You will see Alberta teachers and the ATA often refer to "Complex Classrooms".
In my opinion, this is absolutely undeniable; in fact, I think they are understating the issue. Classrooms are a bloody nightmare in many cases, with students that range from docile all the way to dangerous.
The problem, however, cannot be simply solved by giving public schools more money. Alberta has a drug epidemic, broken homes, high unemployment, and alcohol abuse. Alongside that, we have higher rates of children with diagnosed ADHD, autism, ODD, and the list goes on.
For kids to succeed in school, they need a stable household, with a Mom and a Dad who are a team. Parents need to encourage their kids, but also to discipline them, and to help them choose friends and give them opportunities to burn off energy and build self-confidence. Teachers can be allies, but as parents, we cannot expect teachers to raise our children. Paying teachers to "fix our kids" or to "raise our kids" is both unreasonable and unattainable. Our families, churches, and communities need to figure out a way to reach the people who are leaning on drugs and alcohol to cope with life. This is an emotional and spiritual problem more than it is a budget problem, and until we recognize that fact, we're going to be arguing in circles.
Teachers, please accept our apology for putting this expectation on you. I cannot speak for all parents, but I know many people who would agree that we really do want to support you and see you get paid well. However, you must understand that when you or your colleagues cross over from teaching kids how to think and start teaching in the realm of worldview and ideology, it puts many parents in a tough spot. Some of us talk to our kids, we know what they hear, and they know what their teachers think, and it often lacks a balanced approach. If Alberta teachers genuinely want to earn the trust and support of parents across the province, this would be a good place to start.
