Teachers Demand Fairness for Elementary Students
September 3, 2008
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario will not sign a long term collective agreement that does not ensure fairness for elementary students, the federation’s president said today.
“Salary is not the issue; it was never the issue,” David Clegg said. He was reacting to statements by the minister of education and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty that teachers should be satisfied with a 3 per cent increase over four years.
“Our Close the gap campaign is about ensuring that all elementary students have the same level of support and learning opportunities as secondary students.”
The government’s own figures show that it currently provides $711 less per year for an elementary student than for a high school student. The result is larger class sizes in grades 4 to 8, schools without teacher-librarians and guidance counsellors, and not enough specialist teachers in areas like physical education and the arts.
“The federation will not return to the provincial discussion table under the threat of an ultimatum or deadline,” Clegg added, referring to Education Minister Kathleen Wynne’s statement that the 3 per cent offer would be off the table after November 30.
“The foundation for student academic success is laid in the elementary years. That’s why it is essential to ensure fairness and equity in funding for elementary students.”
“We look forward to working with the provincial government and the public school boards to build a world class elementary school system. Ontario’s future depends on it.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario represents 73,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers across Ontario and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.