Elementary teachers union lobbies for increased education supports

The head of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario says chronic underfunding is worsening learning and working conditions in schools.

President David Mastin addressed a legislative committee holding pre-budget consultations around the province.

Mastin says the underfunding of education is one of the areas the government needs to consider in the upcoming budget.

Mastin says educators are leaving the profession because of it.

“Ontario has tens of thousands of certified teachers who are not currently working in the public system,” says Mastin.

“Educators are leaving or choosing not to return because working conditions have become unbearable.”

The EFTO advocates for small class sizes with no more than 24 students in grades 4 to 8 and a maximum of 26 in kindergarten.

Mastin says it is central to student success and staff retention.

“Large, overcrowded classrooms limit what educators can do. They reduce opportunities for individual attention, strain relationships, and continue and contribute to higher stress, burnout, and rising incidences of violence.”

Violence in the classroom has been identified by EFTO members as the number one health and safety concern.

An EFTO study revealed 77% of elementary teachers experienced or witnessed violence during the school year.

Forty-two percent identified as being physically or psychologically harmed.

“And it stems from the unmet student needs. It stems from students who are struggling. It stems from issues of violence. And these kids are not the problem. These kids are desperate. These kids are desperate to get the assistance they need.”

Mastin says schools need the extra staff to provide support beginning in kindergarten to identify student needs early.