NSTU hopeful students and teachers have a positive 2022-23 school year

(Halifax-Kjipuktuk, NS) The new president of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union is hopeful that the 2022-23 school year is a positive one for students and their teachers. He’s committed to working collaboratively with government to promote and protect the public education system.

“Teachers, guidance counselors and specialists are looking forward to reconnecting with their students once again and are cautiously optimistic that this upcoming year will bring with it more consistency and stability than we’ve experienced recently,” says NSTU President Ryan Lutes. “That said, there are still areas of uncertainty as we head back to school and the NSTU is committed to working through any issues that arise in partnership with government and the education entities.”

Lutes says the most pressing issue facing the system remains the ongoing teacher shortage, which was significantly heightened last winter and spring due to the presence of COVID-19 in schools. Over the summer the NSTU reached out to government with concerns about school ventilation, but more action is still required. The NSTU President says that additional funding and resources remain needed to ensure that all students receive the support and attention they deserve.

Another problem the NSTU will be paying close attention to this upcoming year is the impact of child poverty on students, which could be heightened due to inflation.

“As we welcome students back, we can’t lose sight of the fact that many families are struggling to make ends meet and that living in poverty has a demonstrable and negative impact on children’s ability to learn. This is not a new problem, but it’s a problem that as a society we can’t allow to deepen. We owe it to all children to ensure that they have access to good nutrition, proper housing and a safe place to go at the end of each school day,” says Lutes.