Albertans for Independent Education

Raising awareness about independent education in Alberta. Join us to learn, share, and take action.

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

🚨 The debate over independent education isn’t really about funding. It’s about ideology

In 2020, ATA President Jason Schilling criticized the UCP’s Choice in Education Act. Nothing proves this more than criticizing families who choose options that receive $0 in taxpayer funding

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Friendly reminder: the NDP was in power for 4 years and never defunded or reduced funding for independent education.

Even they know it saves money.

#abed #abpoli #independenteducation

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

🚨 What does compensation look like in Alberta's independent schools?

A typical first-year teacher earns about $62,000, while a teacher with 10 years of experience earns about $89,000. Many schools also offer health benefits, pensions, RRSP matching, and health spending accounts

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Independent schools save Alberta taxpayers over $300 million annually. Defunding them wouldn't strengthen public education—it would force thousands of students into the public system, increasing costs and pressure on classrooms. Stop putting systems ahead of students and families

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

🚨 Many people hear "independent school" and picture a traditional private school.

In reality, Alberta's independent education sector includes early learning, K–12 schools, special education programs, home education providers, online learning, and other specialized models.

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

🚨 Independent schools are a legitimate part of Alberta's education system.

They serve 56,000 students and employ thousands of teachers and educational assistants who support students every day

These educators matter. The students they serve matter. And the work they do matters

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

🚨 One of the biggest myths about independent schools is that they only accept “easy” students.

In reality, Alberta independent schools serve students with severe needs, mild/moderate needs, EAL needs, and behaviour/learning plans. The data simply does not support the stereotype

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

If the ATA is going to involve itself in geopolitical conflicts, then all affected students and perspectives should matter equally.

Schools should unite students around learning and opportunity, not divide them through ideological or geopolitical narratives. 4/4

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Every student deserves dignity, support, and compassion.

But many teachers are asking why the ATA continues investing time, resources, and union dues into political and identity-based initiatives while Alberta classrooms struggle with academics, complexity, violence, etc. 1/4

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Many teachers are also asking why the ATA appears focused on one side of a deeply divisive geopolitical conflict while offering little acknowledgement of how Jewish and Israeli students and families may feel in the process. 3/4

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

More coming on this tomorrow.

Teachers are tired of watching classrooms struggle with literacy, behaviour, complexity, and burnout while the ATA pours union dues into political activism.

When does the focus return to academics and supporting ALL students equally?

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Read the full announcement here: https://t.co/o7Jj2jaGvs

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

🚨 BREAKING: Alberta is investing $200 MILLION through a new Class Size Reduction Grant.

The funding will hire 1,400+ K–9 teachers to reduce class sizes and improve learning conditions in increasingly complex classrooms.

One of Alberta’s biggest class size investments in years.

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

🚨 It’s sad that the ATA uses its own members’ dues to fund messaging that convinces teachers a system that should be their partner is actually their enemy.

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Read the article here: https://t.co/fIX5gFGc0N

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

🚨 Oh look… the ATA’s Executive Secretary, Dennis Theobald, is encouraging teachers to find “creative” ways to “obey” Bill 25. Kind of proving why the bill is needed. Parents don’t just oppose obvious ideology in classrooms. They oppose the sneaky workarounds too.

[Jeff Park 🐗 @JParkYYC]

As your own screenshot says, Finland 🇫🇮 has a full voucher system, but it is 13th or 14th, not the best education system in the world.

Alberta's robust school choice has led us to have the 2nd best education system in the world.

Research shows competition works!

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Too bad we have a teachers association more focused on protecting ineffective teachers than ensuring students receive an excellent education.

To the teachers that are truly professional and keep it neutral in the classroom… thank you!

#albertaeducation #Bill25

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Read the full article here: https://t.co/lsKsNYnyIA

[Albertans for Independent Education @IndependentEdAB]

Teachers spend years in lectures, then get two short practicums before entering a classroom. Tradespeople learn by doing, getting paid, gaining real experience, and building confidence from day one.

So why not teaching?