I have been a public school teacher in Prince George for nearly 20 years. In my time teaching I have been a first hand witness to the slow and constant erosion of our schools. I have felt and seen the negative impacts of increased government underfunding over the years. The effect locally really has been devastating. There have been far too many school closures (24 in our district) creating large, overcrowded bus schools and classrooms. There has been less access to speech and language services, learning assistance, psychologists, counselors, and education assistants to help students in classrooms. Specialist programs have been reduced or eliminated, libraries have increasingly limited access, resources are fewer, and wait time for student assessments has become outrageously lengthy ... all because there is "no money".
They once said that teaching would become easier with experience, but it has only become more challenging each year. With larger classes and less supports in place for students who are now entering school with greater and more diverse needs than ever, it is definitely not easier. As teachers, we are trying hard to offer your child a quality education with less each year.
Parents, your child is directly affected. Whether they are losing out on extra supports they need and deserve or losing out on teacher time that must be redirected to help other students who are not receiving the extra supports that they need, your child is affected.
Parents, we need your help to advocate for your child's public education. Please support teachers, attend rallies, write to or visit your MLAs and make some noise to let the government know that underfunding your child's education is simply unacceptable.
K. Brulotte
Prince George
