Classroom Teachers Can Apply to Council to Improve Classroom Conditions

Classroom teachers who want to improve the teaching and learning environment in Nova Scotia can start to apply online today, Feb 22, to be part of the new Council to Improve Classroom Conditions.

The council is an initiative of the Teachers' Professional Agreement and Classroom Improvement Act that passed yesterday. It offers classroom teachers the opportunity to direct how the province will invest $20 million into classrooms during the next two school years.

The council will take real action to reduce demands on teachers' time that limit their ability to support student learning.

"We are inviting classroom teachers to work with government and the union to share their experiences and perspectives and talk about how best to invest in education," said Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey. "It is an excellent opportunity for classroom teachers who want to affect change in the best interest of student learning."

Initial recommendations from the council are expected by April 28.

Priorities for the council will include:

• data collection and reporting
• assessment and evaluation
• timing of administrative days relative to report card preparation
• student attendance policy
• technology and work processes, including PowerSchool and TIENET
• scope of practice for teachers
• planning for student success
• complex classrooms
• class sizes at all grade levels
• student discipline policy

The council will be formed by March 7.

Nine classroom teachers, three each from elementary, junior and senior high school, will be joined by a representative of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union who will serve as co-chairs. Government will appoint three additional members including a student and a parent.

The co-chairs will name a neutral facilitator to work with the committee. There is also a provision for an arbitrator to be appointed in the event the co-chairs cannot agree on a recommendation.

Classroom teachers forming the council will be chosen by school board superintendents, working with human resources, program directors and other board staff, with consideration given to cultural and regional representation.

Classroom teachers can apply online at https://edapps.ednet.ns.ca/Surveys/ClassroomImprovements

The deadline for applications is Feb. 28th.