Parents, students, and educators in Alberta are getting ready for the resumption of classes following the government’s intervention to end a three-week-long strike by teachers in the province. School boards are informing parents about the planned return to school on Wednesday, following the passing of Bill 2, also known as the Back to School Act, in the early hours of Tuesday in the legislature.
The strike, which started on October 6 due to failed contract negotiations and two rejected deals, affected over 51,000 teachers and approximately 750,000 students in public, Catholic, and francophone schools. The Edmonton Catholic School Division and the Edmonton Public School Board have confirmed the resumption of classes, with similar announcements made by the Calgary public and Catholic school boards, as well as Rocky View Schools.
According to Sarah Hamilton, an education professor at Mount Royal University, students experienced varying levels of engagement with their education during the strike, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding routines and structure for children. Teachers, transitioning from strike mode to classroom mode, are facing challenges in preparing lesson plans in a short period.
Vanessa Amyotte, a teacher and president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Evergreen Catholic Local 44, expressed anticipation for a return to normalcy but criticized the handling of the contract dispute by the government. Lisa Paradis from Leduc shared her preparations for her high school children’s return to school, mentioning concerns about the lack of support during the strike period.
As schools reopen, the focus for educators like Jason Smith in Grande Prairie will be on reconnecting with parents and students amid the uncertainties and anxieties surrounding the return to classes.