ABOUT

​

My roots began in Salmon River (Guysborough County) in a family of 8. Most of my family live in that same small community and I have a camp there, as well. 

​

In 1998 I transplanted to Halifax, when my wife Lynn joined Capital Health as an RN. I quickly started subbing in HRSB at all grade levels and subjects. Luckily, two years in I received  I received term status. my teaching career has spanned P-12 as a physical education specialist.

My involvement in the NSTU started early in my career. In 2002 I became a school rep in the Halifax City Local, Eventually joining the local's executive first as an MAL, then a VP.

In 2012 I was elected as a member of the provincial executive. I served 3 years advocating at the PE table. Until 2015 when our executive received TA-1. At that time I voted against that offer (the lone PE member to do so) and shortly after resigned. doing so to enable myself to have the opportunity to speak out against it. I was our NSTU membership's FIRST VOICE (and NO) against government tyranny and first leader to be inline with what the membership wants and needs.   

​

Later that year I changed schools- and locals- heading to Halifax County. I immediately began by serving in my newly adopted local as a School Rep. Shortly after I joined the local's executive as First VP. In 2020 I became the local president and end my term in July. 

It is in this role that I have truly grown as a LEADER - and it has ignited a new passion-within the NSTU. These past 4 years I have served 2300 members- approximately 1 in 4- daily. From urban, suburban and rural schools with staff as small as 2 and as large as 100. Each with their unique needs and challenges. 

Providing members with assistance, advocacy and support both within our system- but more importantly their LIVES. Supporting members both professionally- but more important- when they struggle personally. Doing so with care and compassion. 

My two decades of NSTU involvement at the provincial, regional and local level has provided me with a unique perspective towards our membership and its needs. And I have been- and always will be- a VOCAL leader with the government, the employer and within the media. Something all our members need and have been missing in a Provincial President!

​

As  your next President, I am committed to FIGHT for better working conditions, safer schools, better compensation and the time needed to do our jobs. 

​

On May 15th VOTE Shawn Hanifen as NSTU President.

​