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Creating the Conditions for the Best Professional Practice is a series of articles by the Teacher Welfare (TW) program area of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). Previous articles published in the ATA News have been posted to the ATA’s website (www.teachers.ab.ca).
Question: What can I say publicly during our local’s collective bargaining process?
Answer: You should defer questions about bargaining to your local president or other designated spokesperson. Section 21 of the Code of Professional Conduct states: “The teacher makes representations on behalf of the Association or members thereof only when authorized to do so.” Local officials, elected by your membership, are prepared to deal with the public and authorized to speak for the Association.
Obviously, everyone has a right to an opinion. Keep in mind, however, that you have two roles: you are a member of the general public and a professional teacher. If you make public statements about teaching, you must make it clear that you are expressing a personal opinion; remember, people sometimes have difficulty understanding the difference between a personal opinion and an official position taken by an organization (which could be especially problematic when talking to media).
So, what can you say? Describe your aspirations. Talk about the conditions of professional practice you need to best meet your student needs. You may choose to discuss having adequate time to plan for and assess student learning, collaborate with colleagues, communicate with parents, write and review individual program plans (IPP), and other important activities that support learning.
If someone questions or comments on your salary and benefits, point out that most professions and trades in Alberta are also paid significantly higher than in other provinces. Never reveal details related to bargaining. And whatever you say, remember that any opinions you express in public must be respectful of your colleagues, the teaching profession and your employer.
In summation, the ATA advises extreme caution when teachers discuss specific situations and experiences related to their employment. Undermining or appearing to criticize decisions made by a school board or superintendent could adversely affect a teacher’s employment.
