Alberta’s provincewide teachers strike formally ended Wednesday as 740,000 students went back to classes and a threat from union leaders to launch a general strike fizzled.

From one end of the province to the other, there were red shirts, red-rimmed eyes – and a lot of questions.

In Calgary, two dozen parents and children cheered as teachers arrived at Colonel Walker elementary school following 16 days of missed instruction.

“We love teachers!” supporters yelled as staff arrived. Many were wearing red shirts, the colour of support for teachers at recent rallies.

“Thank you, teachers” was written in chalk on a sidewalk.

Some teachers were visibly moved, snapping photos and wiping away tears.

“It feels good. I’m glad that they’re back in the classroom,” said Colin Mitchell, who dropped

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