Teachers in 37 schools cited stronger collaboration and improved professional practice with new pilot program, though broader outcomes remain under review
On Thursday, Oct. 8, the New Brunswick Teachers Association (NBTA) released results from its Professional Practice Days Teacher Survey on the 2025-2026 pilot calendar schedule.
The pilot was pitched in early 2025 and featured an additional 10 professional practice days for teachers. A consultation document was sent to parents stating that the pilot calendar would increase student achievement, support teacher retention and recruitment, improve staff well-being, and foster staff collaboration.
More than 2,400 teachers responded to the survey.
Heidi Ryder, President of NBTA, said the survey results showed that the 37 schools that participated in the pilot saw increased collaboration, learning, and engagement.
“The results released today are early indicators that the pilot is already achieving its intended outcomes. We are seeing positive impacts in three key areas teacher collaboration, professional practice and preparation for teaching and learning,” said Ryder.
“These improvements matter because when teachers have the time and support they need to do their best work, students benefit.”
Ryder pointed out that although the survey showed the pilot is achieving its intended results, it cannot determine broader outcomes, such as student achievement.
NBTA’s next step is to work with Data NB to examine teacher retention, school well-being, student and staff absence, and student achievement.
Achievements will be evaluated by comparing pilot and non-pilot students with similar demographic characteristics.
“Global research will tell you that the single most powerful driver of student achievement is what they call collective teacher efficacy, which really just means that teachers have that confidence as a team, that they can unite behind every single child and help them succeed,” said Ryder.
Ryder said she believes the numbers will keep increasing over time.
“When we’re trying to figure out the best approach and best method, we have pilot school principals who come in on a regular basis and give us feedback on how those days are being used,” said Ryder.
“We are finding new ways on those days to really meet the needs of teachers and students. And so I think as the pilot progresses, certainly that there will continue to be improvements.”
NBTA is planning for the next school year and would eventually like to see the pilot become a full-time schedule at schools.
Schools that took part in the pilot project in the Anglophone School District–West were Bath Community School, Bristol Elementary School, Carleton North High School, Florenceville Middle School, Florenceville Elementary School and Centreville Community School.
