Editor:
Why is the B.C. government picking on teachers?
The education minister threatened to legislate teachers “back to work” while we are working. Then he replaced the BC College of Teachers, accusing the BCTF of wrong doing.
Now he’s unveiled a new education plan aimed at “fixing” teachers.
The minister announced we were “good” but not “great,” even though we have the best-trained teachers and provide some of the best education in the world. Instead of fully funding education and hiring more teachers, he suggests iPads will do the teaching.
Meanwhile, BC Public School Employers’ Association’s position is not to bargain.
After meeting 47 times, we’re offered zip, zero and nada.
BCPSEA is also making threats, to cut our salary and to order us to write report cards despite a Labour Relations Board approved job action.
All this, in what, 10 days? How much more divisive can things get?
Teachers, more than anyone, want a settlement. We want government to respect us. We want a fair agreement and we want the learning conditions in classrooms that students deserve.
Finally, we want to reassure parents that teachers are trying hard to stay positive, despite this chilly climate. We are focusing on our students because our heart is in it and we care about children.
N. Patsicakis, G. McIntosh, K. Kilbride, B. Mandin, M. Christie, R. Taank, C. Smith, K. Padam, S. Lalli, D. Ellison, J. Uppal, D. Kaila, G. Sidhu, R. Rovtar, M.Warren, H. Kelsey, K. Olsen, L. Slutsher, C. James, P. Avisi, P. Minsky, C. Gosse, R. Shaw, L. Beder, J. Macrae, L. Barker, R. Dhaliwal & D. Lourenco,
Surrey teachers