Overview
Teaching is a regulated profession in Alberta. The Education Act requires an individual to hold a certificate of practice issued by the registrar at Alberta Education in order to be employed in the role of a teacher, principal or superintendent.
Teachers hold a teaching certificate, while teacher leaders (principals and superintendents) hold additional levels of certification known as a leadership certificate and superintendent leadership certificate.
Teachers and teacher leaders have a unique position of trust and influence – and a professional obligation and responsibility to:
- meet Professional Practice Standards
- adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders
If you have concerns a teacher or teacher leader is not meeting Professional Practice Standards, you may file a complaint of professional incompetence. These complaints can be filed up to 2 years after the alleged professional incompetence occurred.
If you have concerns a teacher or teacher leader has violated the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders, you may file a complaint of unprofessional conduct. These complaints can be filed at any time.
Before you file a complaint
Follow these steps:
- If you are comfortable and it is appropriate to do so, you are encouraged to first address your concern with the school or school division, or both. Discuss the issue with the teacher or their supervisor if possible.
- If your complaint cannot be resolved at the local level, contact the Office of the Registrar to discuss your concern.
To file a complaint
Follow these steps:
- If – after speaking with the Office of the Registrar – you would like to submit a formal complaint, use the online Complaint Form.
- Once you have completed the online Complaint Form, the Office of the Registrar will review the document to ensure:
- all required information has been included
- your contact information is valid
- the teacher in question holds certification in Alberta
- Once verified, the complaint is referred to the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission to proceed with the next steps.
You cannot submit an anonymous complaint – your name and the nature of your complaint will be shared with the teacher. Once you submit a complaint, you become the complainant. As the complainant, you cannot delegate this role to anyone else, and you will be expected to participate in the process until the matter is concluded.