Teachers don’t show up for class as province-wide strike begins

By Rob Vogt

School’s out for – who knows how long.
On Monday, Oct. 6, the Alberta Teachers’ Association announced for the first time in history, every teacher in Alberta’s public education system is staying home rather than reporting to their classroom.
In their announcement, the association said that’s more than 51,000 teachers, adding over the years, teachers have shown up time and time again as student needs have increased and supports have shrunk.
“We’ve juggled overcrowded classrooms, added workload and government policies that were made without listening to the professionals who do this work every day. Still, we’ve shown up,” said Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.
It was noted this strike goes beyond pay. This is about the state of public education in Alberta. Teachers need sustainable solutions. They said they refuse to be back in the same fight for the public education system five or 10 years from now.
“We are striking to break the cycle and demand lasting change for future generations of students and teachers,” Schilling said.
The announcement said teachers are tired of public education being treated like an inconvenient cost instead of a valued investment. Teachers are standing strong and united to get students back in classrooms as soon as possible.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, supports teachers’ professional practice and serves as the advocate for its 51,000 members.