Where Do I Stand

As the teacher labour dispute escalates, my PLN on Twitter slowly diminishes.  Twitter has become a safe place to express anger, frustration, and disappointment.  It’s also a place for people to “sense make.” As I lurk through Twitter, some threads are getting pretty dark. There is very little joy steaming from my Twitter feed. Something that was professional has become personal. This is the disappointing part. Where do I stand? Yes, I was a full-time practicing teacher in public schools for 16 years. I’ve stood on the picket lines. I’ve been legistlated back to work. I’ve taught classes of 30 with 9 identified IEP’s. I get it. It’s a struggle. Teaching in public schools is more challenging than ever. Furthermore, there appears to be a lack of funding derived from declining enrolment and rising costs. The mantra is… Do more with less. Guess what? It’s the same mantra for school boards. Now, I am a school trustee. Boards of Education routinely face budget concerns and required to make tough decisions. With that said, boards are also advocating on an ongoing basis for more funding in BC Public Education. Yet on social media, there is a vibe out there asking, or dare I say criticizing, school trustees for not standing up in teacher labour dispute. I would disagree. I’m in it for the kids. Students are my number one priority, regardless of role. And if students are important to teachers and government, which I know it is, then get back to the table and bargain (media-free) until a deal is reached.  Students deserve this. And yes, I’ve been accused that this is a politically correct response, but it is truly how I feel… as an educator, trustee, graduate student, PAC volunteer, community member, tax payer, and mom. I don’t see sides in the teacher labour dispute. I see students. Let’s get back to the table. #bargaining #bctf #bcpsea