New Brunswick unveils strategy to recruit, retain teachers
New Brunswick is moving forward with a new strategy to recruit and retain teachers and other urgently needed words in the education system.
“Like other jurisdictions across the country, New Brunswick is facing significant challenges in meeting the increasing demand for teachers and allied health professionals in our education system,” Education Minister Claire Johnson said in a release this week.
Besides teachers, the province is dealing with a shortage of social workers, speech language pathologists and school psychologists.
“The release of the strategy and action plans recognizes that, by focusing on the retention and recruitment of teachers and allied health professionals, we will ensure the system has necessary support services in place,” Johnson said.
The strategy will be implemented with two action plans, one for the anglophone sector and one for the francophone sector.
New Brunswick Teachers’ Association president Heidi Ryder said in the government release the organization is encouraged by the government’s recognition of a shortage of certified teachers.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with all partners and are hopeful that this strategic framework will lead to meaningful action on teacher retention,” Ryder said.
She added the NBTA is hopeful the plan will be guided by data-informed staffing decisions and resource allocations that reflect classroom complexity, diverse student needs and the realities of local communities.
The strategy was developed through consultations and collaborations with stakeholders, including teachers from both English and French sectors, allied health professionals, school districts, professional associations and post-secondary institutions.
According to the government release, it outlines short-, medium- and long-term action items. Those items will be the responsibility of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, school districts and other government departments such as Post-secondary Education, Training and Labour.
Reporting metrics will be developed to track progress on those action items.
“Our goal is to create an inclusive, stimulating and rewarding work culture where teachers and allied health professionals feel valued, respected, empowered and supported,” Johnson said.
