The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Question: I was miffed about a situation in my school jurisdiction, so I sent an e-mail that captured my feelings at the time. In hindsight, however, I should have said less and I’m feeling a bit foolish. What should I do?

Answer: First, you should pause and think before hitting send, as there are considerable hazards in e-mail communications. The written word can sometimes be received differently to the way it was intended. Second, in person meetings or telephone conversations are much more effective ways to communicate with people—e-mail is not a good way to gauge attitudes or feelings.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has received complaints from teachers and others about e-mail communications, including requests to initiate an investigation of a teacher’s professional conduct in light of e-mail communications. The intent of an e-mail can be misunderstood. We also have examples when teachers hit the “Reply All” instead of the “Reply” button, and sent comments to all the people copied on the earlier e-mail instead of one specific person. Although inadvertent, in certain circumstances, such an e-mail may include unprofessional comments about the work of a colleague and trigger an investigation of the teacher’s professional conduct.

Face-to-face or telephone conversations continue to be the most effective ways to handle emotional or complex situations. In the height of the moment, it is possible to say things that are unhelpful and that the sender will regret. If you are in a situation where you say too much in your e-mail communications, or if your words are too emotionally charged and misunderstood, it is important to remedy these issues quickly—meeting or talking in person is better than sending another e-mail.

My colleagues in Member Services regularly deal with these issues, and teachers should contact staff at Barnett House or SARO if they require advice or assistance. In Edmonton and area, call 780-447-9400. From elsewhere in Alberta, call toll free at 1-800-232-7208. In Calgary and area, call 403-265-2672.

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Questions for consideration in this column are welcome. Please address them to Gordon Thomas at Barnett House (gordon.thomas@ata.ab.ca).