What to do if your school site creates a new initiative that intensifies workload...

The key in this situation is to remember that C2 deals primarily with district-initiated tasks.  Each school site is different and will have different needs as determined by our school administrators colleagues, which means that, from time to time, staff at one school will be engaged in work that is unique to that particular site.

If a school-initiated project is intensifying teacher workload, teachers must exercise caution in how they approach the issue - the rules of the Code of Professional Conduct apply and, done inappropriately, the manner in which a teacher objects to school-specific assignments may breach the Code.  Try the following steps in order to address the issue:

  1. Organize a one-on-one private meeting between teacher and principal.
  2. Prior to the meeting, the teacher should be prepared to speak to the rationale for protesting the additional workload, particularly as it relates to the merits (or lack thereof) of the task being assigned by the principal.
  3. Hold the meeting and allow each side to voice their opinions on the issue.

In the event that a private meeting is not possible, it is still acceptable to hold a private one-on-one email exchange to voice these same concerns.  At all times it is important to remember to act professionally, whether in-person or online.  If possible, attempt a resolution to the problem using the procedures/processes outlined in the Staff Involvement in School Decisions document.

If no resolution to the matter is forthcoming, and the teacher still feels that the task is inappropriate, call ATA Member Services (403-265-2672) to discuss a course of action that is consistent with the Code of Conduct.