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Teaching still a full-time job

I was appalled to hear 67 of 70 school boards in B.C. voted to cut teachers pay by 15 per cent because of the job action.

I was appalled to hear 67 of 70 school boards in B.C. voted to cut teachers pay by 15 per cent because of the job action.

I understand Vancouver, Victoria and the Kootneys school boards opposed the motion.

I am at school at 8 a.m. most days. I rarely leave before 5 p.m. I was hired to teach. I have worked hard to prepare a good educational plan for my students.

I have met with most of my parents and discussed their children’s progress. I have invited parents to come and see me if they have any concerns. I have met with social workers, speech pathologists, physiotherapists and I have referred students that need support. I have been an active member of the school-based team and the health and safety committee.

Do I deserve a pay cut because I have not printed some information on a board-subscribed piece of paper?

I thought we were supposed to be working towards improving education for our students.

Teachers are advocating for the best educational opportunities in our classrooms. We are professionals that are working hard to protect the learning environment of young people at a time when the government is stripping away the children’s rights to a safe and enriching educational experience. I am not working less during this job action, and I should not lose pay because I am standing up to protect the children that I care very much about.

School boards need to stand up and be counted as supporting children and schools in a way that they should be run.

Schools need adequate financial support to maintain safe environments and provide appropriate learning conditions to allow children to be successful. Attacking teachers will not accomplish this goal.

Marg Eagle

Colwood