Dear Parent -

As a starting point for negotiation, teacher are asking for a 15% raise over the next three years. Considering that we have had a 1% raise each year for the last 10 years, I don't think that its unreasonable. Ontario teachers, where the cost of living is similar, make $10,000.00 more a year than we do.

For ten years we have been tightening our belts but this year the Province has an economic surplus. Last year, the MLA's gave themselves a 10% increase and this year, Corporations were given big tax cuts. Since our salaries have not even kept up with the cost of living and inflation, it is our turn to reap some of the benefits of our healthy economy.

When I applied for the professional development program, there were 800 applicants for 200 seats. This year there are 85 empty seats. The profession is not attracting enough young people. You tell me why?

Most teachers would not care about a salary increase if we could improve the learning and working conditions at school. As a proponent of integration of special needs students, I am horrified to see what has resulted.

Special needs students need additional support. That support and programming has not come through. Those kids have simply been dumped into the mainstream classroom with little or no assistance. In addition there are students with severe behavioural problems and students who are learning English as a second language. Without the additional support, what kind of education do you think the mainstream kids are receiving?

In our district, teacher spend an average of $500.00 a year for learning resources. We aren't doing that anymore and parents are burnt-out on fund-raising. Its time the government took some responsibility and started funding the schools adequately. We have high school students in classes that are so crowded that they have to share desks. There are not even enough places to sit!

We (parents and teachers) have accomodated cut-backs long enough.

BTW Guest Parent - How much time have you spent in your child's classroom? Anyone who is actively involved in their child's education understands that this is an important partnership. Those that don't, tend to treat teachers like overpaid babysitters.

Oh and P.S. Teachers do not make the school calendar. That was decided long ago when parents needed the kids to help out on the farm. Many, many teachers teach summer school or work at other jobs to make ends meet.

...and lets not forget that $50,000.00 student loan debt that had to be paid back.

Yeah - and now the Ratepayers Assoc. say they are going to sue the union for daycare expenses that they have had to pay since school has been shut down. What kind of school do they want their kid to attend? I guess for some people, their kids are the responsibility of someone else. Too bad they don't care about their child's environment. Out of sight, out of mind.

I would also like to say that the teachers here are highly trained and exceptionally good at what they do. We have an excellent
reputation. Out math students placed third, internationally.

You know what? You get what you pay for and if the schools don't get more money, the kids will suffer and society will suffer. I shudder to imagine what will become of the families who do not seem to value their children. You reap what you sow.