Scrap rules that block best teachers from getting jobs

In schools, some of the best teachers connect with students through relationships that develop with a common language, an ease of teaching math or even a shared fascination for retro television shows like Dr. Who. These intangible connections create the bedrock of educational success by keeping students engaged in school life.

So when given the chance, principals hiring teachers for long-term contracts, such as those filling maternity leaves, look beyond general qualifications. They want a teacher whose character and talents fit the needs of students in their school. Quite simply, it’s good for the kids.

But sadly, it is now forbidden. Ontario Minister of Education Laurel Broten has blocked principals’ freedom to hire by bringing in a new rule in the Education Act called Regulation 274. It says hiring must be based on seniority. Nothing else matters.

So if a younger teacher with a passion for chess has the skills to start a club for equally enthusiastic students, he or she won’t get an interview — let alone the job.

In a year of labour unrest, when children have been burned by the loss of extracurricular activities, Regulation 274 is yet another damn-the-students blow, this time levelled by government.

Some speculate that the regulation was a cynical ploy to give unhappy unions something they liked when the controversial Bill 115 was passed last fall. Catholic school boards had already agreed to it in their contracts.

In August, the Progressive Conservatives refused to support the bill unless Broten removed the seniority rule from the contract. Conservative MPP Lisa McLeod argued that “principals should have more flexibility in hiring.” The minister acquiesced, saying she would introduce it as a regulation. And on Sept. 12, Broten did just that.

Five months later, schools are feeling its impact. Now, when teachers on maternity leave ask for extensions, replacement teachers chosen for particular skills or attitudes are often suddenly out of work. After spending months developing relationships with students, many are replaced by teachers selected by seniority alone.

Karen Spivak, whose daughter is in Grade 11 at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, is outraged that the “great” math teacher who inspired her child has been forced to leave. “This regulation does not serve the children,” she says.

Fortunately, a new Liberal cabinet could easily remove the regulation through an order-in-council. That would require Ontario’s new premier Kathleen Wynne (whose government is being sworn in on Monday) to take action. Doing away with Regulation 274 would be a good start.

It’s time someone put the students first.

Original Article
Source: thestar.com
Author: Editorial