I received a number of comments over the past few days from teachers who take issue with the education reforms I’m supporting, generally the same that have recently been proposed by the Ministry of Education. I’d like to use this opportunity to clarify my position on the matter.
First, it is important to recognize there are no concrete plans on the table as of yet, either from myself or from the Ministry. Without those, this entire debate becomes all the more complicated as we lack clear definitions or proposals which we can examine publicly.
Part of the reason I’ve yet to put my proposals out there is due to a respect that I have for educators and their experiences. I take a collaborative approach and recognize that I do not have all the answers. That is why I am hosting a brainstorming event to discuss, share and exchange ideas about reform. I’m not about to say I know the right way to do everything and force that upon educators.
From my perspective as a student, the 5 principles proposed by the Ministry are incredibly exciting:
- Personalized learning for every student
- Quality teaching and learning
- More flexibility and choice
- High standards
- Learning empowered by technology
Most of the frustration, as I see it, with my support for these principles is that teachers are associating them with closed-door contract negotiations. It is my understanding that the government is attempting to strip teachers rights to place of employment, a teacher’s right to professional development, and teacher seniority, all in the name of the “personalized learning” reforms.
It is a shame the two have become associated, although not entirely surprising. Indeed these are the politics underway in America right now.
To achieve personalized learning reform, we do not need to strip the teachers contract, nor is there any need to remove class size or composition formulas. Seniority is important and should remain, as should a teacher’s rights to professional development. As far as I see it, bureaucrats in the Ministry with a historical vendetta against teachers are trying to win the latest battle in the provincial education war that has been waged for decades.
Do I support reform based on those five principles? Absolutely.
The difference between myself and the Ministry is that I do not believe we need to strip teachers rights to do so. I believe in working with teachers, and all educators, to pursue reform, strengthen the profession, and make schools exceptional places to both learn and work.