Applications open for Alberta’s Teacher Advisory Council

By Lethbridge Herald on February 4, 2026.

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

Lethbridge Herald

Minister of Education and Childcare Demetrious Nicolaides has opened an application process seeking individuals interested in serving in the Teacher Advisory Council.

According to the Alberta Government website, the Teacher Advisory Council is an advisory agency comprised of up to 15 teachers and teacher leaders in Alberta. And members of the Council will provide input to Minister Nicolaides on key priorities in Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system.

The website describes the Council as a platform for voices from teachers and teacher leaders across Alberta to inform policy and practice.

“This council will ensure teachers have a direct line of communication with me as we work together to strengthen Alberta’s world‑class education system,” said Nicolaides in a statement sent to the Herald.

He added that teachers understand the realities of today’s classrooms and their expertise is essential to addressing class size and classroom complexity.

When talking about the decision of creating a teacher cabinet Nicolaides said it is essential that education policy is informed directly by teachers with real, frontline classroom experience.

“This council ensures their voices are heard clearly and directly, helping shape decisions that support students and address the most pressing challenges in today’s classrooms,” said Nicolaides.

Alberta Teachers’ Association president Jason Schilling said he believes the Teachers Advisory Cabinet is redundant as there is already an organization that represents and speaks for the province’s 51,000 teachers.

“We are confident that classroom teachers who might participate in this panel will reiterate what the Association has been saying, clearly and consistently, for years,” said Schilling. “Before, during and after the largest strike in this province’s history.”

He said the same message has been shared for years, on how overcrowded and complex classrooms are unsustainable, they prevent students’ needs from being met and contribute directly to teacher burnout.

“It seems as if the government needs to hear this again … and again … and again. Why hasn’t the government released the class size and complexity information that was already collected and that documents what teachers have been saying about the state of their classrooms?” said Schilling.

He said the message is clear, what is missing is effective leadership in utilizing the resources necessary to solve teachers’ concerns in so many of the province’s classrooms.

“The government’s own Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team released a report in November 2025 that addressed some of the most pressing problems in public education. Acting on its recommendations would be an obvious place to start,” said Schilling.

In terms of what the role of those joining the Teacher Advisory Cabinet would be, the Alberta Government website states they will be responsible for attending meetings during the months of September through June. Meetings will be convened as needed outside of school hours, understood to be between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and shall not exceed 90 minutes.

Members will not receive remuneration for their role but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while absent from their ordinary place of residence and performing their duty as a member in accordance with the Government of Alberta’s Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive, as amended.

Applicants must have teaching and/or leadership experience in a school in Alberta, expertise in one or more grade levels and subject areas, and must be aware of and abide by the frameworks that govern the teaching profession in Alberta.

Teachers and principals interested in applying for the council can apply online. The deadline for applications is Feb. 13, 2026.

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