Editor:
I have worked as an education assistant (EA) for more than 20 years. I see first hand the effects of class size and composition on the ability of teachers to cope and teach effectively.
Increased societal and family stress mean that a greater and greater percentage of students are coming to school in distress of varying degrees.
A child is not ready and able to learn until their needs are met, and when they are not, they manifest in behaviour issues and learning difficulties.
In many cases, teachers are taking on roles and teaching skills and values that we used to be able to assume were taught at home. In order to meet these demands, teachers need smaller classes, and our schools need many more resources such as special education teachers, counsellors, funding for special programs and more EAs. These children are our future and are our only hope to help solve the massive problems caused by generations of poor management and bad decisions by citizens and our governments.
Teachers deserve every penny they make and a fair salary increase, but it does not end there. No matter how well a person is paid, there is only so much one person can do. We need to pump money into our entire education system.
Our children are the best resource we have. I think the government that can find billions for many dubious projects and salary increases for themselves should be able to find the money to give them the support they need. However, if they are unwilling, then I am willing to pay more school taxes. Complaining about property taxes is a popular pastime, but I could not help but notice that our recent property tax notice is the same as our annual hydro bill.
