School in September needs smaller classes, bigger budget: NLTA

If classroom teaching resumes in the fall as the provincial government has promised, major changes need to happen first, says the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association.

Class size matters more than ever, says union president

CBC News Posted: Jun 16, 2020 2:18 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 16, 2020

A female teacher stands at the front of a classroom as several students seated at their desks raise their hand. — Classrooms will need to be physically restructured in the fall, according to the union representing Newfoundland and Labrador's teachers. (Syda Productions/Shutterstock)

A return to the classroom must look substantially different than its pre-COVID-19 counterpart, says the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers'Association, which is pressing for changes to class sizes and teacher supports.

On Monday, the provincial government promised to unveil a plan by the end of the month for a September start of in-class learning from kindergarten through Grade 12.

The NLTA wants that plan to take into account physical distancing to separate students and teachers by the required six feet, raising questions of how that can be achieved.

"Does it involve modular classrooms? Does it involve splitting classrooms in terms of size?" said Dean Ingram, the president of the NLTA.

The new questions involve a familiar problem area for the NLTA of how teachers are allocated to classes that they have long petitioned government to review.

"Our class sizes before COVID were challenging," said Ingram. "It's long overdue."

On social media, numerous parents shared their concerns, many of them also centred around class sizes.

Agree with this completely. My childs class had 24 kids last year. There was one week in February where 18 kids were sick! 18! Arent we still in a pandemic? Using teachers and early childhood educators to restart the economy at the possible detriment of children is not ok.
—@laetitiaellen

Some classrooms have 40+ students (plus a teacher and a possible assistant). With large gathering restrictions many classrooms in St. John's shouldn't even be able to organize. Now more than ever we need to hire more full time teachers to reduce class size. Will that happen?
—@nose709

As a parent of three, two of which are hitting junior high, this is good news. Kids need to get back to the classroom, social opportunities and return to a sense of normalcy. We tried to keep the academics going but not easy with 2 working parents. Full support here!
—@adriennecdowner

Excellent... school is so important for kids. Children need the socialization and connection that goes along with in-class learning. Smaller class sizes would be great.
—@AmyOldford

Full return takes more funds

Beyond funding spatial requirements, Ingram stressed more money would be needed in order to train teachers, particularly if some form of online learning continues in the fall. Prior to his presidency, Ingram worked in onlineeducation.

"Professional learning has to take place," he said.

"It's not as simple as turning a switch."

NLTA president Dean Ingram says class size isn't a new issue but is top of mind now as public health demands spaced out classrooms. (Jeremy Eaton/CBC)

The Newfoundland and Labrador English School Districthas already asked the Department of Education for millions of dollars to ensure students and teachers have better access to online learning, if needed, come the fall.

If online classrooms return, school district wants more structure, and more tech

Ultimately, Ingram has faith the province can pull off a full return to the classroom in September, but "there has to be a plan developed," he said, adding his association is in discussion with both the school district and Department of Education.

With files from Jeremy Eaton

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