Welcome Back: 2021/22—Facing New Challenges

Throughout the past 18 months, Alberta teachers rapidly adapted in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their schools and classrooms. As teachers across the province begin a new school year, many serious concerns remain. The pandemic has taken a toll on Alberta teachers, their students and their school communities. The 2021/22 school year must include a focus on recovery to address the residual mental health, educational, social and other challenges.


While the rapid development and mass deployment of effective vaccines has fundamentally changed the face of the pandemic, it has not alleviated many of the concerns of Alberta teachers. Until vaccinations are approved for and administered to students under 12 years of age, as well as unvaccinated and/or vulnerable staff and community members, vigilance and support will continue to be needed in schools as students return in the fall of 2021. 
 
The work of teaching continues, despite:

• increasing case counts in the fourth wave of the pandemic; 
• a delta variant that spreads rapidly;
• uncertainty about potential restrictions;
• plans to eliminate testing, tracing and isolation protocols;
• a government that has delegated responsibility to school boards; and
• new changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act which come in to effect 2021 09 01 related to refusing dangerous work.

 
The professionalism, resilience and determination of Alberta teachers carried their school communities through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and will be needed again as the new school year begins. 
 
Alberta Education has released its 2021-2022 School Year Plan. Since the Association was not consulted on this plan, it is important for Alberta teachers to advocate on key issues and raise attention as students once again return to school with COVID-19 remaining active in the province.
 
The Association continues to strongly advocate for school safety, and the position of the Association is detailed in Priority Expectations of Alberta Teachers for the Return to School During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
 
For more information, please access the following links:
2021-2022 School Year Plan
Priority Expectations of Alberta Teachers for the Return to School During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Bill 47: Ensuring Safety and Cutting Red Tape Act, 2020
Changes to OHS Act Fact Sheet


WORTH SHARING

The professionalism, resilience and determination of Alberta teachers carried their school communities through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and will be needed again as the new school year begins. It is important for Alberta teachers to advocate on key issues as students once again return to school with COVID-19 remaining active in the province. #WEAREATA​