I wasn't sure I was going to write this post, because other people have done a better job with similar themes - the current actions by Ontario educators in response to the actions of the Ontario government.
There are more examples, but you can see Doug Peterson's compilation list or samples from:
Kyleen Gray (@TCHevolution on Twitter) - https://teacherevolution.me/2020/01/24/dear-ontario-parents-dont-stress-about-withheld-report-cards/
Will Gourley (@WillGourley on Twitter) https://heartandart.ca/?p=8425
This is my twenty-third year of teaching and only the third time I've ever not been in class due to political job action.
The First Time
The first time was in 1997. I started the school year as an LTO and had just recently accepted a permanent full-time contract position at another school. It was about Bill 160. As has been pointed out online, it technically wasn't a strike. It was two weeks long. My sign in the photo says "We do not like when Tories lie. We do not like it, teachers cry" with a Cat in the Hat drawing. To quote my own tweet ...
This was October or November of 1997. I desperately needed the break and staff bonding, even though it was a big financial hit as a new teacher. As Doug will assuredly note, I was into costumes even back then (my hat and mask [not seen here] matched my sign)
Technically, protest, not strike, v Bill 160. Curriculum changes included elimination of Design & Tech, Family Studies, primary FSL, reduction of guidance (had a guidance office & nurse's office), library. Admin could teach, part of same union. Netscape, AltaVista/Yahoo, Dial up— Cindy Sisti (@CindySisti) January 22, 2020
The Second Time
The second time was December 18, 2012 - a one-day action related to Bill 115. My home-made signs say "It's not about the money, honey. Bill 115 stings our rights" (to match my Winnie the Pooh costume) and "Do you hear the teachers sing? Singing the song of angry men. It is the music of a people who want unjust bills to end" (using a Les Miz reference).
Currently
Here we are, for the third time. So far, it's been January 20, February 6, 7 and will be February 11 and 12. I hope that things can be resolved. My signs (to match my leopard / cheetah suit) say "No limits to class size? A CATastrophe" and "Education cuts are CATastropic".
See any patterns? There are a few similarities. A lot has to do with unfair legislation. A lot has to do with students' learning conditions (because teacher working conditions are directly related to student learning conditions). And it always seems to generate an opportunity for me to wear a costume and make my own signs.
But what's it actually LIKE to strike? It's a mix of emotions and thoughts, both positive and negative.
The Positive Parts
- The camaraderie can be very uplifting. By walking the picket lines with other educators, you are reminded that you aren't alone. You get to know colleagues better while you walk and talk.
- It's good exercise. I'm exceeding my Fit Bit step goal regularly.
- The support (especially this time around) by the general public has been very encouraging. The honking horns, kind words, gifts of food and drinks have been wonderful
The Negative Parts
- I miss my students! Even though I must commend the union on how they've tried their hardest not to make anything unpleasant for the parents or students (i.e. we didn't withdraw extra-curriclular activities until Phase 5 of our Work-to-Rule plan), being away from them is hard. We'd rather be teaching.
- It's exhausting! Three hours of pacing the sidewalks outside in the cold takes a different kind of energy from the seven hours of teaching inside. I've been going to bed earlier but it still doesn't shake the persistently tired feeling.
- It hurts financially. For anyone who claims it's about compensation ... I'm losing more money being on strike. (As a single-income family, it makes an impact.) The unions (and it's all four Ontario education unions - ETFO, OSSTF, OECTA and AEFO) don't take these actions lightly.
So Why Strike?
(Image says "Reg 274 works for schools and teacher because hiring is no longer about 'who you know' - it's based on qualifications and experience.")
(Image says "Quality Public Education for All Ontario Students: Ontario has one of the best public education systems in the world, providing high-quality education for every student regardless of where they live. The government must prioritize students and our schools. It's time to reverse funding cuts and invest in public education."
(Image says"Kindergarten Works: Extensive research has shown that Ontario's current Kindergarten model, which includes a full-time certified teacher and a designated early childhood educator (DECE) works best for students. Created by education experts and based on international research, Kindergarten makes Ontario a global leader in early childhood education."
(Images says "Addressing Violence in Our Schools: Violence in our schools is a symptom of broader issues facing the education system, including larger classes, a lack of resources and student supports and fewer staff to meet the varied needs of students. Schools need more guidance counsellors, child and youth workers, mental health supports and timely assessments for students who need them"
(Image says "Support for Students with Special Needs: The funding model for special education programs is based on a predictive model rather than student needs. Funding is disconnected from what is happening in elementary classrooms and the needs of students in our schools."
Our class sizes are larger than they should be. Not only do we need to maintain the Grade 1-3 Primary class size cap, we need to instate class sizes for our Junior and Intermediate classes too.
I really hope that the government will come back to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith. We are not being secretive about our requests. I'm prepared to strike for as long as we have to do so. I want to publicly thank our union executives (led by Sam Hammond) for working so hard for teachers, students and parents. It's not easy, but good things don't always come easy.
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