Alberta is proposing legislation to make public the names and case details of teachers disciplined for unprofessional conduct or incompetence.
The bill introduced by Education Minister Adriana LaGrange would reorganize the disciplinary process and require ongoing criminal record checks for all teachers.
Alberta’s education system has excellent teachers & teacher leaders, who are crucial to ensuring the continued success of our students.
However, this legislation is not about teachers. It is about ensuring our education system here in Alberta puts students first.
— Adriana LaGrange (@AdrianaLaGrange) November 16, 2021
LaGrange says the vast majority of teachers are caring and responsible, but there needs to be more transparency and efficiency around teacher discipline.
The centrepiece of the bill proposes a new online portal to search Alberta teachers and teaching leaders.
Those we entrust to educate and care for our children must be held to the highest standards of professional and ethical conducts.
That is what Alberta parents expect, it is what students deserve, and it is what both will get with the Students First Act. pic.twitter.com/PC2OSqTqG7
— Adriana LaGrange (@AdrianaLaGrange) November 16, 2021
The portal would contain dates and details of disciplinary decisions about individual teachers dating back to 1990.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association is currently in charge of disciplining its active members.