The Teacher - June 2001

ISSN 1480-2611

Government should consult with teachers

Teachers attending the 80th Annual Council of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union May 18 to 21 at the Westin Hotel in Halifax voted overwhelmingly in favour of guidelines for distance education programs.

"Teachers in Nova Scotia believe that quality distance education programs must be carefully designed by teachers, planned, implemented and adequately funded," says NSTU president Brian Forbes.

The president of the NSTU, says his organization will continue to lobby the Department of Education to ensure resources and in-servicing are available to distance education teachers. Forbes says the NSTU will also continue to monitor existing distance education programs.

"The introduction of new curriculum and teaching methods should be governed by what is best for students," says Forbes. "Issues such as equity cannot be ignored."

The NSTU president urged the Department of Education to consult with teachers on new programs and methodology. "Whether the Department is considering the introduction of a new Canadian history course or new tools for program delivery, it would seem to be a smart move to consult teachers who have a great deal of expertise in these areas."

Union delegates reviewed and debated more than 30 curriculum resolutions relating to programs, adopted a policy on APEF regional assessments, agreed to lobby the Department of Education to provide resources in support of inclusion, and reiterated the need for school library programs offered by teacher-librarians.

"Teachers, by the very nature of their training and day-to-day experience, are innovators," argues Forbes. "As a profession, teachers have been quick to adopt new technologies such as email and the World Wide Web. But, teachers are concerned that new curriculum and teaching methods be introduced for sound educational reasons rather than as a result of the latest trend or the profit motive. Teachers also believe that public education needs to be adequately funded."

The weekend meeting attracted approximately 400 voting and alternate delegates, special association and committee representatives, honorary members, guests, visitors, and past provincial presidents, including W. Darrell Mills. Mills was NSTU president in 1939-40, leaving office to serve as an Army officer overseas. He returned from the war to complete a long and enviable career in public education in our province.