Despite what some people believe, the current action of teachers is not really about wages. If it was, it would be over. While every worker deserves fair raises, teachers have often chosen support for students instead. In fact, from 1998-2013, teachers received zero per cent for seven of those years.
When we bargain for our working conditions, we also bargain for our students' learning conditions. We want language about class size and composition back in our contract. While it would be best if the government would entrench that language in legislation, it hasn't happened. Teachers are the most public advocates for students' needs and for the right of every child to a first-class public education. That is why we stand on the sides of roads with our signs.
In 2002, our government passed legislation that stripped class size and composition language from our contract and cut support for students. Twice our government has been told by the B.C. Supreme Court that it was unlawful. Twice they have refused to do the right thing.
In addition, funding for students has not kept pace with the costs associated with running buildings, supplying materials, and providing staffing. Each student in B.C. receives $1,000 less than the national average for annual funding and only one province has lower levels. This is shameful.
Most people understand that class size is important. It is common sense that larger classes mean less individual attention. The real intangible is class composition. It is easier to understand students' needs when medical diagnoses are in place and are familiar. The real challenge with understanding class composition is when children have no diagnoses but still have very real needs. More children now arrive at school not only with learning challenges but also needing support with speech and language, managing emotions and behaviour appropriately, and with anxiety disorders.
Once it was common that a class might have a few individuals with differing needs; now most have many students who need significant support. Once it was true that every student with needs had timely access to specialists; now kids often wait years for help.
Our children's right to public education should not be seen only as expenditure; it should be seen as an investment in the future. Time for our government to step up and put our tax dollars where they matter: public education for our children. Our kids have waited long enough.
E. Nelson
Prince George
