2024 Substitute Teachers' Conference Report

Date: October 18-19, 2024

Location: Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall

Attending the Substitute Teachers’ Conference was a truly enriching experience. The event drew a strong turnout, provided delicious meals, and featured inspiring guest speakers. However, the most valuable aspect was the opportunity for substitute teachers to connect, share experiences, and discuss the unique challenges we face in today’s educational landscape.

Tara Miller kicked off the conference and later wrapped it up, offering invaluable insights into the art of substitute teaching. She highlighted the importance of building trust and safety with students and maintaining a smooth, positive classroom experience in the teacher's absence. Her tips on fostering a supportive atmosphere resonated with everyone, reminding us how essential organization and structure are when stepping into someone else’s classroom.

One topic of great concern raised during the conference was the inconsistency in substitute pay across Alberta. Rates vary significantly for half-day and full-day assignments, and there is no standardization across districts. In Parkland, for example, substitutes aren’t paid on the salary grid until their sixth day in the same position, with no retroactive compensation. This highlights a larger issue: Alberta is facing a substitute teacher shortage. Part of the provincial bargaining efforts will involve addressing the daily pay rate, which is currently only 54% of a first-year teacher’s salary. There’s also hope to secure benefits, as many substitutes currently pay for their own coverage, which can be costly.

Professional development was another valuable part of the conference. Keeping our skills current helps us support both students and teachers more effectively. With ongoing PD opportunities, substitutes can stay up-to-date with educational practices, enhancing the learning experience for all.

Questions around pensions, benefits, and other employment concerns were also addressed, thanks to resources like the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) and the support of knowledgeable individuals like Michelle Glavine. Her insights, particularly on pensions, were highly appreciated by attendees.

In closing, we want to express our gratitude to all the full-time staff who welcome substitutes with warmth and respect. Walking into schools where we feel valued—through a simple greeting in the hallway or camaraderie in the staffroom—makes a world of difference. Most of us do this work out of a love for teaching and to be part of a dedicated community. Thank you for making us feel like part of the team.

Date: October 18, 2024

Location: Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall

PSD Local 10 Representative in attendance: Mary Ng-Notton

Substitute teachers across Alberta work under varying conditions, with each school division having unique policies and practices. Here’s a closer look at the current working environment for substitute teachers in different school boards, highlighting both the challenges and supports in place.

Grande Prairie

In Grande Prairie, distinction between "Classroom Supervisors" and "Substitute Teachers" is being blurred, creating very little differences in authority and pay. Classroom Supervisors are responsible for delivering lessons rather than actively teaching, they are paid only $30 less than substitutes. After deductions, however, Classroom Supervisors often earn more than substitute teacher. This creates some ambiguity around the roles and compensation in the classroom.

Other key aspects include:

• Retired Teachers: About 44% of substitutes in Grande Prairie are retired teachers, indicating a reliance on experienced educators.

• Large Substitute Pool: The division has a large list of substitutes, not all of whom are dedicated solely to the division.

• Communication & Contacts: Some HR departments are open to sharing a list of substitutes’ work emails with the Local for better communication.

• Central Bargaining Proposal: A proposal in place suggests retroactive pay from the second day, moving forward to the first. Substitutes are also expected to plan lessons in this arrangement.

• Recognition & Appreciation: Substitute teachers are recognized through digital gift cards, a small but appreciated token for their contributions.

Christ the Redeemer

For Christ the Redeemer, there are specifics around contract language and pay:

• Collective Agreement Nuances: The wording in the collective agreement suggests that substitute teachers cannot be reassigned beyond the scope of duties/schedule of the teacher they are replacing; however, the clause following that reportedly nullifies this.

• Grid Pay: Days on Grid and ability to accumulate enough days to reach Grid Pay is an ongoing concern.

Northlands

The Northlands division faces its own set of challenges:

• Lack of Certified Substitutes: Northlands does not have certified substitutes except for the sub chair, which has led to extensive use of Non-Certified Classroom Supervisors (NCCS).

• Division’s Hiring Preferences: The division initially intended to hire only NCCS, prompting the Local to reach out to the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) to address these hiring practices.

Palliser

The Palliser division allocates a budget for substitute-specific events:

• Support for Professional Development & Gatherings: Palliser sets aside a $1,500 budget for events like substitute conferences and dinner gatherings. This budget helps foster community and professional growth among substitutes.

Red Deer Public School Division (PSD)

Red Deer PSD has implemented various measures to support substitute teachers:

• Regular Meetings with HR: Monthly meetings with HR allow substitutes to address any ongoing concerns or questions directly.

• Digital Resources: A digital substitute handbook is available, where teachers can fill in essential information for substitutes. This helps streamline classroom transitions and keeps substitutes well-informed.

• Morning Supervision Policy: Substitute teachers are not required to supervise in the mornings on their first day, giving them time to adjust to new environments.

• Early Arrival Expectation: Substitute teachers are expected to arrive 15 minutes early as a courtesy to ensure a smooth transition.

• Substitute Notes: Additional notes are provided to ensure substitutes have relevant information about school policies and classroom expectations; as well, templates and guidelines are provided to encourage substitute teachers to leave details about their day.

Conclusion

The working conditions for substitute teachers in Alberta vary widely depending on the school division. While some divisions have taken steps to recognize and support substitutes, others still face challenges around pay structure, certification requirements, and consistent communication. These differences highlight the importance of continued dialogue between substitutes, school boards, and the ATA to ensure fair and supportive working conditions across the province.