'Disrespected and demoralized': Survey shows 37% of Alberta teachers may leave in the next five years
More than a third of Alberta teachers would prefer to retire, move, or start a new career rather than work in the province's schools by 2026, according to a new survey that the government is disputing.
"I put my heart and soul into supporting public education, and now it feels like public education is being eroded," educator Sue Bell told CTV News Edmonton.
Bell has been a teacher and principal for 30 years, but recently decided to retire. She is fed up with the government, and believes many of her colleagues agree.
"We have lots of healthcare workers who are leaving this province because they're not feeling supported, and I think the same thing is going to happen to the education system. I think the education minister has her head in the sand," she said.
The survey, conducted by the Alberta Teachers Association in November, polled 179 people and found that 31 per cent of teachers either don't want to be teaching in the same position next year, or are unsure about it.
Over the next five years, 16 per cent said they will retire, 14 per cent said they'll leave the profession altogether, and seven per cent said they plan to move and teach in another province. A total of 1,248 people responded to that part of the poll.
"Interesting point about the 14 per cent is that that's double from what we saw in April, and we need to take note of that. We're talking about a huge exodus, potentially," said ATA President Jason Schilling.
"They're concerned about budget cuts, class sizes and other elements of the protocols that aren't being met. They just feel, in a sense, disrespected and demoralized by this government."
'QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ACCURACY OF ITS FINDINGS'
A spokesperson for Minister Adriana LaGrange declined an interview request but sent a statement.
“Alberta’s government recognizes how challenging the past two years have been. We are grateful to all parents, students, teachers and education partners for their continued flexibility and dedication during the pandemic," wrote press secretary Katherine Stavropoulos.
She also took issue with how the ATA conducted its survey.
"This is a pulse survey of a self-identified group of teachers who have indicated they will participate in surveys from the union. This survey does not represent a random sample of teachers and raises questions regarding the accuracy of its findings," Stavropoulos wrote.
The NDP's education critic agreed with the ATA's concerns.
"The UCP actually underspent the education budget by $600 million. Think of what could have been done to promote learning and to increase safety with that money," said MLA Sarah Hoffman.
She also accused the government of having a "lack of respect for teachers and the work that they do."
"We know that it has impacted their well being, 92 percent report exhaustion, 88 per cent report high levels of stress and 51 percent report they're anxious more than half of the days of the week," Hoffman said.
Both Bell and Schilling are asking the province to give teachers more support and to invest more money into classrooms.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Alison MacKinnon
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.