The New Brunswick Teacher’s Association is fighting back against the possibility of cuts to teaching jobs in the province.
Education Minister Serge Rousselle says since 2000, the province has seen a drop of 26,000 students.
NBTA President Peter Fullerton says while student enrollment is on the decline, teachers are having to do more as the needs of students have really changed.
“When I started teaching, a long time ago, a teacher entered the classroom and taught the class, now teachers enter the classroom and teach individuals,” says Fullerton. “We try to meet the needs of each individual student and that’s something that needs to be taken into account.
Fullerton says teachers have to deal with mental health issues, violence, and increasing medical needs.
He adds he’s disappointed because Brian Gallant appears to be back tracking on pre election promises.
“Two of the statements that he actually made were while a goverment must operate efficiently, we anticipate investing more in education to meet our commitments and ending the process of cutting regardless of the negative impact on our schools,” says Fullerton.
The other statement from Gallant was the Liberal Party believes there are few more important investments in our future than improving our education system.
Fullerton says it’s about more than just numbers, as the system is very different than it was 14 years ago.