May 5, 2019

Teachers demand more support and accountability from government

The 98th Annual Council of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union wrapped up this afternoon following three days of lively debate about how to strengthen the NSTU and ensure the needs of students and their teachers are being met in the classroom.

Given the current shortage, NSTU members voted to demand that government publicly disclose its strategy for teacher recruitment and retention. A motion was passed calling on Regional Centres of Education to base guidance counselor allocation on both school population and students’ needs. A resolution doubling the number of Provincial Executive Members from the CSANE Local representing teachers who work for the CSAP was approved. Thérèse Forsythe was also elected as the First Vice-President of the NSTU.

“The theme of the weekend was clear, teachers want to increase their union’s ability to stand for their profession and public education,” says NSTU President Paul Wozney. “I was very encouraged by the level of debate and the ideas that were proposed. Members are engaged, they are united, and council delegates voted in support of numerous resolutions that will strengthen our school system moving forward.” 

He adds, “Teachers voted to solidify partnerships with parents, universities, other workers and teachers across Canada to fight for quality public education, and poverty reduction. Ultimately, our goal is to build a stronger Nova Scotia and Canada that addresses the challenges young people face.”

The annual meeting wrapped up Sunday in Halifax. From May 3 to May 5, 233 voting delegates debated 75 resolutions.