Walking a fine line

It is a frustrating time to be a teacher in BC. As you know, teachers are walking off the job on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to protest the provincial government's proposed Bill 22 which we feel, which I feel, will further erode students' learning in BC as well as limit the possibility of negotiating or mediating an end to teacher contract negotiations. If you are interested, the Greater Victoria Teachers' Association has written a letter to parents which you may read here. For another perspective on whether or not BC has to implement a Net Zero contract, read this blog.

In class this past week we have spoken about the labour dispute and I have endeavoured to communicate both the government's perspective and the BCTF's point of view. When students have asked, I have told them my opinions, but encouraged them to inform themselves and make up their own minds about where they stand.

I am as frustrated by the stalemate in labour relations as you are, both as a teacher and as a parent. I would much rather be in class next week teaching your kids, but will stand with my colleagues to speak up for education in BC. I know you have heard lots of rhetoric and accusations from both the BCTF/GVTA and the government. For me, personally, I am not after a 15% pay raise (though I am far from being a new teacher on a starting salary or a "substitute" Teacher on Call). For me the important issues are class size and composition and to be treated with respect by the provincial government. Our Advisory class has 30 students. There are four students with designations and Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs) and many more who also require additional attention, from gifted students to those with learning or behaviour challenges. Many of my colleagues at Central and elsewhere have similar or more challenging classrooms, whether working with Immersion or English track students. I do the best I can to create learning that is challenging for everyone at their own level, to give as much support and feedback to every student, and to provide learning experiences that will allow everyone to advance and be more successful in their academic life and their careers. Over the past months I have seen incredible work on the research projects, many which exceed my expectations for those students. We have used the yellow cards to provide daily feedback to students and to you. We are using the iPads and other technology to engage students. I also spend time with the kids before and after school, during break time, responding to emails, and of course planning and marking. Ask my daughters, who tell me they do not want to become teachers because it is too much work. It is a lot of work, but I love what I do and would not do anything else. Seeing the successes, the kids feeling better about themselves and more capable makes it all worth it at the end of the day.

The final Analysis chapter of the research project, which was due this Monday, is now due on Thursday or may be emailed to me at any time this week. Criteria are on the Wiki here.

The Congrès research project presentation day that was going to take place on Thursday is postponed until after Spring Break. I will let you and the class know before the break begins.

On Thursday I will also send home your son/daughter's marks for Term 2. This includes all the work done up to this point. I informed students that they have until Wednesday to email me any missing work that may lower their grades.

I hope I am not being presumptuous in sharing my feelings and thoughts about the job action. I have the greatest respect for and devotion to your child's learning and do not walk away from that responsibility without consideration. Please email or phone me at home if you would like to share your thoughts or wish to talk more about the job action. Also, if you are inclined, you and/or your children are welcome to show support for teachers by joining us at the Legislature on Tuesday afternoon.