The group representing Alberta teachers says hopes are high that a deal will be reached as mediated talks resume before the school year gets underway.

Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers' Association, said Monday that while hopeful, there are a number of issues that need to be settled if this week's contract talks are to be successful.

"We'll just have to see what happens," said Schilling, whose association represents some 51,000 teachers.

"Ideally, we would like a negotiated settle…