If the outgoing president of the local teacher's association has one word to describe how teachers in school district 57 are feeling, it would be angst.
"Angst is running rampant," Tina Cousins told the school board at Tuesday night's meeting.
She was reporting back after the Prince George District Teachers Association's meeting Monday, where teachers reported problems with workload, stress and support. Cousins said schools across the district are having problems filling spots when teachers are sick.
"We have a problem in our district with replacement workers," she said, adding there simply are not enough available teachers on call, especially in rural schools
"I heard about it in spades last night."
"That's a problem. We went on strike for 23 days because we needed more support," she said. "I need you to know that this is a major problem and the subtleties are over."
The board also heard that the association is recommending teachers don't support an ongoing student data program called MyEducation BC, which was supposed to be in place this coming September.
"We are trying to work together but the district has asked for lead teachers to assist with that implementation," said Cousins, but teachers' workloads won't allow it.
"The members have spoken and the members said we can't do any more voluntary time."
Rural teachers also spoke about how cuts to public education will disproportionately affect their schools.
"There is an awful lot of angst for rural education," she said.
"On top of that (teachers ask) 'Am I meeting the needs of the students when I am juggling all those balls in the air?"
Richard Giroday, who was previously first vice president, will take over the role of association president in two months.
"It's hard to let go of, but I am happy to return to the classroom," said Cousins.
"We need to be proactive. We need to consult with our communities. We need to consult with our teachers. We need to be all on the same page and to not make decisions quickly."
