COVID-19

There is no doubt that education workers have struggled as a result of the systemic underfunding of public education. Ontario’s failed response to the COVID-19 pandemic turned difficult classroom realities, such as large class sizes, insufficient supports for students, and poor air quality and ventilation, into a dangerous crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated concerns about large class sizes, the physical condition of schools and the government’s failure to provide appropriate funding to meet the needs of all students, particularly students with special education needs and those from marginalized communities.

Chris Fuerth details how the Ford government has sacrificed our working conditions, our students’ learning conditions and the safety of both educators and students.

Sean Lewis questions why the Ford government decided to funnel much needed investment in public education into re-establishing the EQAO test.

You won’t be able to take away the pandemic-related stressors your students feel, but Gail Lalonde outlines ways you may be able to help reduce their impact.

Patrice White reflects on the impossibility of the hybrid model and how everyone – students and staff included – suffers.

Teacher-librarians Diana Maliszewski and Wendy Burch Jones reflect on the importance and centrality of libraries to school life and the impact of funding cuts.

Voice in conversation with psychologist Dr. Natasha Williams.

I want to begin this column by thanking you and acknowledging how hard you have worked, often under impossible circumstances, to support your students, your colleagues and to deliver the best possible public education across Ontario.