The new Alberta Teaching Commissioner will be appointed by the Cabinet by order of the council, but is intended to be within walking distance of the government. The ATA will maintain its function as a union for the majority of teachers in the province. The new system is proposed to enter into force on January 1, 2023. In addition to the teachers represented by the ATA, the commissioner will discipline non-union teachers working in charter, private and First Nations schools and school principals, whose vocational college was to begin disciplining its members. autumn. LaGrange argues that the commission will lead to a faster resolution of complaints and streamline the process. “The result of this bill will be to have a legislative structure that will govern discipline issues for the entire profession, from one organization, using a consistent, efficient and effective process,” he said. Bill 15 brings a campaign promise made by the ruling United Conservative Party to the Alberta legislature. The government claims that the ATA is in a conflict of interest because it acts both as a negotiating agent and as a regulatory college for teachers. Under the new procedure, complaints will be addressed to the secretary of the Ministry of Education who is responsible for teacher certification. The secretary notifies the commissioner, who has 30 days to evaluate the complaint. If the complaint requires additional investigations, the investigation must begin within 30 days. However, there is no timetable for when the process should end. The Commissioner will make findings and recommendations to the Minister of Education for complaints. The minister then makes the final decision on whether to reprimand, reject a complaint or suspend or revoke a teaching certificate. All hearing dates and decisions finding a professional misconduct or incapacity will be posted on the Internet.

“De-professionalizes” teachers

The ATA said the bill is vindictive and is intended to punish teachers. The club has disciplined its own members for more than 85 years. President Jason Schilling said the ATA process is transparent and accountable to the public. He disputes LaGrange’s claim that the association is biased against teachers in the disciplinary proceedings. “We call on our teachers to be held accountable,” Schilling said. “Because this is what the public expects from the professionals and this is what we do. “This bill de-professionalizes teachers.” The ATA said the disciplinary process could take a long time due to issues out of control. For example, in a case involving criminal prosecution, the ATA cannot initiate disciplinary proceedings until the case is resolved in court. The association currently has six full-time researchers. He also has another team of nine retired officers and retired police officers who have contracts for investigations. The opposition NDP accused LaGrange of using Bill 15 to intimidate teachers. “The UCP government has been attacking Alberta teachers for three years and this bill is just more political harassment by an education minister who wants to divert attention from the list of damage he has done to our education system,” Sarah said. Hoffman, MLA for Edmonton-Glenora. and the NDP education critic.