U of A Education Students Concerned Over Alberta Teacher Legislation

University of Alberta education students are reconsidering their future career options after the Alberta government used the notwithstanding clause to legislate 51,000 teachers back to work.

The province passed Bill 2, the Back to School Act, last week, prompting protests from students, faculty, and teachers at the university’s main quad on Wednesday afternoon. The legislation sparked concerns among future educators about the working conditions and rights in Alberta schools.

The government maintains its offer to teachers is fair and stated that invoking the notwithstanding clause was necessary to prevent prolonged strikes. Alongside the legislation, the province announced plans to hire 3,000 new teachers in the coming years and create a task force to address class size and complexity.

Weston Alook, a fourth-year Bachelor of Education student, said he is unsure where he will seek employment. “With the way education is going in Alberta right now, it's a little scary entering the workforce, especially after my first practicum,” Alook said.

Antony Salib, pursuing a five-year combined sciences and education degree, expressed interest in teaching high school chemistry or biology but is considering relocating. “It's a big concern for new teachers not having the ability to negotiate salaries, classroom sizes, and more,” Salib said.

Despite the controversy, some students plan to stay in Alberta. Michelle Beaver, who intends to pursue a Bachelor of Education after her current arts degree, hopes to teach art in Edmonton or her home reserve in Wabasca. “I felt so disheartened. Teachers should have the right to strike,” she said.

Similarly, Knoll Konopka, a social studies education student, said he plans to work in Edmonton. “I feel a sense of patriotism towards being Albertan, and I believe in our education system,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of standing up for students and educators.

The legislative action has left new educators divided between staying in the province and exploring opportunities elsewhere, highlighting ongoing tensions in Alberta’s education sector.