Elementary Teachers Welcome Arts Funding Announcement

January 23, 2007

More funding needed for arts education in elementary schools

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) welcomes the Ontario government’s recent announcement of increased funding for arts education.

“We commend the government for recognizing that the arts are essential for nurturing students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth,” said ETFO President Emily Noble.

“However, while the announcement will provide some benefit to Ontario students in grades 1-12, a greater emphasis and funding on arts education in elementary schools is needed.

“We know how important early learning is to student success,” said Noble.  “Elementary students particularly benefit from arts education. It can help them develop the skills and abilities they need to be successful throughout their higher education and later in life.

“Elementary schools need more specialist teachers in music, drama, dance, and in media and visual arts, teachers who can help students receive the well-rounded, quality education they deserve.

“Elementary teachers are committed to providing the highest quality education to their students.  We will be urging the government to do more, in arts as well as in all other areas of elementary education,” said Noble.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation represents more than 70,000 public elementary school teachers and education workers across Ontario and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.