Skip to main content

Our children’s education must be a top priority for our province.

Public education is at a breaking point.

Parents have reached out and shared their stories and concerns: they’re worried, frustrated, and heartbroken for their children. From increased violence at school to struggles with large class sizes and a lack of supports, they’re deeply worried for their safety and future, and so are we. This is not okay.

Parents are speaking out.

“He’s falling through the cracks.”

A worried mother told us about her son who has exceptionalities. Because of a lack of resources in the school, he is just not getting the help he needs to learn and thrive. After several years of struggling, she is losing hope.

“We’re worried about her future.”

Two frustrated parents shared that they’re considering leaving the province in pursuit of more educational support for their daughter.

 

“My children are of primary age. The amount of violence that happens in their school is alarming… The teachers are trying, but it is so frequent that I’m worried for their safety. Please, please help make our schools safe again.”

– A worried mother

“The violence is the worst.”

A concerned father says his primary-aged son has witnessed violence at school on multiple occasions – this should not be happening in our schools.

“My child should feel safe.”

We heard from a stressed mother whose child starts kindergarten next year. She’s heard about the immense levels of violence in K-12 schools, and she’s fearful for her daughter’s safety.

“Class size is ridiculous. Inclusive education isn’t a one size fits all. Run things better, help our teachers and in turn you will help our children. Enough is enough.”

– A frustrated mother

“Milestones aren’t being met.”

A worried parent told us about their daughter in grade 1, whose class is overcrowded and lacks sufficient student supports. Due to large class sizes and a lack of one-on-one time, they’re worried she will be ill-prepared to enter grade 2.

“My child needs more support.”

A concerned mother told us about her daughter, who is falling behind in reading milestones. With not enough teachers to go around, her child is not receiving the attention and support she needs. She’s afraid it’s inevitable that her daughter will be left behind.

“My daughters have a hard time with comprehension skills, and the size of the classrooms in their schools are overwhelming for them and for other students with learning disabilities. The teachers try to do their best, but with the size of the classrooms now it’s hard to help everyone in such a short time frame.”

– A concerned father

Violence in our schools has doubled in the past two years

Fact:

Violence in our schools continues to increase.

Earlier in 2024, our Association shared some startling figures about the increasing frequency and severity of violent and aggressive incidents in our schools – and things are not getting any better. There was an average of 22 violent incidents in our schools per day last year and incidents of physical violence or assault increased by 29% between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.

Students are stressed. Children can’t learn if they don’t feel safe and secure.

Parents are worried about sending their kids to school.

Teachers are beyond frustrated. When they have to deal with aggressive behaviours, they can’t focus on what they came here to do – teach our children.

What’s NOT OKAY in our schools?

It’s a long list.  
  • Violence in our schools continues to increase.
  • There is a desperate shortage of teachers, with positions unfilled and administrators scrambling daily to plug the gaps.
  • Student needs have never been more complex, and there aren’t enough teachers to give them what they need to succeed.
  • Many classrooms have too many students, causing disruption and making learning very difficult.
  • There is a lack of student supports, like guidance counselors. Children who are struggling are falling through the cracks.
  • Teachers can’t focus on teaching when they have to deal with aggressive behaviours.
  • Without adequate resources, our inclusive education model doesn’t work for anyone.
  • A lack of overall stability means teachers and students face daily uncertainty. Sticking to a lesson plan can be impossible.
  • Advanced learners are not getting the attention they need to excel. Our future leaders are being shortchanged.
  • All these problems are driving great teachers away from the profession, compounding the teacher shortage even more.
  • Recruiting new teachers is becoming increasingly difficult because of all the challenges teachers face today.

OUR STATEMENTS

We clearly expressed our needs and expectations, and now — our disappointment.

Our Call for Help
Our Reaction to Budget 2024

Are you a parent with a story to share?

Media Centre

November 8, 2024

CTV Your Morning – Violence in Schools

November 3, 2024

NTV Evening Newshour – Teacher Vacancies

November 3, 2024

NTV Evening Newshour – Violence in Schools

November 1, 2024

VOCM The Tim Powers Show – Violence in Schools

November 1, 2024

CTV News – Violence in Schools Report

October 30, 2024

CBC 5pm News – Violence in Schools Report

October 30, 2024

CBC NL Morning – Violence in Schools Report

October 30, 2024

CBC 7am News – Violence in Schools Report

October 30, 2024

VOCM Open Line – Violence in Schools Report

October 29, 2024

VOCM 12pm News – Violence in Schools

October 29, 2024

NTV Evening Newshour – Violence in Schools

October 29, 2024

CBC Here & Now – Violence in Schools

September 26, 2024

CBC Labrador Morning Show – Labrador West Staffing Challenges

September 24, 2024

NTV Evening Newshour – Violence in Schools

September 24, 2024

CBC 8am News – Resources for Newcomers

September 23, 2024

VOCM Open Line – Violence in Schools

September 18, 2024

CBC Here & Now – Violence in Schools

September 9, 2024

CBC NL Morning – Lack of Supports for Students With Disabilities

September 4, 2024

VOCM Morning Show – Back to School

September 3, 2024

VOCM Open Line – Issues Headings Into New School Year

What our government does next will impact our province for years to come.

Education affects our economy

Investing in our kids is key to solving our labour shortage. A quality education also leads to higher incomes, less reliance on social services, more entrepreneurship, and more tax revenue to re-invest in our province.

CONTINUE READING >

Education affects our health

Our health care system is struggling. Much of this is beyond our control, but investing in education is an essential part of the solution. When we give every child the tools to manage their own health, we give our province a healthier future.

CONTINUE READING >

Education affects our communities

Our province is built on community, and that community spirit starts in the classroom. Our educators need time to build relationships with students. When we invest in education, we get more engaged and active citizens, less crime, and better social outcomes.

CONTINUE READING >

Copyright 2017 Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association | All Rights Reserved