Public input sought to create new code of conduct for Alberta teachers
The Alberta government says it is moving forward with its strategy to build "confidence in the education system" by offering the public a chance to share thoughts on a new, streamlined code of conduct for teachers.
But the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) is questioning the motives of introducing the new policy.
Starting Tuesday, teachers, teacher leaders, parents, students and all Albertans will have the chance to give feedback on the government's single code of professional conduct for all educators.
Officials say the new guidelines will seek to replace the two codes of conduct that already exist – one for members of the ATA and one for those who are not.
The government says the new code will "include the best and most effective features" of each.
"This is another step that improves the quality of classroom education in Alberta," said Education Minister Adriana LaGrange in a release.
"We're building on our important work to enhance oversight of the teacher profession and ensure the safety and wellbeing of students so they can get the education we know they deserve."
Individuals who work to protect children and youth from sexual abuse are praising the strategy. Those officials say since Albertans entrust their children to the care of teachers every day, a unified code of professional conduct is essential.
"This is another step that improves the quality of classroom education in Alberta. We’re building on our important work to enhance oversight of the teacher profession and ensure the safety and wellbeing of students so they can get the education we know they deserve," said Sheldon Kennedy, co-founder of Respect Group Inc., in a release.
Others involved in the process understand the roles teachers play with students and families.
"We are pleased to provide input to help ensure the updated code of conduct specifically addresses protection for students against sexual abuse," Debra Tomlinson, CEO of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, said in a release.
'CORNERSTONE OF TEACHING PROFESSION'
Meanwhile, the ATA says the UCP government's attempt to reform its code of conduct policy "is predominantly political in nature."
"(It is) designed to distract from the real challenges facing public education today," the ATA wrote in a statement to CTV News on Tuesday.
"Association staff have highlighted serious concerns with the survey, notably the confusion of conduct issues with competence and the potential for the government's code to diminish teachers' professional judgment in favour of enforcing abject compliance with the employer's and government's directives."
The organization says the establishment of its code of professional conduct was one of its first actions back in 1918.
"(It) is a cornerstone of the teaching profession," the ATA said.
"The current code of professional conduct was originally developed, and evolved over the years, to reflect teachers' deep understanding of their responsibilities toward students, the high expectations placed on teachers by the community and the practical realities and complexities of teachers' work."
Nevertheless, the ATA encourages all of its members to respond to the survey and "make their voices heard."
The ATA's code of professional conduct applies to approximately 85 per cent of the province's practising teachers and teacher leaders.
The plan to set up a new code of conduct was laid out in the Kenney government's Education Amendment Act, which was released this past spring.
The online survey is open until Oct. 7, while the ATA says the new code will be in place by Jan. 1, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Last letters of pioneering climber who died on Everest reveal dark side of mountaineering
George Mallory is renowned for being one of the first British mountaineers to attempt to scale the dizzying heights of Mount Everest during the 1920s. Nearly a century later, newly digitized letters shed light on Mallory’s hopes and fears about ascending Everest.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Powerful tornado tears across Nebraska, weather service warns of 'catastrophic' damage
Devastating tornadoes tore across parts of eastern Nebraska and northeast Texas Friday as a multi-day severe thunderstorm event ramped up in the central United States, injuring at least three people.
Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality
A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.