System on its death bed

Dear editor:
I teach at Fort Frances High School, and have so for the past 11 years. Throughout this time, I’ve been devoted to the students in my classroom, and like so many teachers I work with, I’ve volunteered my assistance to many activities outside of the classroom.
I’ve chaperoned countless dances and officiated numerous athletic games, worked with O.S.A.I.D. (Ontario Students Against Impaired Drivers), helped students raise money for the victims of Hurricane Mitch, participated with students in a cultural exchange in Costa Rica, assisted with fundraising bingos and car washes, and numerous other worthy endeavours.
Teachers have, and always will devote what they can to students. But this year, I will not be volunteering for any activities outside of the classroom–and I’d like to tell you why.
First and foremost, it’s one of survival; it’s for my health and well-being. With two years of new curriculum and new assessment and evaluation requirements now in place in high school, I simply have no spare time. I cannot imagine what it will be like when I have an extra class to teach next semester with up to 30 more student contacts–and no prep period!
Well, I guess I can, because I watch and listen to many of my colleagues who are doing that right now. One week into the school year and I’ve never seen so much anxiety, stress, frustration, and yes, anger!
And our government says it’s improving the quality of education in our high schools!
I write this letter not for sympathy; I am not “whining,” I write because I passionately care about education. I need to speak out about the numerous detrimental changes that have occurred in public secondary education over the years, and in particular, the recent legislation in Bill 74.
Like any typical teacher, I try to create a safe, well-structured learning environment for the students in my classroom but I can honestly say that for the past 10 years, my working conditions–the students’ learning environment–have gradually deteriorated.
There are fewer teachers in our high schools, which translates into less course options for students. In the past year, there have been the largest class sizes I’ve ever witnessed–certainly not close to 21 students as the government leads you to believe.
There’s less money available for texts and equipment, and less money for extracurricular activities. The number of professional days for teacher training has been significantly reduced and the budgets which fund them slashed–and there’s never been a more important time than the present for PD.
The teacher workload has increased with the addition of an extra 0.5 class, as well as additional responsibilities as teacher advisors. And the list goes on.
Will these changes improve education in our public high school? Will our students be better prepared to deal with the new curriculum, post-secondary education, and the work place? As a classroom teacher, I can say unequivocally, “NO!”
The government wanted to create a crisis in education and it has succeeded. If you keep hurting something, it will die sooner or later. I don’t believe I am being an alarmist when I say our public secondary education system is on its death bed.
Like the majority of public high school teachers across the province, I simply have no time for extracurricular. The increased workload will demand that my time and energy be focused on the courses I teach and students in them. I’ve been involved with the soccer program for 11 years at Fort High but because of the government, I will not have time to participate this school year–that is disheartening!
But more worrisome than not assisting with extracurriculars is that the increased workload prevents me from providing my students with the extra help and opportunities they often require; and that is most disconcerting. I shake my head when I hear the government talk about “Common Sense.”
So please do not blame me for not having the time to assist in extracurricular activities this school year, hold the government accountable. Recognize that I am doing all I can for the students in my classroom.
And please understand that my federation is not forcing me to take this stand. I’m adopting this position for my personal health and well-being, for the sake of my family, and yes, for the students–because I do care deeply about the education of our students.
I believe the majority of public secondary school teachers throughout the district, and across the province, will echo my sentiments.
I urge you to support and encourage high school teachers throughout the district in their effort to persuade the government to do what’s best for students.
Respectfully yours,
Keith Gilbert