The Alberta Teachers’ Association

This document is also available in PDF format.

Many teachers in Alberta work part-time (less than 1.0 FTE). Some are on part-time contracts, under section 103 of the School Act; others are on full-time continuing contracts, under section 99. For all teachers, the contract of employment between a teacher and the employing board includes all the provisions of the collective agreement, collateral agreements (such as maternity-leave clauses) and any written agreement between the teacher and the board. If a teacher makes any arrangements with a board outside of the collective agreement, those arrangements must be consistent with the provisions of the collective agreement and are binding on both parties.

Part-time teachers often have concerns and questions about working conditions. The following are among the most frequent:

1. Although I am working part-time, I am asked to attend all staff meetings, professional development (PD) days and both days of convention. What should I be doing?
   • Staff meetings: To the extent that it is reasonable, you should attend staff meetings outside of class hours, as would any other teacher; however, you have no obligation to return to the school several hours after you finish your assigned time, or to go in on days when you do not work.
   • PD and convention days: You are expected to attend on days on which you would normally be required to work. Your FTE may include scheduled PD days. It does not matter if the event is board mandated or an Association PD day; your obligation is limited by your contract status.
   • You are not under a full-time contract; therefore, the time during which you are not contracted to teach is your own. Thus, if you work mornings with one board, you are free to work with another board in the afternoon or to simply use the time as you wish.
2. I am working .4 FTE but scheduled to work one period or more each morning and each afternoon. I cannot even substitute elsewhere. What can I do about this schedule?
   • Protest internally first; assistance is available from the Association on request. If you are unsuccessful, refer the issue to the local bargaining process.
   • You are paid for instructional time only. The periods when you are not assigned are your time and you are not required to cover other teachers, work the lunchroom or do extra assignments. Check your collective agreement; you may have the right to grieve if such demands are made.
3. Although I work .75 FTE, I get no preps. All other teachers get three periods of prep time per week. Shouldn’t I get prorated time for preparation?
   • In order for this to happen, you would have to have an assignable- and instructional-time clause in your collective agreement. Some agreements contain such a clause; others do not. Your local is certainly free to try to negotiate such an arrangement. However, a grievance on the issue was unsuccessful in the absence of a specific clause.
4. I teach part-time and do some extracurricular activities. I have been asked to take on even more activities on my own time. What are my obligations?
   • If you do not want to take on additional extracurricular work, just say no. It is your legal right.
5. I have been on a part-time contract for five years and am not even considered for full-time work when it comes up in the district. What can I do?
   • In too many circumstances, part-time work becomes a trap. The excuse in June is often, “We had to hire a full-time person to get the specialty we need.” During the year, part-time teachers are told that it is too disruptive to move them to open, full-time positions. Refer the issue to the local bargaining process.
6. The school board is considering cutting staff. It has been suggested that if several of us would reduce our time just a little we would be able to keep everybody. What advice do you have?
   • This is a pay cut that could affect you for the rest of your life by having a negative impact on your pension and it has very serious implications if you should fall ill. It is a bad idea because of the high risk to you.
   • Don’t make a significant change in your status without first consulting the Association. Your call is confidential.
7. I am thinking of changing to part-time status to ease into retirement. Is this a good idea?
   • If the pressure of full-time teaching is the problem, ask your local to address working conditions.
   • Changing to part-time status could harm you financially. Different part-time arrangements can have different effects on your pension and benefits. Consult your Association before making any decisions of this nature.
8. I have been told that, even though I have a part-time, continuing contract, my time can be cut from the current .6 FTE to .1 FTE. Is this possible?
   • Your time can be cut—within reason. However, a cut of this magnitude could constitute constructive dismissal and the Association would support you in an appeal. If this happens, contact the Association immediately.