Outpouring of Public Support for Educators

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"199","attributes":{"alt":"Actress Tina Fey holding sign","title":"tina fey_2","height":"150","width":"150","class":"media-image alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1640 media-element file-media-large"}}]]The recent Conservative attack ads questioning Justin Trudeau’s leadership abilities because he was "just a drama teacher" have made many people reflect on teaching and teachers. Never has this type of political smear campaign elicited such a response from the Canadian public. The Canadian Teachers’ Federation has received phone calls, emails, tweets and Facebook messages that showed a landslide of support for teachers. Messages came from teachers, parents and students from across the country. I have done many media interviews in the past weeks where I reiterated the importance of all professions and the crucial contribution of teachers. I also condemned bullying or intimidation tactics used by some political leaders while inviting them to be more positive models for the country’s youth. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive of teachers.  After a recent CTV interview, the host signed off with, “The Conservatives now know – Don’t slag a teacher.” I took away two messages from this enormous outpouring of public support. Firstly, the general public has finally shown that they’ve had it with the politics of division and fear. Secondly, and most importantly, this is a clear and genuine statement of support for teachers and the teaching profession. Teachers make all other professions possible. Teachers shape the future of our children and our communities. Teachers are respected and valued. Every educator plays an important role in creating and supporting a just and caring society. I am honored to have had the privilege to represent Canadian teachers, professionals whose selfless dedication to their students and to the profession make Canada one of the leading educational jurisdictions in the world. Celebrate your crucial role in Canadian society and be proud to be an educator.