, in the legislature early Tuesday.
Since October 6, teachers have been on strike due to failed contract negotiations and the rejection of two proposed deals.
The Edmonton Catholic School Division and the Edmonton Public School Board have confirmed the resumption of classes, with a focus on restoring normalcy as quickly as possible. In addition, the public and Catholic school boards in Calgary and Rocky View Schools have announced that schools will reopen on Wednesday.
Over 51,000 teachers have been on strike, affecting approximately 750,000 students attending public, Catholic, and francophone schools.
Sarah Hamilton, an education professor at Mount Royal University, emphasized the varying levels of educational engagement students have experienced during the strike period. Not all parents have had the flexibility to provide adequate support for their children, potentially resulting in a longer process to catch up for some students.
Transitioning from strike to regular teaching duties within a day poses challenges for teachers, as they rush to prepare lesson plans. Vanessa Amyotte, a teacher and president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Evergreen Catholic Local 44, expressed anticipation for the return to normalcy but also highlighted widespread discontent over the handling of the contract dispute by the government.
Similarly, Lisa Paradis from Leduc shared her preparations for her high school children’s return to school, focusing on re-establishing routines disrupted by the strike. Despite her children’s excitement to reunite with friends and teachers, Paradis expressed frustration over the impact of the strike on their educational support.
Jason Smith, a teacher in Grande Prairie, emphasized the importance of connecting with students and parents amid uncertainties following the mandated return to work. Despite feeling stripped of rights due to the government’s legislative actions, Smith remains committed to welcoming students with positivity and support.
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