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Teacher Magazine of the
BC Teachers’ Federation
Volume 30, Number 5
May | June 2018
iStock.com/vertolena
Wendy D photo
BC teachers Morgan Spry
and Emily Ferreira at the
New Teachers’ Conference
In this issue
Restoration—taking stock
one year later
Making a difference
in our schools, our union,
our communities
IN THIS ISSUE
8 8 Nature room inspires learning
10 2018 AGM: Elections, heartbreaking
truths, and bargaining
This is your MAGAZINE
11 Horgan pledges respect for teachers
Do you enjoy writing? Have a story to tell?
12 An exciting time to be a teacher!
An event, topic, or issue you want your
colleagues to know about? 16 On gender diversity, we have a lot to
learn from today’s youth
If so, consider writing for Teacher. Submission
18 Singing their hearts out and the seven-
12
guidelines can be downloaded from
bctf.ca/publications/TeacherNewsmag.aspx. second echo
We also welcome brief letters to the editor. If 20 The Knowledge Keepers Project
you have any thoughts about an article you 24 Bread and Roses—Women’s Institute
have read and want to share your opinion
26 Navigating the labyrinth of leadership
with other teachers, send your letter to
teachermag@bctf.ca.
REGULAR FEATURES
Teacher reserves the right to edit or condense
any contribution considered for publication. President’s message
We are unable to publish all letters 3 Thank you, BC Teachers
14
we receive.
Message du président
Deadline: 3 Un grand merci pour une autre année
September 2018 issue August 17, 2018
de travail acharné et de succès!
4 Readers write
Teacher Know your rights
BC Teachers’ Federation 5 Teaching this summer?
Toll free 1-800-663-9163
Taking stock
Email teachermag@bctf.ca
Web bctf.ca/newsmag 6 The 3Rs: restoration, recruitment,
Editor Susan Croll and remedy
Assistant editor/design Karen Steel
ISSN 0841-9574 16 Local profile
14 Vernon Teachers’ Association
Teacher Advisory Board
Valdine Ciwko Catherine Quanstrom Book review
Jennifer Kimbley Susan Telfer 22 On the line
Haymen Leong
International solidarity
BCTF Executive Committee
23 Strong and resilient teachers excite
Rory Brown Teri Mooring
Rae Figursky Carolyn Pena The last word
Carole Gordon Jody Polukoshko 27 Retirement is hard to do
Shawn Gough
Glen Hansman
Robin Tosczak
Kip Wood 20 28 Classified ads
Clint Johnston 31 PD calendar
32 School words in the summer crossword
Articles reflect the views of the authors and
do not necessarily express official policy of the
BCTF. The BCTF does not endorse or promote any
products or services advertised in the magazine.
Advertisements reviewed and approved by the
BCTF must reflect BCTF policy and be politically, Indicates resources
environmentally, and professionally appropriate.
2 TEACHER May | June 2018 27
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MESSAGE DU PRÉSIDENT
Thank you, BC Un grand merci
teachers, for pour une autre
another year année de travail
of hard work acharné et de
and successes! succès!
With the end of the 2017–18 Avec la fin de l’année scolaire
school year and the beginning 2017-2018 et le début de l’été
of summer just around the qui arrivent, je tiens à vous
corner, I want to thank all remercier toutes et tous pour
of you for your work in votre travail dans les salles de
classrooms, schools, locals, classe, les écoles, les syndicats
and communities. locaux et les communautés.
ÇA A ÉTÉ UNE ANNÉE HISTORIQUE qui a permis de remettre en place
IT WAS A HISTORIC year that saw our restored language back
notre langage restauré, qui a vu l’ajout de plus de 3 500 nouveaux
in place, the addition of more than 3,500 new teachers, and
enseignants et un nouveau financement important. La mise en œuvre
significant new funding. Implementation of our restored language
de notre langage restauré est remise en question par la pénurie
is challenged by the ongoing teachers shortage, and our locals have
actuelle d’enseignants, et nos syndicats locaux ont travaillé dur - et
been working hard—and still are—to ensure the restored language
sont encore à la tâche - pour s’assurer que le langage restauré soit
is followed, and that remedies, if generated, are provided in a
respecté et que les remèdes, s’ils sont générés, soient fournis dans un
timely manner.
délai opportun.
With more lead time for school districts to plan, my hope is the
Avec plus de temps donné aux conseils scolaires pour s’organiser, mon
next school year will have a smoother start, fewer remedies will be
espoir est que la prochaine année scolaire aura un début plus facile,
needed, and when they are—they happen quickly. We will keep
moins de remèdes seront nécessaires, et quand ils le seront, ils seront
working with the government to ensure they recruit more teachers
mis en place rapidement. Nous continuerons de travailler avec le
to BC. We will also ensure the next round of bargaining, which will
gouvernement pour veiller à recruter plus d’enseignants en Colombie-
occur next school year, focuses on measures like improving teacher
Britannique. Nous veillerons également à ce que la prochaine ronde
salaries so BC is more attractive to our colleagues in other provinces.
de négociations, qui aura lieu l’année prochaine, soit axée sur des
mesures comme l’amélioration des salaires des enseignants, afin que
Respectful tone from new BC government la Colombie-Britannique soit plus attrayante pour nos collègues des
In this edition of Teacher, you will read about a historic moment autres provinces.
at our Annual General Meeting when Premier John Horgan spoke
to the delegates. Many in the room were relieved to hear a sitting Le ton respectueux du nouveau
Premier speak about the importance of respecting teachers, our gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique
work, and our profession. Dans cette édition du magazine des enseignants, vous lirez à propos
d’un moment historique à notre assemblée générale annuelle lorsque
That message has carried over to an announcement made in April le premier ministre John Horgan a parlé aux délégués. Plusieurs
about a new initiative called the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in personnes dans la salle ont été soulagées d’entendre un premier
Education. The government says the awards are an opportunity to ministre parler de l’importance de respecter les enseignants, notre
recognize dedicated educators who go above and beyond to make travail et notre profession.
life better for students in British Columbia.
Ce message a été reporté à une annonce faite en avril au sujet
This is an excellent opportunity for BCTF members. I encourage d’une nouvelle initiative appelée Prix du Premier Ministre pour
you to go to the government’s website and learn more about the l’Excellence en Éducation. Le gouvernement affirme que les prix
application process. sont une occasion de reconnaître les éducateurs dévoués qui vont
au-delà de leurs moyens pour améliorer la vie des élèves de la
Thank you again for everything you do for your students and
Colombie-Britannique.
our union.
C’est une excellente opportunité pour les membres de la FECB. Je
Have an excellent summer. vous encourage à consulter le site internet du gouvernement et à en
apprendre davantage sur le processus de demande.
Merci encore pour tout ce que vous faites pour vos élèves et
notre syndicat.
Passez un excellent été.
May | June 2018 TEACHER 3
READERS WRITE
iStock.com/MajaPhoto
Taking action on climate change is one of the
ways we show care to our students. As older
generations enjoy the fruits of industrialization
that caused the climate crisis, the next will have
to deal with the most severe repercussions.
We also need to demonstrate our solidarity
with other workers by advocating for green
jobs and supporting oil workers’ transition to a
green economy.
It’s about being on the right side of history.
When my future students ask what I was
Women’s Institute Protest the pipeline doing to stop climate change I want to have an
A powerful experience HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, including high school answer for them.
I HAD THE great privilege and pleasure of students, have been arrested as part of the
We can make a huge shift quickly as the US and
attending the first annual BCTF Women’s movement to stop Kinder Morgan’s Trans
Canada did during and after WWII by retooling
Institute. The topics were heavy, sometimes Mountain pipeline. The pipeline will ship
our economy. Just as teachers are leading the
painful: sexism, patriarchy, rape culture, bitumen from the Alberta Tar Sands and could
fight against austerity in Puerto Rico, and
and gender equality. Yet I would describe lead to seven times more tanker traffic in the
Parkland students are shifting the gun debate
it as the most inspiring three days I’ve ever Burrard Inlet. People are acting because they
in the US, we, as teachers, can be a crucial
spent professionally. We explored the are concerned about oil spills, effects on ocean
catalyst for climate justice.
legacy of some amazing women and their life, climate change, and First Nations’ rights.
fight for equality, and the BCTF history of Find Teachers against the Pipeline on Facebook
I want to call on teachers to be a part of
promoting the status of women. Did you or email mrosen@vsb.bc.ca.
this movement.
know it wasn’t until 1929 that women were —Michael Gabriel Rosen, Vancouver teacher
deemed “persons” in Canada (and even The new curriculum suggests we teach
then, not all women)? Or that it was as late critical thinking and social responsibility. It Editor’s note: You can find teaching
as 1979 that the BCTF AGM passed a motion is important for us to model this in the real resources, lesson plans, and workshops
that women should be employed on the world. In the face of injustice and ecological concerning the environment and sustainability
same basis as men? Of the 70 presidents in crises, students have too many examples at bctf.ca/SocialJustice.aspx?id=22000.
BCTF history, only eight have been women. of passivity and cynicism. Teachers who are
acting on causes they believe in are islands of Delegates to the 2018 BCTF AGM also passed a
That’s 11%. Clearly there is still work to do.
inspiration. Getting involved in this movement motion encouraging locals to stand in solidarity
So what can we do? Remind ourselves that means acting and working in solidarity with with Indigenous water and land protectors in
change is not an event. It is a process and local First Nations—such a huge learning opposition to the Kinder Morgan pipeline by
one that we are all part of. Start with the opportunity for settler teachers wanting to lobbying local politicians and participating in
language you use. Stop calling women work toward reconciliation. protests and actions.
girls. You would never call it the Canadian
Olympic boys’ hockey team! Challenge your
assumptions. The idea that boys and men BCTF archives available
should be a certain way is just as damaging I AM A social studies, English, and learning
as the idea that girls should be. Most of us assistance teacher at Sutherland Secondary in
have good intentions, but when it comes to North Vancouver. As part of my M.Ed program I
equality it isn’t the intention that matters am taking a course on the history of curriculum.
most. It’s the impact. What is the message The article titled “BC’s ‘new’ curriculum” in a
that is being sent and internalized by our recent edition of Teacher sparked my interest.
students? Check in with yourself. Ask, “What As we study curriculum in Canada and specific
is the impact of my words or actions?” changes in BC, I can’t help but feel the same
debates from the 1920s and 1930s still exist
To the women who bravely stood up and
today. Progressive education and teaching the
said, “This is not okay.” We say a heartfelt
“whole child” feels very similar to the core
and humble, “Thank you.”To the men in
competencies in the new curriculum.
our professional and personal lives we say,
“Stand with us. We are allies. We cannot fight I am wondering if there is an archive of
this alone.” Teacher magazine, and if I might be able to
browse through them. I am curious about the
To the children who look to us to shape similarities and differences of teacher reactions
their future we say, “We will not stop. Until to new curriculum from 1917 to now. I loved the
every person, regardless of gender, is free to quote from 1980, “Once again, teachers may
express all of who they are and be anything be left to pick up the pieces of expectations
they want, we will not stop.” shattered by the disparity between the
—Amanda Byrne Jungen, Saanich teacher promises of political announcements and the
reality of a program that is philosophically
misguided and operationally confused.”
4 TEACHER May | June 2018
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Teaching this summer?
By Richard Hoover, BCTF staff
If you are thinking of teaching summer school students this year, you’ll be glad
to know that since 2010 all summer school programs in British Columbia’s public
schools have been operating under the provisions of the collective agreement.
SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS are members
of the BCTF bargaining unit, pay local and
provincial union dues, and have access to
By the numbers
the applicable provisions of the collective
2016 summer school
agreement. Summer school teaching can
count for pensionable and contributory
service for the Teachers’ Pension Plan, and
52,674
summer school teaching can also count for
experience credit for salary increments and 20 students
for seniority, depending on the specific local school were enrolled
provisions of the collective agreement.
districts
Although all provisions of the collective
offered
agreement may not apply, in many summer
cases provisions regarding class-size and school
composition, workload, preparation time, courses
supervision, health and safety, professional
autonomy, posting and filling of positions,
harassment or sexual harassment, and more
will apply. In each of the approximately 20
school districts that offer academic summer
school programs, local collective agreement
provisions will differ. 28,035 24,639
Secondary
Pay rates for summer school teachers must Elementary
be specified in the collective agreement, but
vary widely. The base rate, established in
2010, is 1/1000 of Category 5/PB Step 0 per
hour of instruction.
Prior to 2008, summer school programs were
not funded by the Ministry of Education,
and school districts that offered courses
charged fees. Since 2008 the Ministry has
funded summer school programs and
students attend free of charge.
For details of the salary and Largest student enrollment
specific local conditions of Vancouver—14,087 Surrey—9,900 Burnaby—7,225
work that apply to summer
school work, refer to the
The total Ministry of Education
collective agreement for the funding for summer school was
district in which you want to
teach, or contact your local
$16,409,255.
union office.
iStock.com
May | June 2018 TEACHER 5
TAKING STOCK
Before this school year even started, the BCTF
ONE YEAR LATER called upon the new Minister of Education and
The 3Rs: restoration,
school districts to swiftly enact an assertive,
province-wide recruitment and retention
strategy—one that considered BC teachers
recruitment, and remedy have (along with Quebec teachers) the worst
starting salaries in Canada, and lower-than-
average salaries overall.
By Glen Hansman, BCTF President
Adding in the high cost of living in BC begs
Twelve months have flown by since the provincial election last spring. At that why sufficient numbers of new teachers
time, who could forecast where public education would be one year later? would want to come west of the Rockies,
We’d only won our Supreme Court of Canada case in November 2016 and had when they could stay in Alberta, Manitoba,
just ratified the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), returning the bulk of Saskatchewan, Ontario, or other provinces,
stripped language to our collective agreements. earn significantly more money, pay off student
loans more quickly, and even afford a place
Teacher recruitment Other districts waited, some perhaps to live.
hindered by inaction because of the uncertainty of funding
Previous shortages for French language and
Political turmoil after the May 9 election left from the BC Liberal government, but senior secondary specialist teachers in rural
a lot of uncertainty concerning the funding others perhaps in denial that class-size,
and remote regions were compounded by
of the MOA, and school districts were either class-composition, and specialist teacher
an overall shortage. Furthermore, existing
scrambling to recruit thousands of teachers ratio language would actually be restored.
BC teachers were applying for the thousands
or, unfortunately for teachers and students, Other than remedy-related provisions (local
of available positions, causing momentous
waiting until the dust settled on the election remedy provisions, where they existed, were movement within the province.
before proceeding. Now, one year later, replaced by new provincial remedy language
many challenges remain, predominantly that applied to all sixty school districts), On the plus side, thousands of BCTF members
flowing from the failure of school districts’ all local class-size, class-composition, and were able to get positions in school districts
recruitment efforts. specialist teacher ratio language was closer to their homes, translating into shorter
restored. On top of that, locals that had commutes and better work-life balance,
To be fair, restoring 3,500 teaching positions language pertaining to school-based especially for those teachers working in the
is no small feat. Stripping those positions from teams, district committees related to special Lower Mainland or Capital Region.
collective agreements in 2002 involved the education, inclusion, or other provisions
stroke of a pen, while recruiting thousands of were also returned and should have been On the down side, because of the shortage of
teachers takes real time and effort. reactivated this school year. certified teachers, hundreds of positions were
unfilled at any given time, and school districts
The BCTF publicly congratulated school We’ve witnessed the depletion of TTOC hired non-certified teachers in numbers that
districts that reached out to teachers in other lists in many districts, resulting in the we’ve never seen.
provinces early on and subsequently boosted problematic disruption of special education
their TTOC numbers in anticipation of the services and in the work lives of our After a tremendous amount of public
crunch they might find themselves in during members serving in non-enrolling specialist attention on teacher shortages, Education
the 2017–18 school year. teacher positions. Minister Rob Fleming convened the Task Force
on Immediate Recruitment and Retention
What a difference a year makes Challenges during the fall. The task force
delivered their report on December 11, 2017,
1500 The number of classes with which proposed six immediate actions and a
number of medium- to long-term steps.
30 or more students has
1,385 dropped by 45% On February 9, 2018, the Ministry of Education
1200 classes announced funding and support for a few of
in one year.
the task force’s recommendations, but we still
Source: BCTF Research Department await news on the remaining immediate and
900 and Ministry of Education medium- to long-term actions.
757 Remedy
600 classes Remedy is proving to be one of the biggest
headaches in about a quarter of school
districts, especially as we approach the end
300
iStock.com/A-Digit
of this school year. In districts where there
is no class-composition language or where
teacher recruitment hasn’t been a problem,
0 remedy hasn’t factored high on the list of
2016–17 2017–18
6 TEACHER May | June 2018
TAKING STOCK
concerns. But as in Vancouver, the Conseil and other education policy matters left in the voices of our newest members, are
scolaire francophone (CSF), and other limbo by the previous government. important to the process. Our collective
school districts, it is extremely vexing to priorities and strategies must fit the needs
On the plus side, we are heading into
have a great number of teachers with and wishes for all members, at all stages
collective bargaining with more than
large amounts of remedy generated of their teaching careers. I, and the other
3,500 new teachers in BC schools, more
because the employer has not fixed the members of the provincial Executive
supports for students overall, and a more
original problems. Committee, look forward to meeting you
respectful and working relationship with
in your schools, in your locals, and at other
The BCTF is concerned that in many the current government.
events over the months and year ahead.
instances, remedy in these districts could
I encourage members to participate in your The MOA: https://is.gd/QEwR06.
have been avoided had class-size and
locals as we prepare for bargaining locally
composition language been implemented The government’s recruitment and
and provincially. Your voices, including
properly. We are using the grievance and retention task force: https://is.gd/SWEjEA.
arbitration processes to challenge how
some school districts implemented—or did
not implement—the language. The remedy Now that workload language is restored,
mechanism outlined in the MOA was
intended for rare occasions when language
how will we negotiate it next round?
could not be met because of the lack of When the government legislated Public regular collective bargaining process. All
physical space in a building or in other Education Labour Relations Act (PELRA) language is renegotiable.
considerations also spelled out in the MOA. in 1994, cost items related to workload
(including class-size, class-composition, and What workload language
Unfortunately, in a few school districts, needs addressing?
ratios/caseloads) were bargained provincially.
remedy is the norm instead of the
Workload, as an item, was returned to Distributed learning and adult education
exception, and in some of these districts,
PELRA by Bill 22 a few years later. need class-size and class-composition
the employer is not even consistently
language. A few locals don’t have any
delivering on the remedy—leaving many
Proposals to introduce, improve, change, class-size language for Grades 4–12, and
teachers coming close to the end of the year
amend, or delete any language pertaining understandably members in those locals
without having their workload addressed in
to workload (including class-size, class- will want to see language bargained. About
any form.
composition, ratios/caseloads—and the 20 locals don’t have any class-composition
new compliance/remedy language) are language at all, while other locals have
The BCTF deems this lack bargained at the provincial table. No doubt various forms of this language.
of action [on remedy] we have much work to do. In the 2012 and
Bargaining objectives are chosen, and
2014 negotiations, the Federation brought
unacceptable, and will common provincial language on class-size, decisions about how to proceed with
class-composition, and ratios to the table. The bargaining come from members through
continue to use the grievance/ employer refused to negotiate these items, their locals. This spring, locals throughout
arbitration process to find a even though they were within the scope the province are surveying and receiving
of PELRA. input from members about possible
just solution for members. bargaining objectives, and strategies to
At that time, language had not yet been support those objectives. The Executive
Let’s not forget that this mess would have
returned by the courts, so we bargained as if Committee (EC) will appoint the
been avoided had the previous provincial
starting from scratch. Now that language is bargaining team in August.
government not enacted unconstitutional
legislation in 2002 and in 2012, or not restored, we will bargain from language that
This fall, at the BCTF Provincial
underfunded the system for 16 long years legally exists. This long-overdue opportunity
Bargaining Conference, delegates will
and decreased the number of teachers is our first since the 2001–02 round
consider resolutions from locals and
graduating from teacher education of negotiations.
recommendations from the EC, for items
programs. That said, the BC Liberal related to the provincial table. The Executive
government is now history, and we urge Process/ancillary language was also restored
Committee then has primary responsibility
the new government to take proactive steps to some locals. Most of that language can
for bargaining, once bargaining commences.
to avoid further problems for the 2018–19 be locally bargained under Appendix B
school year. of LOU#1. Are other unions bargaining
the same time we are?
Mentorship, revised curriculum, What is the starting point Most public-sector collective agreements
the grad program, and bargaining for workload language? in BC expire at the end of March 2019. Our
We are also pushing for mentorship All language that is currently in use (including agreement expires at the end of June 2019.
programs, greater access to in-service for the March 2017 MOA itself and Schedule On government’s part, all public- sector
teachers in every school district, more A detailing all the workload language unique bargaining is co-ordinated by the Public
supports for the revised curriculum, and for to each local) remains in effect until there is Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC), which is
greater clarity on the graduation program an agreed-to negotiated change through the overseen by the Ministry of Finance.
May | June 2018 TEACHER 7
Nature room INSPIRES learning
By Susan Croll, Teacher editor
Passion for nature drove Sheri Evans to create her magical nature room at
Seaview Community School in Port Moody. She grew up by Deer Lake in
Burnaby next to a farm and spent her time exploring the shoreline, learning to
appreciate the trees, plants, animals, and insects that inhabited the lake.
WITH HER BACKGROUND in Girl Guiding She shared with staff that she wanted to
and its own history of nature rooms, Sheri create a nature room and took them on
dreamed of creating a similar room in her a field trip to Lighthouse Park, showing
school, one where students of all ages them the Girl Guides’ nature room there.
could learn about and experience BC’s flora Colleagues were sold on the idea and Sheri
and fauna. began to clean out and transform a book
room in their school. Walls were primed,
Sheri also wanted to take advantage of the cabinets installed, and murals painted. Port Moody teacher Sheri Evans
revised curricula and integrate inquiry and Parents, friends, and colleagues donated
nature-based teaching and learning ideas in antlers, skulls, birds, nests, and other kinds I love it when they say,
the displays she created in the room. of flora and fauna appropriate for her room.
‘I’ve never seen this. What is it?
“I want kids to touch, feel, pick things “It took just over a year from the idea to the Can I pick it up?’”
up, and play with them too. Instead of a room’s establishment and grand opening
‘don’t’ list, we have a DO list. If an object this past January,” Sheri says. “While I got The nature room also includes a quiet
isn’t under glass, then it’s theirs to pick some funds from our PAC and the district, space replete with nature books, puzzles,
up and examine. I change up the displays people gave me lots of the things you see in quiet games, and a solar system. Sheri
and my aim is to make them hands-on and this room.” says that because some children become
minds-on.” overstimulated quickly, she built a tipi to
distinguish the back area from the front
and define the quiet space.
A salmon tank also hums in a corner and
in about a month, young salmon will be
released into a stream in Burnaby.
As well as Sheri, other Seaview teachers
use the nature room to enhance teaching
and learning. Sheri says that the room has
been well worth her efforts. “It’s the kids’
excitement and awe. I want them to touch
and play with the displays, to appreciate
nature. I love it when they say, ‘I’ve never
seen this. What is it? Can I pick it up?’”
8 TEACHER May | June 2018
Panoramic image of the nature room at
Seaview Community School.
All photos pages 8–9 by Susan Croll
May | June 2018 TEACHER 9
2018 AGM: Elections, Award, the highest honour within the BC
Teachers’ Federation. Larry was lauded
heartbreaking truths,
for his decades of championing public
education at home and around the world.
Read AGM proceedings including
and bargaining recommendations and resolutions here:
https://is.gd/lAtEcm.
More than 700 BCTF members Rae Figursky (Burnaby), Shawn Gough
gathered in Vancouver from March (Vancouver Island North), and Jody
17–20th for the 102nd Annual Polukoshko (Vancouver Elementary).
General Meeting.
This year’s keynote speaker was Tanya
FOLLOWING LAST YEAR’s changes to the Talaga, an award-winning investigative
structure of the Federation’s Executive reporter for the Toronto Star and author
Committee, this AGM saw two members of Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death
elected for the two designated positions for and Hard Truths in a Northern City. Tanya
equity-seeking groups. told the true story about several young
Indigenous youth who have died in Thunder
Vancouver Secondary counsellor Marjorie Bay over the past eight years, including how
Dumont was elected as Member-at-Large and why their deaths went unnoticed by
for the designated Aboriginal position, and governments and the media for so long. For
Surrey teacher Lizanne Foster was elected a full hour, she connected these tragic deaths
as Member-at-Large for the designated to the legacy of residential schools and the
racialized position. need for justice reform. After her speech, a
The addition of these two new positions line-up 200 teachers long formed to buy her
was the first structural change to the compelling book and simply to meet her.
Federation’s Executive Committee in over 50 BCTF President Glen Hansman informed
years. Addressing the AGM, President Glen delegates about our upcoming round
Wendy D photos
Hansman called these changes historic and of collective bargaining. He said that
applauded all of the candidates who put their preparations are well under way with
names forward. “Our membership is diverse, many BCTF locals surveying members and
so we need our leadership to be diverse.” bargaining training in progress. The BCTF
Also elected to the Executive Committee has told both government and BCPSEA
were Carole Gordon (Central Okanagan), that the Federation’s goal is to bargain a
Robin Tosczak (Greater Victoria), and new agreement well before the current
Kip Wood (Nanaimo). Glen Hansman, agreement expires on June 30, 2019.
President (Vancouver Elementary), Teri Larry Kuehn, a former president of the
Mooring, First Vice-President (Quesnel), BCTF and current Director of Research and
and Clint Johnston, Second Vice-President Technology, received the G.A. Fergusson
(Chilliwack), were re-elected. Members of the
Executive Committee whose terms end next 2018–19 BCTF Executive Committee (Below, L to R): Glen, Clint, Teri, Marj, Lizanne, Shawn,
year are Rory Brown (Vancouver Secondary), Rae, Rory, Robin, Jody, Carole, Kip.
Wendy D photo Susan Croll photo
10 TEACHER May | June 2018Horgan pledges
RESPECT for teachers Marilou Strait photo
9:30 a.m., March 20, 2018: Delegates rose to their feet in an enthusiastic
standing ovation as a smiling Premier John Horgan entered the meeting hall, the New Premier’s Awards
first sitting premier to address the BCTF Annual General Meeting since 2001. for Excellence in Education
AFTER INTRODUCING Education Minister Rob sexism and all forms of discrimination. We’ve The Ministry of Education recently
Fleming and Labour Minister Harry Bains, had some disruptions in the [Fraser] Valley,” announced the Premier’s Awards for
Horgan began by thanking teachers and he said, referencing transphobic positions Excellence in Education, which will honour
expressing respect for the work they do. taken by a Chilliwack trustee, “but I really the achievements of public, independent,
believe SOGI 123 is a great first step to make and First Nations school system educators.
“I want to say, on behalf of my colleagues
sure kids do feel safe in their classrooms.” Awards will be given out in nine categories
who are here and all of the BC NDP, that we
Supporting Indigenous students is also a top
ranging from Community Engagement to
respect what you do. We care about what you
do. And we’re going to do everything we can priority, he said. In mandate letters to all Indigenous Education. Nominations will be
to make your lives better so that kids of this ministers, “I laid out my expectations that accepted until June 18, 2018.
generation aren’t deprived like the kids of the our new government would implement the Shortlisted nominees will be announced
last generation were,” he said. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of in September and finalists will be invited
Indigenous Peoples and the calls to action of to an awards ceremony at Government
Horgan referred to obstacles placed in
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” House in Victoria on World Teachers’ Day,
teachers’ way by the past government, and
asserted that his government wants to remove The affordability crisis facing BC families is October 5, 2018.
them. “That’s why we’re investing 1.2 billion another key concern. “That’s why we are Winners will receive a $3,000 personal
dollars in the K–12 system between now and investing $1 billion over the next three years bursary for professional learning, a $2,000
2021,” he said, to huge applause. “Now I know to deliver universal quality childcare.” He
contribution to their school community for
you’re saying: ‘Well, what about bargaining?’ called on teachers to speak out as allies in the
professional learning, and an individual
But that’s not in there, it’s somewhere else. debate around public investment in child care
photo with the Premier and Minister of
I will assure you that on the way in, Glen and other public services.
Education while receiving their award.
[Hansman] mentioned two or three times that
“Public services are the whole point of
he’d like to get [bargaining] started.” For more information, please visit
government—not to disrupt services, but to
https://is.gd/sKCaXV.
Horgan promised wide consultation with enhance them.”
British Columbians in both urban and rural
Horgan ended by emphasizing the
settings around the education funding
importance of public service in a democracy.
formula review, saying he wants to get away
People who feel called to serve are the ones
from a one-size-fits-all approach. He noted
who should be running for office, people
that since September his government has put
who believe in helping their neighbours
funding in place for 3,700 new teachers and 50
and bringing communities together in one
projects are under way to renovate old schools
common purpose to tackle issues such as child
and build new ones.
poverty, inequality, and the overdose crisis.
“School safety is much more than the bricks
“Working together we can succeed, we will
and mortar. It’s about kids and teachers
succeed,” he concluded.
feeling safe, free from racism, homophobia,
May | June 2018 TEACHER 11An exciting time to be a teacher!
NEW TEACHERS share their unexpected experiences
By Susan Croll, Teacher editor
Susan Croll photos
Eagerness, energy, and excitement were just some of the emotions that could school. “The court case was like manna from
be felt in the large meeting room at the New Teachers’ Conference organized heaven. I’ve always wanted to work in the
by the BCTF in Richmond recently. They have a true right to their feelings— public system. It was difficult breaking into
with the BCTF win at the Supreme Court of Canada and the restoration of the public system and even with the court
collective agreement language, more than 3,500 additional teachers have case win, getting an interview was hard.”
been hired in British Columbia this past school year.
Priskilla Oommen
AND OVER 400 new teachers and student With positions opening in nearly every is a Surrey teacher
teachers came to learn about how they district, many teachers are returning from who moved back to
could connect with other new teachers, teaching overseas, finding they are having Canada after teaching
deepen their understanding about teaching to adapt to a different system. Others are in India, and she’s
using an antiracist and inclusive lens, and returning to teaching after prolonged found it challenging
find out about their profession from their absences and some people have worked in to adapt to such a
union’s perspective. other positions in school districts and have different system. “I
decided to pursue a teaching degree. really appreciate the smaller classes here,
This positive change for public education has but I think there needs to be greater support
renewed hope for many teachers who’ve For some teachers, feeling anxious about for kids who have troubles learning and
worked for countless years as teachers how they will do in the classroom, whether behavioural difficulties.”
teaching on call finally getting their own they’re prepared enough, or how they will
classroom and receiving better pay and get through the curriculum haunts them. Claire Leesui taught
benefits too. It’s meant an infusion of new in Richmond ten
people in classrooms and schools, bringing Eric Kuo was surprised years ago and has
fresh ideas and experiences, excited to work about the lack of recently returned to
with students and more veteran colleagues. technology at his teaching. She notices
school in Vernon. He that teaching today
But teaching is a journey into the
designed research is more collaborative
unexpected and surprising. No day is
projects for his and she likes what
the same as the one previous. I asked
students that required she’s seeing with how younger people teach.
our newest and future members what
using digital devices, “There’s more sharing, co-operation, and
surprised them about the world of teaching,
but had to scramble to rejig assignments planning together.” She wonders if increased
and how they overcame any challenges
so they did not require technology. “Not collaboration is motivated by greater
they encountered.
only do we have limited technology at our pressures and asks if this pressure forces
Common themes popped up in our school, I cannot assume my students have it teachers to share more. “Kids seem to have
discussions. Many new teachers are tech at home either.” more behavioural needs and challenges,
savvy, having grown up with technology so and still there’s not enough assistance in
the digital world is second nature to them. Kiran Olak is working the classroom. From this perspective, I see
But the access to technology is uneven in as a TTOC in the Fraser more on teachers’ plates. But I love the
BC schools. Some districts embrace cyber Valley. She taught in enthusiasm—it’s an exciting time to come
learning with schools looking like tech labs, England previously back to teaching.”
while other schools use technology in more because she couldn’t
limited ways or haven’t had the funds to get a job here. When
properly outfit classrooms. she returned she
worked at a private
12 TEACHER May | June 2018Julia McClellant- a TTOC, I now have the full-meal deal! It president. I learned to take things in stride
Pepin is a student was challenging at first, but now I’m really and have built relationships with both staff
teacher who has enjoying it.” and students.”
worked as an
education assistant Muneeb Arshid is Dustin Stolen
since 1999. Now she’s a secondary-school was part of a five-
gone back to school trained teacher who person panel who
to get her teaching found himself working spoke to conference
certificate. Fluent in sign language and in a K–Grade 5 setting participants about
with a history of working with students in Langley. “At first, the benefits and
who are deaf and hearing impaired, she I was pulling my hair joys of teaching in
wants to teach in this field. She finds the out. I didn’t have rural communities.
amount of time spent planning lessons and the resources. I had to learn to teach in He teaches in the tiny community of
just thinking about her students—along a different way. As a resource/learning Greenwood, which has a population of 650.
with figuring out the revised curriculum assistance teacher I had many, many “There’s no grocery store, no pool, yes there
challenges her to keep balance in life. individual education plans (IEPs) and had is a lack of facilities, but strangely I never
to co-ordinate meetings. It was a hectic feel isolated. I love where I teach. It’s about
Logan Storrie is a first two months. I got through it because the relationships you develop. I find people
student teacher at of my supportive staff, admin, and local here supportive. There was no housing in
Saltspring Middle Greenwood, so I bought a house which was
School also grappling affordable in nearby Midway, something
with balance— I could never afford to do in a larger and
specifically trying more urban area.”
to find a balance
between their queer/ Dave Lewis, a secondary teacher from
trans identity and teaching. They explain, Terrace, explained how he was initially
“I became a teacher to effect social justice. anxious about not knowing enough about
I want kids to know that if they are queer kids, teaching, and education in general.
or trans that this is normal. It takes so much It wasn’t until he sat down and had a
energy and I am learning my own limits and good conversation
trying to keep my own balance.” with an experienced
educational assistant at
After eight years on his school that his fears
the TTOC list, Amber were calmed.
Hunter from Prince
George, now has Meghan McArthur, a
two contracts, one in student teacher from
primary and one in Vancouver, is pleasantly
intermediate. Besides surprised by the amount
juggling the demands of support and resources
of both divisions, she initially found the she’s finding. “I thought
workload of lesson planning, marking, I’d have to create it all
and staff and parent relationships a tad but I don’t and people
overwhelming. “Compared to my work as are really helpful.”
The BCTF website has a wide range of resources
for new teachers. From lesson planning ideas,
reporting, classroom management, to dealing
with the many demands of the classroom, you can
find it at all at bctf.ca/NewTeachers.aspx#who.
Check out the New Teachers Handbook
under publications, especially formatted for
mobile devices.
May | June 2018 TEACHER 13Vernon Teachers’ Association
LOCAL PROFILE
By Marian Dodds, 2017–18 Teacher Editor
Life in local #22 Lisa LaBoucane photo
KALAMALKA LAKE, “the lake of many brim with passion and purpose. The local has
Susan Croll photo
colours,” sparkles and beckons. No wonder collaborated with district staff to rebrand the
Vernon-area teachers say they never tire district’s mentorship model. At a recent school
of the view. A whirlwind tour of Vernon board presentation, one new teacher enthused
schools revealed a kaleidoscope of creative, “I feel I am having PD every day! As teachers
enthusiastic teachers and kids. “Teachers we’re always changing.”
build the next generation, their hearts go President profile
Vernon’s more than 1,200 Indigenous students
into teaching, and their efforts must be RAISED WITH a union mindset on a
graduate at rates significantly higher than
respected and valued,” asserts President Saskatchewan wheat farm, Lisa LaBoucane
the provincial average. Schools have welcome
Lisa LaBoucane, explaining why the Vernon could claim being an “activist in utero.” Her
rooms staffed with Aboriginal support
Teachers’ Association (VTA) makes teacher farmer father was active in the National
workers, and teachers use resources designed
professionalism and the professional voice Farmers’ Union. Her mother and grandmother
to support infusing Aboriginal history and
of teachers their priority. New teachers and taught in the same one-room schoolhouse.
culture into all curricula.
teachers teaching on call get support through Lisa contemplated studying law or journalism
a “school buddy” system, developed by the Vernon teachers enjoy a reciprocal relationship but realized her passion was teaching.
Professional Relations Committee, and are with the BCTF. They serve on many BCTF
supported by Q&A sessions and SURTs at the advisory committees and PSA executives, While a student teacher at the University of
VTA office. This central hub for professional providing important “interior” perspectives Lethbridge, Lisa took advantage of the student
development, mentorship, inquiry groups, at the provincial level. VTA advocacy led membership offered by the Alberta Teachers’
workshops, and committee and executive their district to be an early adopter of the Association, attending events showing her
meetings will soon be the site for a grand SOGI initiative. the benefits of teacher unionism. After five
celebration—they are now mortgage free! years teaching drama, English, and health in
Like all BC communities, there are issues of rural Alberta, she moved on to the University
Bargaining chair Barry Dorval has noticed that affordable housing, crime, and drug abuse. of Victoria, completing a master’s degree
“teachers are paying close attention in this The VTA has a history of compassion, donating in special education. In 2005 she moved to
round of bargaining.” Their committee has from their generous Community Resources Lumby as a behaviour specialist teacher and
been busy with school visits and a bargaining Fund to causes that affect families. School counsellor, then on to Vernon. In her third
survey, to ensure teachers have a voice in drama and music programs collaborate with year as VTA president, Lisa uses a collaborative
upcoming processes. local groups to build community. Vernon leadership style, advocating passionately for
teachers and their families enjoy fabulous teacher engagement and voice.
Robyn Ladner shares a “full lean in” photo outdoor recreation and sports opportunities
of teachers at a PD event to illustrate how a alongside a vibrant music, art, dance, and This year, Lisa has tapped into her expertise
decade of rethinking PD has born fruit with theatre scene. In the words of one teacher, in special education to address challenges
teacher-led, evidence-based initiatives that Vernon is “not little, but just big enough.” with restored language issues centered on
class-size and composition, special education
designations, and the professional role of
Vernon at a glance school-based teams. With the local’s intent
District includes communities of Vernon, Lumby, Cherryville, to build voice though active involvement of
Coldstream. Population: Vernon 42,000, greater Vernon about 60,000. members in mind, she’s invited teachers to sit
Education system: 8,500 students (1,200 identify as Aboriginal), in and take notes at grievance meetings.
565 teachers.
A BCTF Women in Negotiations facilitator,
Four elementary schools including a K–7 French immersion school,
Lisa describes her training as a “most
a K–6 Montessori program, and a late French immersion program.
impactful experience” centered on listening,
Five secondary schools (includes one dual-track French immersion).
collaborating, and relationship building. She
Alternative education programs in Vernon and Lumby. Many academy
is committed to encouraging other women to
programs (rowing, swimming, hockey).
step in to negotiations.
Post-secondary: UBC Okanagan in Kelowna campus, Okanagan College.
Economy: Tourism, Kal Tire, Tolko (forestry). Many residents travel to and from jobs in Alberta In her spare time Lisa and her family take
via Kelowna airport. full advantage of the natural environment.
Visitor interest: Silver Star Provincial Park: both downhill and cross-country skiing, They enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing,
snowshoeing, and tubing in the winter; mountain biking and hiking in the summer. snowmobiling, and slalom skiing all winter;
Sovereign Lake Nordic Center: the nation’s largest cross-country ski club. wakeboarding, rowing/skulling and camping
Golfing: At least six golf courses near Vernon. Wine tours. An amazing farmers’ market. in summer; and yoga year-round.
Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Lake: paradise for boating, paddle boarding, and swimming.
14 TEACHER May | June 2018Photos contributed by Nathan Bennett, Marian Dodds, Lisa LaBoucane, Robyn Ladner, and Sheila Munroe.
Shifting our culture to deeper forms of professional development
By Robyn Ladner, Vernon Teachers’ Association Professional Development Chair
HOW DO WE build awareness and capacity and self-directed learning as a deeper form of using funds from the BCTF, our local, and the
to shift our local culture of professional professional development. school district.
development? Ten years ago, this was our
Now our vibrant teacher-driven PD culture Professional engagement also infuses the goals
challenge. How could our Vernon local support
helps us navigate the constant changes in our that guide our local executive. The past few
individual teachers, groups, and school staffs
profession. Sometimes we do this in individual years we have made it our priority to create
to embrace a teacher-led model? Supported
quiet reflection and sometimes with the a culture of professionalism that focuses on
by a BCTF Program for Quality Teaching grant
support of our colleagues. We support both autonomy, leadership, and the voice of the
and facilitator, we began with an “inquiry
by facilitating activities for local specialist professional teacher. We take this goal with
into inquiry” project. Over a year of inquiry,
associations (LSAs), promoting teacher- us into every meeting and committee. It
we developed a PD model that identified key
generated PD activities, building inquiry into permeates our interactions with colleagues,
points and skills needed to shift the thinking
school-based PD days, and supporting as management, the board, and parents.
and culture in our local toward teacher inquiry
many as a dozen teacher inquiry groups a year
Teachers of Vernon leading in inquiry and specialist associations
Sheila Monroe’s When Kate Morrison Gail Wolanski is president
Marian Dodds photos
passion for monarch Kaneda first started as of her local special
butterflies led her to a Vernon Montessori education teachers’
create a drought-resistant teacher she found the association and a member-
pollinator garden. “Kids job isolating. Now at-large on the Teachers
love it!” They’ve attracted she is president of the of Inclusive Education
bats, beetles, wasps, bees, Montessori LSA, enabling PSA. Involved in the Cross
and hummingbirds. Every June they harvest their small group to share ideas and support Currents Conference and mini-conferences in
and roast garlic. She works with science each other. With funds from local and the local, she believes that passion-driven and
teachers on environmental stewardship provincial Montessori PSAs, they’ve hosted self-directed PD enables teachers to look at
connected to First Peoples principles. experts to enhance their PD. what is truly meaningful for them.
District counsellor Michell For over 15 years, music Darlene Loland’s research
Bennett shares her teacher Ann Dorval led on mindfulness began with
expertise in using dogs the local music teachers’ a personal quest for ways
for Animal Assistance specialist association. to help anxious or stressed
Interventions (AAI). She She says their links to the students. Now she’s
and two colleagues have provincial PSA have been heading an inquiry group
an inquiry project that a lifeline. Their LSA plans a on mindfulness in the
asks ”what can our district do to support choral showcase where 350 kids representing classroom involving 13 teachers in two schools,
animals in schools?” They’re sharing research every school come together to sing for using local PD-funded release time.
on benefits to kids and developing health, each other.
safety, and ethics protocols.
May | June 2018 TEACHER 15On gender diversity, two—they have nothing to do with
we have a lot to learn
being clean or dirty! Call them what
they are: Tampons. Pads. Menstruation
products. It’s. Not. That. Hard.”
from today’s youth They clapped along to each of those last
four words.
What CampOUT! taught me about I thanked them for the call out, restated
my point with the correct language, and
acceptance through language and action moved on to where the compost bin was.
By Rich Overgaard, BCTF staff
In that moment, I learned that I had
not wrapped my head around what it
It was a sunny July day, in the large dining hall of Camp Fircom on meant to be misgendered umpteen times
Gambier Island, when my 30-something cis (meaning not trans) white per day. I had no idea how frustrating,
gay guy self got a fresh lesson in getting called out. distracting, or hurtful it could be. I
promised myself to spend more time
IT WAS THE first day of CampOUT!, a “Please don’t flush any feminine hygiene listening and less time simply assuming.
UBC-run summer camp for queer, trans, products down the toilet.”
Two-Spirit, and allied youth. I was there A few days later, the next lesson shook
as a volunteer community mentor. The Boom. me hard.
CampOUT! director asked if I would do a A youth in the front row shot up their Earlier in the week, the camp director
speech about how to treat the facilities. hand. “Excuse me!? What did you just had invited me, as a cis guy, to lead by
“Sure, no problem.” call them?!” example and wear inclusive swimwear.
I had given that speech before to other My stomach knotted, my face went red, “Inclusive swimwear? What the hell
camps. When I get to the part about and I searched hopelessly for a friendly is that?”
what can and can’t be flushed down face to rescue me. No one did. This was
going to be a takedown that I deserved. “Swimwear that doesn’t box people
toilets, I said one of the things I would into restrictive gender identities,” came
always say. The youth (see, no need for gender the response.
pronouns) said, “One—they have
nothing to do with being feminine. And I still didn’t get it.
16 TEACHER May | June 2018“Like, a bikini top?” The next two afternoons, I spent time fear and anxiety of social isolation kept
swimming and laughing and helping them from experiencing the simple joy of
The director looked at me with youth climb up and onto the little dock— jumping off a dock at summer camp.
endless patience. so they could just jump off again. We
sang songs, we made friends, we forgot That changed at this camp because some
“If you like, or anything else that might thoughtful people led from the front and
signal to other cis campers what would about the world back home. It was
so joyful. invited others, like me, to join them.
work for them.”
Then, on the last day, the whole I had never thought about how painful it
Hmmm, I chewed on that for a while. must be to be excluded from something
And then it dawned on me. The director camp sat in a circle and shared their
closing thoughts. like swimming. Not because of bashfulness
was asking me, a cis male, to cover up my or a fear of water, but because of one’s
top half. Why are my nipples free? This one youth who had been in the own identity.
To create an inclusive space for these swim party with us took their turn and
a wave of emotion filled me. My eyes My hope with this article is to pass that
youth, some of whom are in transition, learning on. No, I’m not asking all of you
may have already transitioned, or wear were wet with tears and my throat was
jammed. Choked up with all the feels. to wear shirts on your next swimming field
gender-affirming clothing like binders trip. But, I am hoping some of you will.
(to minimize one’s chest) or breast forms The youth said they had not swum in
(to give someone the look of having six years. Maybe, just maybe, there is a youth in your
breasts), we had to get rid of gendered presence who is questioning their gender.
swim costumes. Not at a pool, not on a school field trip, Maybe there is one who already identifies
not at the beach. They never felt safe as non-binary or genderqueer. Maybe
So, I took out a tank top, cut some fringe enough to swim. I was so struck by there is a youth wearing a chest binder
into it (for fun!), and showed it off that: something so simple that brings that you don’t know about.
before the first program session started. so much happiness was out of reach for
this youth. Wouldn’t it be amazing if one of their
Everyone, no matter how they identify, role models showed up—in solidarity,
would wear a top at waterfront. Why? Because there was no bathing suit acceptance, and understanding—in
in the world that they could wear that inclusive swimwear?
would affirm their gender identity. The
Photo courtesty of CampOUT! May | June 2018 TEACHER 17You can also read
