Dear Editor:
I am a teacher in West Vancouver who is frustrated about the current situation in B.C. education. I don't enjoy walking the picket line, and I wish there was another way to ensure adequate government funding to our school boards.
It is frustrating that the senior members of our government and our union can't reach a compromise. Our educational leaders should be setting an example of how to collaborate on governing and delivering a system worthy of our multilingual, multi-talented children. Canada is a leader in 21st century education, but our leaders can't agree on how to best serve our clients.
Even though our government's actions (stripping the contracts that protected class size limits) have been deemed unconstitutional, we are still living under their rules. We need to "bargain" just to get back to where we were 12 years ago. Most teachers I know are willing to strike because we believe it is the only way to ensure classes that are too large, or have too many designated students will be brought back to manageable numbers.
One positive outcome of this strike has been the support of our parent community and school neighbourhoods. It is heartening to have articulate, meaningful conversations with parents and colleagues about what they think is best for students. It is uplifting to be greeted by friendly waves and tooting horns when cars drive by our picket lines. Several times during our shifts, parents have brought coffee, muffins, cookies and rolls, along with passionate accolades for our efforts in speaking up for public education.
I also appreciate the reflections of intelligent journalists, such as Keith Baldrey (May 30 North Shore News column), who are painting a multilayered picture of this issue, referring to the mistrust and disrespect between the ministry and the BCTF as cause for the impasse.Perhaps it is time for a professional (neutral) mediator to take the lead at the bargaining table.
Doni Gratton
West Vancouver
