Vote for public education

Opinion

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This article was published 27/09/2023 (710 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

AS the president of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society, I am honoured to stand at the forefront of a profession that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our province.

However, the stark reality we face today is a result of seven years of chronic underfunding by the provincial government, which has inflicted deep wounds on our K-12 public education system.

Inadequate funding has taken a toll on our students, leading to cuts in student electives, apprenticeship programs, and a reduction in staff hires, ultimately resulting in larger class sizes. Critical areas like school nutrition programs, special education support, and youth mental health services have been cast aside due to insufficient funds.

The need for adequate, equitable, and predictable funding has never been more urgent.

While the government has initiated the development of a new education funding model to ensure equitable funding for school divisions, this model has yet to see the light of day.

To effectively tackle the funding crisis in public education, we must acknowledge the significant impact of socio-economic factors on student outcomes.

Manitoba has long held the unfortunate title of Canada’s child poverty capital, with a child poverty rate of 20.68 per cent, significantly higher than the national average. This means that 64,670 Manitoba children are living in poverty.

The disparities in educational outcomes among students living in poverty and their peers are glaring. Preschoolers from low-income families are twice as likely to face delays in cognitive development, numeracy, and literacy. These disparities often stem from factors beyond the control of students and schools, including the lack of a living wage, unstable housing, and limited access to healthcare.

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society has been a long-standing advocate for universal school food programs, recognizing their potential to improve children’s long-term health, school attendance, and social cohesion.

Adequate funding for public education is essential to address not only food insecurity but also other disparities such as access to specialized programs, smaller class sizes, and wraparound services that can help mitigate the impact of poverty and other challenges.

Addressing adequacy necessitates a funding formula that takes into account the varying cost structures across the province and acknowledges differential student needs.

From an equity perspective, one size does not fit all, and equitable funding for school divisions should not translate to equitable underfunding.

One of the immediate consequences of inadequate funding is the increased workload placed on teachers. Manitoba is fortunate to have 16,600 dedicated teaching professionals who work tirelessly to provide the best education possible for their students. However, they are often forced to do so with limited resources and support.

Over the years, the workload of our teachers has steadily increased, with educators stretched thin to meet the diverse needs of their students. Larger class sizes and a shortage of certified substitute teachers and educational assistants have compounded this burden.

Manitoba’s Labour Market Outlook for 2021-25 estimates that the province’s education system will need 3,350 certified teaching professionals to meet the demands of enrolment and retirements — an estimated 837.5 new teachers per year.

Currently, approximately 600 teachers graduate from Manitoba universities each year. The math is simple — not enough teachers to fill the need.

When teachers are overburdened, the quality of education suffers, and the well-being of educators is put at risk, as learning conditions and working conditions are intrinsically linked.

In the upcoming provincial election, I implore all eligible voters to consider the future of public education when making their choices. Our children’s education is not merely a matter of individual interest; it is a collective responsibility. We must prioritize adequate, equitable, and predictable funding for public education as a cornerstone of our province’s success.

We need a funding model that takes into account the socio-economic factors affecting student outcomes, providing additional resources where they are needed most. This includes targeted investments in programs and support services to bridge the achievement gap for students facing the greatest challenges.

Furthermore, we must address the issue of teacher workload by allocating the necessary resources to reduce class sizes, enabling us to meet the diverse and growing needs of our students. A well-supported teaching workforce is crucial for delivering quality education.

Manitoba needs a government that will prioritize equitable and predictable funding for public education as a fundamental investment in the well-being and prosperity of our society.

Together, we can ensure that every child in Manitoba has access to a high-quality education and a brighter future. It is time to rise above the challenges and invest in the promise of our students, for they are the future of our great province.

Nathan Martindale is the president of the Manitoba Teachers Society.