The holidays are coming!!! This winter break lets teachers catch up on sleep and spend some time with family (and possibly top it all off with perpetual marking and planning). By this time of the year, teachers are just plain tired. More than that, they are becoming tired of being told to take care of themselves but not being given the resources to do so. It is disheartening to be told to take time for self care when it just seems impossible to find the time, the energy and the support.
As teachers regroup over the break, it’s important for them to hear a few positive sentiments as to what the public believes about the teacher’s role and the value of public education. Teachers need to hear a little more about how they are valued.
A recent cross-Canada poll conducted by Abacus showed that about 90 per cent of Canadians agree (strongly or somewhat) that public education is one of the most important public expenditures. If this is the case, why are teachers not receiving the supports they need so they won’t be so worn out by the holidays? Further, if the public thinks education is one of the most important public institutions in Canada, as indicated by this result, then surely teachers deserve to be compensated for their place in the public system. With the cost of living on the rise (an increase of 3.75 per cent this year), an increase for teachers just makes sense.
If the public thinks education is one of the most important public institutions in Canada ... then surely teachers deserve to be compensated for their place in the public system.
The polling data from Abacus also showed that the public feels that teachers are the most important stakeholder in education, with 56 per cent replying that teachers play a big role in making a strong public education system. The role of teachers is critical and the public is seeing this.
With the increasing enrolment and complexity in schools, it is clear that teachers are one of the only reasons public education in Alberta is doing as well as it is. So, teachers, celebrate the work you do and internalize just how important you are. The teaching profession is propping up democracy in the province, and this needs to be remembered.
As you talk to family and friends over the holidays, remember the public support for public education. When they ask about how you’re doing, let them know. Let them know about your classroom and how much time you can realistically spend with each student in the class during the day. Your working conditions as teachers are students’ learning conditions, and the children in our classrooms are not getting the education they deserve because teachers do not have the supports they need.
You are the valued expert — use your clout! One-on-one conversations work, and you have the insights and information to share what is happening in this valued public institution. Teacher wellness will result from public education being valued not only through words, but also by actions.
This holiday season, take time for yourself and value yourself. Happy holidays! ❚
I welcome your comments. Contact me at kristine.wilkinson@ata.ab.ca.
ATA News Editor-In-Chief
