The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Are you a teacher with a temporary or probationary contract?

At this time of year, teachers with temporary and probationary contracts often wonder what will happen with their contracts at the end of the school year and whether they will have contracts for next year.

A teacher whose temporary or probationary contract is not renewed by June 30, 2010, or who worked as a substitute for one or more school districts, or who has no guarantee of a position for September might qualify for regular employment insurance (EI).

A teacher who has worked the necessary number of hours in the previous 52 weeks will qualify (depending upon teaching status and location within the province). It is recommended that teachers apply for EI benefits regardless of the number of hours they have worked.

It is highly recommended that a teacher keep records of hours worked, including preparation time before and after school, supervision and extracurricular time after school and time spent marking assignments at home. An accurate record of hours worked may help make a teacher’s case if his or her EI benefits are denied because of insufficient hours (as reported by the employer on the teacher’s Record of ­Employment).

It is also recommended that teachers record the following information:  

• The date on which the teacher applied for EI benefits.
• All dates on which the teacher contacted EI, the name of the person to whom the teacher spoke and a summary of the teacher’s conversation.
• The dates on which the teacher contacted potential employers by phone, in writing or in person.

In addition, a teacher should keep copies of the following documents:  

• All correspondence the teacher has sent to and received from EI.
• All jobs for which the teacher has applied.
• All replies the teacher has received in response to job ­applications.

A teacher who is denied benefits should contact the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Teacher Welfare program area for advice on the merits of filing an appeal. If an appeal is warranted, an ATA representative may be appointed to act on the teacher’s behalf. In Edmonton and area, call 780‑447‑9400; from elsewhere in Alberta, call toll free at
1-800-232-7208.

For more information on employment insurance, visit the ATA’s website (www.teachers.ab.ca) and click on Employment Insurance, located under Salary and Benefits. Or call the EI General Inquiries line at 1 ‑800-206-7218. Apply for benefits online through the Human Resources Development Canada website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/ei/application/applying_for_benefits.shtml