Yesterday's press conference was alarming and concerning in its disregard and disrespect for the excellent job teachers do day in and day out. There is lots more to say on this. Right now, I am focused on the re-entry plan for schools and how government MUST improve it. /1

I implore @UCPCaucus to listen to the concerns you're hearing and push your party into action on the re-entry to school plan. Teachers and parents are telling me their concerns are being ignored and pushed aside, that's unacceptable. /2

The ATA has several priorities for a successful and safe re-entry to school in the fall. These priorities start by forming a multi-stakeholder group that includes teachers, parents, schools boards, health officials to advise on common standards and approaches to inform plans, /3

Other priorities include creating conditions for social distancing by addressing class size, how schools transition between the scenarios; improving school ventilation, protecting staff and students who are at higher risk, support for subs, creation of COVID 19 response plans /4

And provide funding for increased daytime caretaking staff, masks, and cleaning supplies. There is still time @UCPCaucus to make substantive changes to improve the safety of teachers, students, and the communities you serve. Now is the time for action, not politics. /5

You can find a full description of the priorities here: https://www.teachers.ab.ca/News%20Room/Issues/COVID-19/2020-School-Re-entry/Pages/Teachers%e2%80%99-Priorities-for-Successful-and-Safe-Re-Entry-to-Alberta-School-Buildings.aspx /6