Recently, the ATA released survey results regarding the increase in aggression in classrooms across the province. The research, from our latest pulse survey, highlights the experiences of teachers and school leaders who have seen these increases for a variety of reasons.
Aggression in schools impacts pedagogical and leadership practices. In fact, 75 per cent of our survey respondents indicated that polarization on gender, race, Covid and the climate is affecting how they teach. I’m concerned that we will see these numbers increase over the next few years to the detriment of our students. They deserve to have classrooms where they can safely study topics that relate to their lives.
Recently, I attended a session about anti-racism at the 2024 ULead Conference put on by the Council of School Leaders. In this session the presenter, Matthew Martin, stressed how students need to see themselves and their lives reflected in the curriculum and the resources they use in schools.
With all the controversy around certain subjects, government polices like those in the works regarding gender, and the failure of the government to include teachers and underrepresented groups in curriculum development, I think we will continue to see a chilling effect on our classrooms.
So what do we do about it? We continue to advocate for our most vulnerable students and for our students who do not have a voice. We need to continue to understand the issues that affect our students inside and outside the classroom.
The ATA will also concentrate on its advocacy work around curriculum development and implementation. This includes resources, professional development and assessment. It makes entirely no sense to me that teachers are continually asked for their opinion after the fact. Teachers need to be consulted about curriculum, the topics being taught and their sequence from the very beginning.
I also believe teachers need to be given permission and the professional autonomy to address topics in a respectful and mindful way. One of my top priorities continues to be addressing these concerns head on.
There is a better way. It’s up to us to continue to shine a light on it. ❚
ATA President
