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Island teachers need more support.

When you think of a teacher, most of us recall memories we have in classrooms, we occupied twenty, thirty, or more years ago.

If you consider how much has changed both inside and outside of PEI classrooms, it’s easier to understand why:

Class Composition

Today’s classrooms consist of a wide range of learners. This includes academic, behavioural, social, and/or emotional needs. With wide ranging learning levels in the same class, teachers are forced to plan and deliver multiple lessons as they strive to meet students at their individual levels.

Non-Instructional Duties
Teachers deal with an increasing amount of administrative tasks, such as emails, paperwork, and communicating with parents and outside agencies. This limits the time they have to prepare lessons, work with students outside of instructional time, and live a balanced lifestyle.
Resources & Supports
A growing number of Island youth aren’t receiving the support they need outside of school which is adding to teachers’ workload.
Social Media

Social media allows the disgruntled (often vocal) minority to spread misinformation, share hate, and tear down a teacher’s reputation in any given post.

Teachers alone can only do so much. All aspects of education require support and collaboration from Government and community partners.

A recent survey revealed just how deflated teachers are feeling due to the pressure, scrutiny, and negativity directed toward them online

Many are even second-guessing their career choice.

%

Over 50% don’t feel respected by the public.

%

Over 43% wouldn’t recommend teaching as a profession to a younger generation.

%

During their first five years of teaching, over 64% contemplate leaving the profession.

The quality of the education our teachers deliver is directly linked to the support they receive from you.

Together, we can make a

E

Teacher Profile Videos

A stand out moment:
“I was able to introduce a student with difficult behaviors, who was experiencing a turbulent home life, as well as poverty, to music through a keyboard in my office. We got them a keyboard at the end of grade six. That student has been in band since leaving me and has found their passion in music.”

Elementary School Teacher, 10+ years Experience

The ‘light bulb’ moments:
I’ve always had a soft spot for the most challenging kids or kids who find school hard; I love helping them find the switch for their lightbulb moments.

Elementary School Teacher, 15+ years Experience

School made me feel safe to be myself:
“I grew up in a turbulent environment, but I felt safe to be myself at school. My teachers listened and gave me the ability to find out who I was. This is why I became a teacher.”

Junior High School Teacher, 15+ years Experience.

Breakthrough Moments
I love inspiring and growing the minds of children. Seeing a student have a breakthrough (academic / emotional / mindset) is the most rewarding part.

Elementary School Teacher, 10+ Years Experience

Many ups and downs:
“I remember my life as a student with many ups and downs relating to both academic and personal issues. I wanted to be that teacher who could say, “I know how you feel right now but you will get through this.”

Junior High School Teacher, 15+ Years experience

coursecorrectionpei.ca It takes a village. Working with families and other team members in a child's learning is key to success. Everyone working together for the betterment of the child - that's what keeps me motivated. JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER 10+ YEARS EXPERIENCE Together, we can make a course correction
coursecorrectionpei.ca A heart-felt thank you. A student once wrote me a letter that read: "Thank you for all you do for this school. You make sure nobody leaves school hurt or upset. You make me leave school with a smile on my face. Thank you. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER 10+ YEARS EXPERIENCE Together, we can make a course correction
coursecorrectionpei.ca Appreciation goes a long way. A student of mine was going through a really tough year. One day, I got an email from them and their parent saying that my support is what helped get them through it. I will never forget how much that one email filled my heart. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER 10+ YEARS EXPERIENCE Together, we can make a course correction
coursecorrectionpei.ca The power of positivity. When parents recognize the impact a teacher is having and take the time to let us know. It's special. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER 10+ YEARS EXPERIENCE Together, we can make a course correction "
coursecorrectionpei.ca Making an impact. During parent-teacher interviews or out in the community, when a parent or a child stops me to tell me what an impact I had on them... that gets me every time. JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER 15+ YEARS EXPERIENCE Together, we can make a course correction
coursecorrectionpei.ca Making a difference. Despite all the insurmountable obstacles, stress and unrealistic expectations, my relationships with my students is what keeps me coming back. I know that what I do makes a difference, even if no one else does. HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER 15+ YEARS EXPERIENCE Together, we can make a course correction

Check Your Answers

There’s a lot that people believe about teaching that is either false or doesn’t tell the whole story. Let us set the record straight on a few common misconceptions about what it’s like to be a teacher.

Misconception: Teachers only work during school hours.
Reality: Teachers spend many evenings and weekends preparing lessons, grading assignments, completing administrative tasks, and attending school events.
Misconception: PD Days are a waste
Reality: Teaching requires constant professional development, adaptation, patience, creativity, dedication, and learning. This occurs both on PD days and on teacher’s personal time.
Misconception: Teaching is just about delivering information.

Reality: Effective teaching involves understanding and meeting individual student needs, adapting to various learning styles, and fostering critical thinking.

Classrooms operate the same as they did when parents were in school.

Today’s classrooms are incredibly complex and far different from those in the past. There is an increased awareness of diverse learning styles meaning teachers must address a wider range of student needs, requiring a more personalized approach.

Misconception: Teachers have complete control over the curriculum.

Reality: Curriculum decisions are made by the Department of Education – not by teachers or administrators.

Students always behave.
Schools across Canada have witnessed an increase in serious violent behaviors directed towards both staff and peers. These behaviours are becoming more common across all grades/ages.
Misconception: Teachers have all the resources they need.

Reality: Lack of resources, both human and physical, can pose challenges for teachers in providing the best learning experience.

Misconception: Anyone can be a teacher
Reality: Teaching requires two university degrees, continuous skill development, patience, creativity, flexibility, a genuine passion for education, and an ability to connect with youth.

Reach a

teacher

Reach a

The Prince Edward Island Teachers’ Federation believes communication between home and school is important and requires a team approach. Respectful communication is essential to help students succeed.

If you need to connect with your child’s teacher, you can find their contact information in the school directory.

Please consider the following before contacting and while waiting for a response from your child’s teacher:

1. Remember that teachers teach many students each day. You may not be the only parent looking to connect with your child’s teacher.

2. The teacher’s primary focus during school hours is their students.
It is important to temper expectations of a teacher’s response while class is in session. Many teachers are involved in organizing extra-curricular activities for students after school (sports, performing arts, extra help, etc.).
Please trust that the teacher will respond to you as soon as possible.
If your concern is immediate, please call the school.

3. If there is a concern, please contact the teacher directly at the school.
We are in this together. It is not appropriate to openly criticize or defame teachers and/or school administration online.

4. Teachers want the very best for their students, and this means being supported by their student’s parents. Your attitude at home will directly influence your child’s attitude at school.

5. Being involved in your child’s education helps to ensure success. There are many ways to connect including attending Meet the Teacher night, Parent/Teacher interviews, and school activities.

Resources

211 logo
Kids Help Phone logo
PEI School Food Program INC. logo
Canadian Mental Health Association logo
Brought to you by:
Prince Edward Island Teacher's Federation logo
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
To ensure the Course Correction campaign genuinely reflected the thoughts and stories of Island teachers, the PEI Teachers’ Federation conducted a "PEI Teachers’ Federation Member Survey." This survey, which featured 34 multiple-choice questions and 15 short-answer questions, was developed and hosted on the SurveyMonkey platform.

The survey was skillfully crafted in collaboration with Insight Studio, a local marketing agency, as a crucial element of the campaign. The target audience for the survey comprised the 1,500 members of the PEI Teachers’ Federation. Respondents were provided with the convenience of completing the survey online through secure email invitations sent out by the PEITF.

The online survey was accessible for ten days, from June 29th, 2022, to July 8th, 2022, closing at 11:59 p.m. At the survey's conclusion, it had received 486 responses, representing a substantial portion of the Federation's membership. All responses were kept strictly confidential, and no personally identifiable information was collected.

Brought to you by:
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
To ensure the Course Correction campaign genuinely reflected the thoughts and stories of Island teachers, the PEI Teachers’ Federation conducted a "PEI Teachers’ Federation Member Survey." This survey, which featured 34 multiple-choice questions and 15 short-answer questions, was developed and hosted on the SurveyMonkey platform.

The survey was skillfully crafted in collaboration with Insight Studio, a local marketing agency, as a crucial element of the campaign. The target audience for the survey comprised the 1,500 members of the PEI Teachers’ Federation. Respondents were provided with the convenience of completing the survey online through secure email invitations sent out by the PEITF.

The online survey was accessible for ten days, from June 29th, 2022, to July 8th, 2022, closing at 11:59 p.m. At the survey's conclusion, it had received 486 responses, representing a substantial portion of the Federation's membership. All responses were kept strictly confidential, and no personally identifiable information was collected.