Alberta teachers report rising stress as classrooms grow more complex

An Alberta Teachers' Association survey of more than 5,700 teachers and principals found about 95% reported feeling stressed and many said classroom complexity and workload have increased; the provincial government has ended last fall's strike through the Back to School Act and says it is reviewing classroom data while promising additional hires.

A survey released by the Alberta Teachers' Association reports that a large majority of responding teachers and principals feel pessimistic about the state of education as classrooms grow more complex. The survey drew more than 5,700 responses collected between Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 and the ATA says the results point to declining morale among those in the profession. ATA leaders told reporters teachers are feeling increased strain and frustration, and union representatives linked many concerns to earlier job action and the government's legislative response. The provincial government has said it recognises the strain and has set up a Cabinet committee to review classroom complexity and placements. Key points: - The survey had more than 5,700 teacher and principal respondents and reported about 95% feeling stressed and pessimistic about the profession. - Around eight in 10 respondents said the diversity and complexity of student needs in their most complex class increased this year, and the report noted workload comparable to a class of about 38 when adjusted for complexity. - ATA leaders described teachers as strained and frustrated after being legislated back to work following last fall's large strike action. - The province has pledged to hire additional teachers and educational assistants and established a Classroom Complexity and Class Size Cabinet Committee; the Back to School Act currently restricts job action until 2028. Summary: The survey describes widespread stress and increasing classroom complexity that ATA leaders say is affecting teacher morale. The provincial government has responded with a committee review and a hiring pledge, and the Back to School Act remains in force; how these measures will change staffing levels and classroom workloads is undetermined at this time.