How will the withdrawal of voluntary services affect professional development?
During the withdrawal of voluntary services, teachers must individually decide whether or not they are willing to participate in professional development activities that occur outside of normal working hours. The following information is provided to help teachers make informed decisions. • Participation in professional development activities that occur outside normal working hours is voluntary, with the exception of teachers who are being compensated or teachers who are under contractual obligations. • The provincial Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation policy requires every teacher to develop, implement and complete an annual professional growth plan. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action by the board. • Involvement in activities offered by subgroups of the Association, such as Specialist Councils and local PD committees, is encouraged. • The Alberta Teachers’ Association has requested that teachers refrain from participating in inservice sessions offered by Alberta
