All teachers represented by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (Association) in public, separate and francophone schools are covered by the same instructional and assignable time language in their collective agreements. There is a maximum of 1,200 hours of assignable time, with 916 of those hours being the maximum instructional time in a school year.
Teachers may have more instructional or assigned time (such as supervision or parent–teacher meetings) in one semester or term than in another. However, the total assignable time (including total instructional time) must not exceed 1,200 hours by the end of the year. The Association and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) have an understanding that teachers do not need to make up time away on an hour-for-hour basis. In other words, if a teacher is away from classroom duties on an approved leave or for a professional development day, they do not owe the employer those instructional hours. However, the teacher may be responsible for decisions made or work arising during those absences, which might require additional time. For example, if a teacher is on sick leave and cannot attend parent–teacher interviews, the teacher is still responsible for reporting to parents. Some creativity on the part of the teacher may be needed to meet this expectation. At the heart of this understanding is the belief that time that has already been worked cannot be removed. For example, lieu days (or any nonoperational days), typically given for time spent conducting evening work, such as parent–teacher interviews, cannot be utilized to subtract time from what a teacher has already worked. Time assigned for teachers to fill staffing gaps by providing instruction or additional supervision also needs to be counted. School leaders may give this time back to teachers when a substitute teacher is available to cover their class. However, this time cannot be subtracted from hours worked; rather, the time is paused. When the teacher resumes their duties, time continues to be added again. If we think about a clock as a measure of time worked or earned, each hour of instructional or assignable time moves the hands clockwise as time is added. The hands cannot move in reverse to subtract time, but the hands can stop, preventing the further addition of time. Thus, as we approach the half-way point of this school year, teachers are reminded to keep track of their time and monitor how their time is earned or added. Teachers who project that they may go over the maximum allotted time should have a conversation with their principal to review their time calculations. The sooner a resolution is sought to handle the potential overage, the more options will be available. The language in the collective agreement does not allow for compensation if a teacher exceeds the maximum allotted hours, so it is important for teachers to be proactive if they anticipate that they may surpass their instructional hours and/or assignable hours. Teacher Employment Services will be presenting a session on “Counting Time” at each of the upcoming teachers’ conventions. The session will provide teachers and school leaders with information on calculating assignable and instructional hours. WORTH SHARING Calculating instructional and assignable time is nuanced. Attending the session on “Counting Time” at teachers’ conventions may further clarify questions teachers may have. Extra time worked cannot be subtracted, but the clock can be stopped. If you need help calculating your time or interpreting clause language, contact Teacher Employment Services. #WeAreATA
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Updates from ATA ProvincialArchives
February 2025
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