A lawyer and senior leader who has knowledge of the education system and experience in workplace conduct, Sproule will be in charge of resolving conduct and competency complaints for all Alberta teachers and teacher leaders.

Under her leadership, the new Alberta Teaching Profession Commission, which was announced on March 31, 2022, will oversee a model for teacher and teacher leader disciplinary matters. The commissioner was appointed following an open public recruitment process.

This new model will bring Alberta in line with best practices in other provinces and other regulated professions. Currently, Alberta is the only province where a teachers union handles all complaints of alleged unprofessional conduct and professional competence made against its active members.

“The role of the arm’s-length commissioner is integral to the accountability and transparency of the new teacher and teacher leader disciplinary process. The legal expertise and senior leadership capability Ms. Sproule brings to the table, along with her knowledge of the education system, are great assets for this important role.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education

“I am honoured to be appointed to the role of commissioner, and I look forward to leading the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission in this new model as it undertakes its important and meaningful work.”

Julia Sproule, commissioner, Alberta Teaching Profession Commission

The Alberta Teaching Profession Commission will begin addressing complaints on Jan. 1, 2023.

Quick facts

  • The commissioner appointment is a five-year term.
  • Other positions within the commission, such as investigators, professional assurance officers and administrative professionals, are being recruited this fall.
  • Sproule holds a bachelor of arts (Honours) and a bachelor of laws and most recently practised law at Wiebe Wittman Robertson LLP.
    • She previously held positions at Legal Aid Alberta, including as associate vice-president of operations where she helped oversee legal aid services throughout Alberta, and has served as in-house counsel for government and the oil and gas industry.
    • Sproule has prior experience as a member of the school council at her local school and on the board of directors at Die Kleine Kinderschule preschool.