The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) has released initial findings from the first edition of their new pan-Canadian educator survey series, Parachute. The data paints a vivid picture of poor working and learning conditions across the country.
The CTF/FCE urges ministries of Education to address the concerns underscored by teachers and educators and take action to strengthen provincial and territorial public education systems. Over 90% of Canadian K-12 students attend public schools: they, their teachers, and communities deserve proactive stewardship from Education ministers.
Parachute surveyed almost 5,000 education professionals, including teachers, principals, education assistants, and support workers. The initial results underscore five key issues at the heart of the crisis: lack of ministerial support, untenable working conditions, class size and complexity, rising incidents of violence and aggression, overwork and lack of preparation time.
The survey also collected over 800 testimonials detailing measures provincial and territorial governments could implement to improve Canada’s public education systems.
A majority (63%) of educators deem their provincial or territorial ministries of Education as “not supportive at all,” highlighting widespread systemic neglect.
Nearly 80% of educators report struggling to cope with unpredictable and mounting workloads. 70% cite poor working conditions as a major factor. A staggering 95% of educators observe that staff shortages are negatively impacting students. The most severe consequences include unmet academic needs and the erosion of specialized services and supports.
Almost 77% of educators report that students’ needs have become “significantly more complex” compared to five years ago. The number of high-need students without adequate support, along with the diversity of their needs, are the main factors contributing to classroom challenges. Students requiring special education support are being systematically left behind, exacerbating inequities in the classroom.
Over half (55%) of educators have experienced violence or aggression in the past year. While 84% reported these incidents, only 25% indicated that appropriate actions were taken by health and safety committees or officers to address them. School administrators are overwhelmed.
Three quarters of educators report that their job demands have become less manageable over the past five years, and 20% describe them as “very unmanageable.”
“Via the Parachute survey series, teachers and education workers have provided a clear roadmap for systemic reform. Dedicated student support and classrooms that are safe and manageable should be the norm, not the exception. Provincial and territorial governments are failing in their responsibility to both students and educators. Canada’s public education system is in a state of crisis; Ministers must address the evident and resolvable issues at hand,” said Heidi Yetman, President of the CTF/FCE.
BC teachers are also urging government to heed the warnings and chart a new course—one that would make British Columbia a public education model for the country. “As a progressive government committed to quality public services, the BC NDP really needs to seize this moment and this message,” BCTF President Clint Johnston said. “Let’s make BC the educational beacon for all of Canada. Together, we can do it.”
He pointed out that in its election platform, the BC NDP promised two significant changes that would be immensely positive in schools: ensuring there is an educational assistant in every K–3 classroom and a counsellor in every school.
“Fulfilling these two promises would be gamechangers in many classes,” Johnston said. “We’ve already had an initial meeting with the new Minister of Education and Child Care, Lisa Beare, and we look forward to working together to tackle the challenges and bring about the improvements our students and members need.”