SOUND OFF: Teachers’ COVID concerns not being heard by government
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AS WE APPROACH THE END of what has been a difficult year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the unbelievable work our parents, teachers, support staff and administrators have done to keep our children safe in our schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The school year is busy as it is, and has become even more so as everyone adds various protective measures to their daily routines. A big thank-you to everyone who is heeding the advice of health officials and taking the precautions necessary to protect themselves and others.
But with B.C. in the midst of the second wave of the virus, at a time when we are seeing record numbers of cases, parents and teachers are raising some very real concerns that the current provincial government needs to address. Firstly, teachers and support staff are calling for greater consultation and for government to listen to their concerns and recommendations so that they can carry on their vital work without risking their own health and well-being. Teachers across B.C. expressed their dismay when they weren’t consulted in the NDP government’s decision not to extend the winter break, which would have given them some time to catch their breath and re-evaluate their plans while students isolated at home.
Teachers are also raising some very serious concerns regarding the current conditions in our classrooms. The Surrey Teachers Association recently wrote to Dr. Bonnie Henry describing how they are still forced to teach in full classrooms without appropriate physical distancing or PPE. The provincial government continues to ignore teachers’ calls for greater supports and a mandatory mask policy, and with the next provincial budget being delayed until May, teachers are worried they won’t see any additional help until the late spring at the earliest.
Our province is also falling far behind the rest of Canada when it comes to reporting COVID cases and exposures in our schools in a timely manner. While other provinces continue to provide daily updates, our own government has suggested it cannot even provide an accurate number for current cases in B.C. schools.
