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DON’T CROSS THE LINE

THE 2014 BC
TEACHERS’ STRIKE

In terms of the current education strike, many people
are asking themselves what in the flying fuck happened
and why teachers are on strike in the first place?

From a teacher's perspective, they would like
to see increased funding per child. Currently British
Columbian children are funded $1000 less per child than
many other provinces. Increased funding to education
would mean more education assistants, librarians,
counsellors, speech and language pathologists, learning
assistance teachers, aboriginal education workers and
learning disability specialists, the list could go on and
on.

Teachers would also like to have a say in

classroom composition. If a classroom has students
designated who require individualized education plans
then they would like to see smaller class sizes so they
can provide the support the students with higher needs
not only require, but deserve.
Despite the pain of having to walk the strike line and halt
current education, many teachers feel these changes
would benefit all students. Nicole Cecilia, a teacher in
School District 57, explains that, “If | had more help with
my special needs students, the rest of the classroom
would also receive more support. | know it’s stressful
organizing child care during a strike and | was holding
back tears when | had to tell my leadership students that
our program would have to end because | was locked
out at lunch, but | truly am fighting for what | feel is best
for our students and future students.”

Not all sides of the debate are as equal as others.
Some critics are beginning to question the claims against
teachers who claim the strike is for the children and not
a wage increase. One man interviewed on the streets of
Prince George explained, “| see a lot of teachers saying