Alberta Teachers’ Association says members appreciate government’s new restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
On Tuesday, Premier Jason Kenney announced that kindergarten to Grade 12 students will move to online learning starting Friday, and will continue until May 25.
“Teachers have a heavy heart and mixed emotions to see learning move online for the next three weeks. We would always prefer to be in schools working with students, but (Tuesday’s) decision is a prudent move to regain control over the spread of COVID in Alberta,” said ATA president Jason Schilling.
He was also relieved that the vast majority of teachers and school staff will have an opportunity to receive at least their first dose of vaccine before in-person learning resumes.
“School boards must now do their part to reduce the risk of spread by allowing all teachers who are able to work from home, to work from home. The government has stated that working from home remains mandatory unless the employer requires the employee’s physical presence to operate effectively. We expect school boards to respect this clear direction.”