The provincial government has released a retention and recruitment strategy for urgently needed workers in the education system, including teachers, social workers, speech language pathologists and school psychologists.
The strategy will be implemented through action plans that represent the uniqueness of the anglophone and francophone sectors.
"Like other jurisdictions across the country, New Brunswick is facing significant challenges in meeting the increasing demand for teachers and allied health professionals in our education system," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. "The release of the strategy and action plans recognizes that, by focusing on the retention and recruitment of teachers and allied health professionals, we will ensure the system has necessary support services in place."
The strategy is guided by three goals:
- To retain: the strategy calls for the empowerment, recognition and support of New Brunswick's current education workforce.
- To attract: the strategy calls for the promotion of New Brunswick as the place to study, live, work and thrive.
- To recruit: the strategy calls for the development of a sustainable and responsive workforce pipeline.
The strategy was developed through consultations and collaboration with stakeholders, including teachers from both linguistic education sectors, allied health professionals, school districts, professional associations and post-secondary institutions. It outlines short-, medium- and long-term action items that are the responsibility of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, school districts and other government departments, such as Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
"The New Brunswick Teachers' Association is encouraged that the government is recognizing the shortage of certified teachers in New Brunswick," said association president Heidi Ryder. "We remain committed to working collaboratively with all partners and are hopeful that this strategic framework will lead to meaningful action on teacher retention, guided by data-informed staffing decisions and resource allocations that reflect classroom complexity, diverse student needs and the realities of local communities."
"The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick welcomes this milestone in the retention and recruitment efforts for teachers," said Eric Godin, president of the association. "We are confident that it will be followed by concrete measures to address the current shortage. The association is committed to collaborating closely with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and with all the community and education partners in the francophone sector, to tackle the ongoing challenges related to attracting and retaining teachers."
Reporting metrics will be developed to track progress on action items from the strategy.
"Our goal is to create an inclusive, stimulating and rewarding work culture where teachers and allied health professionals feel valued, respected, empowered and supported," said Johnson. "We are optimistic this retention and recruitment strategic plan will help us not only retain our current educators but will attract others to cultivate fulfilling careers in New Brunswick's education system."
