NSTU's 93rd Annual Council focuses on pressing classroom issues

HALIFAX, May 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Some 254 voting delegates to the 93rd Annual Council of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union debated resolutions dealing with issues ranging from demands on teachers' time, providing adequate resources for diverse classrooms, and providing proper training and support for new initiatives.

"While there has been an increase to education funding for next school year's budget, and a new class cap for the younger grades, we also know that the lack of resources, demands on time, class size, and classroom diversity issues at other levels still remain," says NSTU president Shelley Morse.

The annual meeting wrapped up Sunday in Halifax. From May 16 to 18, 73 resolutions were debated. Introducing class-size caps of 15 in elementary classrooms that have a high ratio of special needs students along with the need for a new approach to funding were some other issues disscussed. "The current funding formula based on student enrolment is not providing equitable programming," continues Morse. "If education funding was based on programming it would better ensure we are meeting the needs of all students."

The NSTU also amended its NSTU policy Anti-Homophobia & Anti-Heterosexism policy to reflect support for transgender and gender non-conforming students and employees in schools. "We are continuing to work for change in creating and developing a safe learning environment for our members and students," says Morse. "We're pleased that this policy, developed over a decade ago, will now be more inclusive and affirming for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities."

Dianne Woloschuk, president of the Canadian Teachers' Federation addressed delegates on Saturday, May 17. Former NSTU executive director Bill Redden was bestowed with an Honourary Membership. Redden, began his teaching career 38 years ago and joined the NSTU staff in 1991, serving as its executive director for seven years before his retirement last year.

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union represents 10,000 public school teachers, Community College faculty and professional support staff in Nova Scotia, and teachers who work for the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Since 1895, it has worked to improve the quality of public education for children and youth in Nova Scotia, while promoting and advancing the teaching profession.

SOURCE: Nova Scotia Teachers Union

Angela Murray, PR Coordinator, Cell: 902-497-0194, [email protected], twitter @NSTeachersUnion