RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS

This particular issue has been increasing in our profession and especially here in our Nova Scotia schools. Long before our job action, strike and legislated contract our Working Conditions have been constantly deteriorating.

Creating better schools is necessary. As mentioned in the Recruitment and Retention section- there needs to be significant improvements in Resources for our members. As mentioned, teachers/specialists need the time to do this- further Prep time gains is paramount. 

As does improvements to workplace violence and harassment to create REAL Safe Schools, not just window dressing. For over a decade, including during my time on the provincial executive I have stressed the need for this. As local president, I have lead in demanding this. 

​Our NSTU Teachers/Specialists have been expected to do more with less for far too long!

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We have complex classrooms and caseloads and not enough supports for the complex needs of our students. We have class caps that blow up come October, class composition needs; far too many Department/Centre-initiated duties and tasks to focus on the real needs of our students and our specialist ratios are far too high. 

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Our specialists, who support our most vulnerable students, have caseloads that are far too high and we do not have enough of these highly trained professionals in the system. They are spread too thin. This is being compounded by the fact that we are losing these professional to private practice due to the rigid inability of the employer to realize it needs to provide flexible options. 

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And both classroom teachers and specialists need faster, stronger and better intragovernmental supports for our vulnerable students so they can achieve- and thrive- within our schools.

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WE all, from P-12 teachers and specialists, are running on empty.  

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Please Vote Shawn Hanifen as NSTU President, to improve Supports and Resources in Nova Scotia!