The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Teachers advised to keep accurate weekly record of hours worked

During a teacher’s career, there may be times when the support of the Employment Insurance (EI) program is needed. EI benefits may be available during a maternity or parental leave, when sick leave has been exhausted, when compassionate care is provided or employment with a school board is no longer available. Qualification for EI benefits is based in part on obtaining sufficient insurable hours of work.

When a teacher ceases to work or goes on certain types of leave, employers produce a Record of Employment (ROE) that the teacher files for an EI claim. The ROE may not reflect the actual amount of time worked because teachers’ work extends beyond regular school hours and many professional responsibilities can be accomplished only after school, during evenings or on weekends.

Typically, substitute teachers, part-time teachers and teachers who work only a portion of a full year are most vulnerable to denial of a claim due to insufficient hours. The Alberta Teachers’ Association has assisted teachers in making successful EI claim appeals relating to a shortage of hours. Teachers whose appeals were successful had kept accurate and detailed records of additional hours they spent outside their normally scheduled instructional hours and were able to prove that they qualified for benefits.

Keep accurate records

If you are a teacher working as a substitute, part-time or less than a full school year, you are advised to keep a record of time worked so that if you file for EI and are denied benefits, you will be able to provide evidence of work you have done.

Keep an ongoing record of hours and days worked. Keep a daily planner and a copy of your school calendar and ­timetable. Note when you arrive at work and when you leave. Record additional time devoted to professional duties, such as lesson planning, classroom and materials maintenance, curricular activities, marking, report cards, supervision, consultations with teachers and others, administration duties—related to administrative designations only, and professional development.

For more information, visit Human Resources and Social Development Canada (www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml) and click on Service Canada (right) and then click on Apply for Employment Insurance Benefits. Visit the Association’s website (www.teachers.ab.ca) and click on Employment Insurance under Salary and Benefits or contact the ATA’s Teacher Welfare program area at 780-447-9400 (Edmonton) or toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta at 1-800-232-7208.