The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Story has two distinct aspects

Recent reports about the suspension of an Edmonton-area teacher have garnered provincial, national and international attention to a policy in some schools against the issuance of a grade of zero for incomplete work. The story has two distinct aspects. One relates to the efficacy of a no-zero policy; the other relates to the employment of teachers and the role of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) in providing assistance to members.

It is important for teachers to understand the issues related to employment.

A school board’s or a principal’s directives to a teacher are lawful orders, and teachers are obligated under the School Act to comply with lawful orders of the board. If teachers disagree with a directive, they are to protest the assignment through appropriate channels while still complying with the order.

The Association believes that assessment and evaluation of student learning should be the primary responsibility of the teacher. Unfortunately, an ATA policy position is not sufficient grounds for a teacher to reject a lawful order. In these situations, the ATA’s policy statement is moot and the legal framework around teacher supervision, termination and evaluation takes precedence.

If teachers receive an order or directive with which they disagree, they are encouraged to contact Member Services to discuss their options and to receive informed confidential advice. The ATA’s role is to provide advice and to make representations on behalf of teachers, when necessary and requested. ATA staff will provide teachers with advice and information on different options and, if requested, help teachers through the steps they wish to follow. When warranted, legal representation may also be retained on behalf of a teacher. Ultimately, it is the role of the Alberta Teachers’ Association to ensure that a teacher facing an employment matter receives the support and the due processes to which he or she is entitled.

If you have any questions about employment matters or require advice on school board directives that you disagree with, call Member Services at
780-447-9400 (in Edmonton) or 1-800-232-7208 (toll free across Alberta).