Haley Roberts loves working with children.

After coaching and mentoring kids as a swim instructor, the 22-year-old is pursuing a degree in elementary education at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

"It's just quite fulfilling," Roberts said Tuesday. "I've always known I wanted to be a teacher."

But Roberts' dream has been interrupted as thousands of educators take part in job action following a prolonged, nasty catfight between the provincial government and their union.

The strike, which is into its second week, has kept some 740,000 students out of classrooms. Finance Minister Nate Horner said last week the province had received a new proposal from the Alberta Teachers' Association.

The government's last offer, overwhelmingly rejected in a vote by teachers late last month, includ

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