The Editor,
In introducing Bill 11 last week, Education Minister Peter Fassbender stated, when that its purpose is to create a "standard of accountability" for teachers.
He and the people in his ministry have obviously not talked to any teachers. If he or they had, they would realize teachers constantly do professional development. They attend workshops, take courses, meet with colleagues regularly to discuss best practices in order to meet the needs of students.
I do not do professional development because it is mandated. I do it because I want to be the best I can be at my job, and I do it because I want my students to do well.
I have 10 years of university training and have completed diplomas and degrees beyond the basic professional certificate. What do the MLAs and ministers do that qualify them for their positions? What do they do that improves their performance on our behalf? What is their "standard of accountability"?
Mr. Fassbender has had raises far more than adequate to cover inflationary costs over the past six years, as have all of our MLAs and ministers. They have given nothing to school boards to assist in dealing with those costs.
Now this government talks about "low-hanging fruit"? I am an administrator who now has to clean up vomit when a child is ill in the school because the school district where I work can no longer afford a daytime custodian. Low-hanging fruit? When is the last time any of the MLAs or ministers did such a job in the legislature?
Do we really need MLAs like Mr. Fassbender who do no more than give the message the premier tells him to? Do we need ministers like these who do not truly represent their constituents or the people of this province? Perhaps a few of their positions should be cut.
What is good for one should be good for all. The legislature should have to meet the mandates it imposes upon others.
This government needs to stop blowing smoke like Bill 11 in our eyes and instead address its many years of underfunding education.
Children are our future and how we educate them is an indicator of how strongly we truly believe in a democratic society.
Mary Loblaw, Port Moody
