The ATA News , November 18, 2025 ❚ 15
Conversations over complaints How to handle conflict within your team
PITFALLS AND PRECAUTIONS Tanya Thiessen ATA Representation Officer
I t’s natural for conflict to arise in schools. Teachers and school leaders work closely together as colleagues—supervising, meeting, eating, planning and learning together. As a teacher– leader, I often viewed my colleagues as a school family and, while not everyone likes to refer to their colleagues as a “family” or “team,” the reality is we often spend more time with coworkers than with our own families and friends. So, what do we do when conflict happens within our school family? When it comes to complaints filed with the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission (ATPC), the second highest number are those submitted by teachers about other teachers (second only to complaints from parents or guardians). Because the current Code of Professional Conduct doesn’t require a teacher to speak to their colleague before filing a complaint, you might face such a complaint without warning. Often, conflict stems not from one major event but from a buildup of small misunderstandings left unaddressed. Trevor Muir, founder of Epic Classroom, has shared a story illustrating this. He and a few other teachers once took students outside to play ultimate frisbee after testing week, despite a math teacher’s concern that the frisbee game would distract students making up exams. Conflict ensued. During a subsequent meeting, the math teacher tearfully shared that she felt disrespected and unheard, feelings she had experienced before. Her honesty prompted reflection and apology from the other teachers, leading to reconciliation and understanding. Trevor’s story serves as a reminder that conflict within a school team can be addressed and resolved successfully. With conversation, empathy and openness, teams can repair relationships and move forward together. As teachers, we’re relational by nature. Working with people means sometimes we must face conflict and seek reconciliation. Might there be instances where a formal complaint through your school division or the ATPC is appropriate given the nature of the conflict? Yes. There are also other options to consider before pursuing a complaint. The ATA strongly encourages teachers and school leaders to use existing division supports such as harassment and safe- school policies, or mediation services to address conflict. The ATA also offers free advice, guidance and mediation to help resolve issues. Ultimately, the strength of a school lies not just in its programs or policies, but in the relationships between the people who make it work every day. Conflict is inevitable when passionate, caring professionals collaborate closely—but it doesn’t have to divide. When we approach one another with honesty, empathy and a willingness to listen, conflict becomes an opportunity for growth. By choosing conversation over complaint, understanding over assumption, and reconciliation over resentment, we build not only stronger teams, but stronger schools, places where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. If you have received a notice of complaint from the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission, contact the ATA’s Regulatory Affairs team immediately. Call 1-800-232-7208 or email professionaldiscipline@ata.ab.ca for support.
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