Results from a national survey conducted by the Canadian Teachers鈥� Federation show Saskatchewan teachers aren鈥檛 confident about the precautions being used to guarantee a safe return to school for everyone this fall.
鈥淥ur teachers want to return to the classroom, but are very worried about the health risks and impact on student learning,鈥� said Patrick Maze, President of the Saskatchewan Teachers鈥� Federation.
鈥淚t is difficult to understand why precautions are necessary everywhere else 鈥� such as physical distancing and personal protective equipment 鈥� but not in our schools. Adults work in schools, and the students who are deemed low-risk go home to their families,鈥� the union president added.
The top three concerns in the survey related to mental health, the well-being of students and staff, equity supports for teaching and learning and the availability of technology used for teaching.
To address the anxieties of Canadian and Saskatchewan teachers, four priorities emerged from the survey to safeguard the health, safety and mental well-being of educational professionals, students and staff.
The first strategy involved the formation of precise guidelines and communications regarding the recommencement of classes and safety protocols from both the provincial government and Saskatchewan鈥檚 school divisions.
Also, adequate supports should be available for students with intensive needs according to the union.
Further on this topic, physical, mental and emotional supports must be accessible for all students in the province.
Teachers and students must have confidence in believing schools in Saskatchewan are safe places for teaching and learning. Therefore, appropriate cleaning and social distancing protocols must be in place.
鈥淭here are serious concerns about what seems to be two sets of standards for preventing transmission of COVID-19,鈥� said Maze. 鈥淭eachers, students and parents are anticipating the release of the plans in order to be assured their health and safety has been considered and properly addressed.鈥�
Additional results from the survey are available
