Open letter to Minister of Education,
I am both a teacher and a parent in British Columbia. I love teaching, and I love my children's teachers. I have been trying to stay informed about the teacher contract negotiations, but I must admit, I cannot listen anymore. The negative words that are coming from the public, the media and the government that I serve, hurt a lot. So, to shed some light on the truth of my career, I wanted to share some aspects of my day.
I arrive at school at 7: 30 a.m. to set up the classroom. I welcome my students at 8: 45 a.m. All 22 come in with different needs, challenges and personalities. I spend a moment every morning checking in with them and listening.
They complete their own math problems that I typed at lunch the day before since I only have preparation time on one of my three teaching days.
This brings me to recess. A parent has an urgent issue. Normally, I would have to go outside and monitor if it was my day on duty.
The bell goes, the kids return and the day continues. I challenge my students when needed or modify depending on my assessments. During report card time, I will write each assessment separately on even more of my weekend and then hold conferences in the evenings.
At lunch, I work on developing the school garden and meet with the eco-team. I finally sit for 10 minutes and gobble my lunch. Guided reading, storytime and art follow. At 3 p.m., they leave.
After school, I answer to parents and attend meetings. I finish cleanup, prepare for the next day's meaningful activities. I leave at 6: 30 p.m. to see my own children.
Already on this day, I have worked 11 hours, and this does not include reports, coaching an after-school team, evening concerts or interviews. Then I mark some more. That makes 12 hours.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts, a teaching degree and I've almost completed a Master of Education. I only work half time (so I don't have to pay more childcare) and I bring home about $1,900 net a month.
I then spend at least $100 a month to create a classroom suitable for teaching because when I started the year, no books or teaching materials were supplied. My 12-hour days amount to about $15 per hour. I do not get a pay cheque during the summer months, so I need to work another job to make ends meet.
I am passionate about inspiring the next generation to be strong enough to question the way things are done, to preserve their honour in the face of adversity. What kind of teacher would I be if I did not practice this too?
I, like all educators, am in charge of the next generation, and I am proud to say that I do the very best I can with what I have.
Wendy McDonnell Richmond
