It's the beginning of September and I am not in my classroom. For the first time since 1989, I am not excited at the prospect of the new school year. Each year before this one, I was in my classroom getting ready for my new group of students. I reflected on what has worked well that I will do again, and what didn't work so I could change and make it more positive for my students. This year is different.
It's because of my students past, present and future, that it must be different. Individual needs of all students are not being met. There is only so much one teacher can do when the needs are vast. It is the government's responsibility to provide the education experience that each student in this province requires. They are not doing this. $1,000 less. That is what this government spends. $1,000 less than the Canadian average to educate our students. Our future. $1,000 less. How can they be OK with this? How can they say that this is good for our province?
I am unwilling to say that this is OK. I am unwilling to agree that the students in my class are worth less than those in other provinces. $1,000 less. So I will be on picket lines. I will tell my union leader, Jim Iker, what I want for my students and he will try to get it for me at the bargaining table. The BCTF is not keeping me on the picket line. I, and my 40,000 colleagues, are telling them when we will go back. $1,000 less. How can I go back knowing this?
Joanne Hapke
Prince George
