(file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

Staffing, Workload Concerns

Vernon Teachers’ Association expresses concerns with public education system

Sep 4, 2024 | 10:58 AM

With students, staff and faculty back in schools, the organization representing School District 22 instructors and educators has expressed concerns with shortcomings in the public education system.

“The back-to-school season is always an exhilarating time,” Dave MacKenzie, president of the Vernon Teachers’ Association (VTA), said in a release.

“Teachers, much like their students, are filled with excitement about meeting new faces, developing creative lesson plans, and setting goals for the year. However, we also face ongoing challenges, particularly with staffing shortages that require teachers to stretch their resources to fill in gaps and ensure every student receives the support they need.”

The VTA release said the 660 educators within SD22, much like other teachers across the province, are facing increased workloads with fewer resources to support students which, when coupled with “chronic underfunding in public education,” can impact both students and teachers.

To address these challenges, the VTA is urging the province make significant investment in teacher recruitment and retention.

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“Public education in British Columbia needs a dramatic course correction. We must focus on what a well-funded education system could achieve for our students,” MacKenzie stated.

“Imagine a school environment where every student has access to a dedicated counsellor, sufficient teachers on call to cover routine absences, and early intervention support for students with special needs. These should not be mere aspirations — British Columbia’s families deserve better.”

The VTA and SD22 will participate in local bargaining this fall, with the organization encouraging members to actively participate in the process.

The Vernon Teachers’ Association added it remained committed to building a positive and collaborative workplace culture; addressing employee wellness; and fostering good work environments.

“We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and are committed to working together to improve our working conditions and, by extension, the learning conditions of our students,” MacKenzie said.