I’m still confused when I read tweets from people who complain about teachers and their unions being selfish and hurting the kids. Do a little research. It isn’t hard to do. Our kids do it every day. I will try to make this simple.
The @fordnation wants to reduce education spending by reducing education workers. Most people say “so what, classes are going to be bigger. No big deal.” Less teachers means less classes and less choice. In high school, 1 less teacher means 6 less classes in year.
Remember folks, we can’t put 30-40 students in a room unsupervised. Those classes are GONE. Which classes are going to be removed? Mostly single section, specialty classes. You know, the classes that most students look forward to attending.
Those same teachers that will lose their jobs are generally quite new to the profession. How do they get noticed? They coach. They run clubs. They volunteer umpteen hours with the students to make school more enjoyable. Many of those activities will also go away.
Teachers are not the only casualties though. EA’s work their butts off every day. They service the most needy students in a school. Who is going to support those students when the number of EA’s is reduced? The teacher with 25% more students to teach?
Overcrowded classes are also going to create other issues. Is it safe to run science labs with open flames and dangerous chemicals with 40 students? Can a wood shop teacher ensure that 30 students are safely using the equipment?
Can a gym teacher run basketball games with 4 teams of 10-12 in the gym, and ensure that everyone is participating and safe? Can an English teacher mark 45 essays and provide feedback to their students in a timely manner?
I know I am missing many examples, but I think you get the point. Larger classes due to less education workers isn’t about more work for the teachers only. There are many factors involved.
So, what is wrong with mandatory online courses? That science lab is way better online than in person! Rebuilding that engine on a computer is way better than doing it online! Trying to complete that big test when your crappy internet keeps going down is not stressful!
Teachers are not against online courses. There are many types of learners, and some of them will thrive in an online setting. So allow for more online course options, without making them mandatory.
These are the types of issues that educators are fighting for. Is compensation a factor? Yes it is. Are we well paid? Yes. Do we have good benefits? Yes. Do we have a well run pension plan? Yes. Are we asking for too much? Personally, I don’t think a COLA increase is too much.
Let’s also look at the track records of the government and the unions. The government attacked unions, stating that the strikes were over a 1 VS 2% wage increase. Since teachers have now lost more than 2%, the union has stopped using that argument.
Next, the government claimed it was about hiring practices, where unqualified teachers were being hired. Once again, the bill stating how hiring must occur states that the first thing an employer must look at are qualifications.
Now it is all about increases in benefits. I am not at the negotiating table, so I cannot confirm or refute any of the claims, but I really do not believe that benefits are holding up negotiations.
Seeing as benefits were not even a part of these negotiations until the previous government shifted them from local to central, I’m not sure why they have all of a sudden become so important. Sounds like another #LyingLecce moment to me.
If you are still siding against the teachers, then let’s look at the largest ever education consultation in Ontario. The government has been claiming for months that parents want larger class sizes, mandatory online courses and public floggings of teachers.
Okay, I made up that last one. However, thanks to OECTA’s OLRB hearing, those results (withheld by the government) are finally seeing the light of day. And surprise, surprise, the government has been caught in a lie once again.
I know that unions don’t always do the right thing, but let’s look at the facts as they stand up to now. Who do you believe is looking out for the education system more? The government or the unions? I personally don’t believe one word that comes from @fordnation and @Sflecce
The unions have stated that they would accept having cameras in negotiations. The government has flat out refused. Which of the two groups seems to be hiding something?
I can’t speak for every educator out there, but I am striking for the public school system of Ontario. I am fighting for the students in my classes. I am fighting for the parents that trust me every day with the most precious thing in their lives.
