Growing discontent among Alberta educators has reached a critical point, with many teachers seriously considering leaving the province following the government's recent intervention in the ongoing education dispute. The emotional toll on professionals who have dedicated years to their students is becoming increasingly evident.
The Breaking Point
Curtis Fong, a Calgary educator with 13 years of experience, reached his personal turning point on October 27, 2025, while watching the legislative assembly debate back-to-work legislation. What made the moment particularly painful was the absence of Premier Danielle Smith, who was traveling to Saudi Arabia to promote Alberta's energy and technology industry during the critical debate.
"It was clear that there was a callousness," Fong expressed, describing the moment as a violation of collective rights. "The individual, ostensibly said to lead us, does not care enough to even be present, has that much disrespect that this is not even an issue."
Emotional Toll on Educators
The decision to potentially abandon his profession has filled Fong with what he describes as "immense grief." He explained the profound realization that "the work that I have done to this point, while good in the moral sense, was insufficient, that it is not aligning with the priorities of the province."
Fong is now actively searching for alternative employment and plans to leave the profession before the end of the school year if successful. Despite his personal struggles, he remains committed to his students, stating, "I do want to make sure that while I'm working, I'm doing what's best for the students. The impact on students will be the one true regret."
Widespread Disillusionment
Multiple teachers who spoke with Postmedia have echoed Fong's sentiments, describing how feeling disillusioned with the province's response has compelled them to consider either leaving the profession entirely or moving to a different province.
Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers' Association, acknowledged the depth of frustration among educators. "Teachers are so justifiably angry with the government to go back into their classrooms with the same conditions that they had leading up to this strike," Schilling stated. "Their disenfranchisement with the government is completely understandable and for those who are wondering what their next steps could be."
The situation presents a potential contradiction for the provincial government, which has made commitments to hire more teachers and educational assistants. A significant exodus of experienced educators could undermine these plans and further strain Alberta's education system.
The teacher strike that prompted the government's intervention included visible public actions, such as teachers from Robert Thirsk High School engaging parents at Bowness Park in Calgary on October 8, 2025, and striking teachers rallying along Memorial Drive on October 27, 2025.
