SASKATCHEWAN TEACHERS' FEDERATION
Saskatchewan Teachers Pleased Throne Speech Lists Education as a Priority

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation is encouraged that government highlighted addressing the challenges in public education in today's (November 25) Speech from the Throne. With government touting growth in Saskatchewan's economy, it is promising to see they are also finally recognizing the challenges in classrooms and have considered first steps to improve students' and teachers' experience in public schools.

"Voters were clear this fall that the status quo was not working, and a new approach is needed if we are going to give Saskatchewan students the resources and supports they need to be successful," says Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation President Samantha Becotte. "Statistics Canada shows that many aspects of Saskatchewan's economy are among the strongest in the country, so our government is well positioned to reverse a decade of underfunding and commit meaningful, long-term funding for our public education system."

Saskatchewan teachers know that meeting students' needs in the classroom today is key to the future prosperity and success of our province. On behalf of its members, the STF is looking forward to rebuilding relationships and working with the government to address the significant challenges students and teachers are facing caused by years of underfunding. The most pressing challenges were outlined in the STF's Vote for Public Education campaign, which aimed to make sure education was an election issue: Restore and maintain per-student funding, address class size and complexity and address the growing concern of violence in the classroom.

"I look forward to many opportunities for collaboration and discussions with Education Minister Everett Hindley and his staff in the weeks and months ahead," Becotte says. "There is a lot of work to do, and we know all the challenges won't be solved immediately; however, many meaningful changes can be made and implemented quickly. If the education sector can work together for the best interests of students, families and teachers, we can get our publicly funded education system moving in the right direction."

Given the economic success of the province, the STF expects the upcoming provincial budget to make education a priority. In addition, Premier Scott Moe recently stated that Saskatchewan "can expect to see some very specific goals that will drive some much-needed improvements in the areas of health care and education." The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation is committed to doing its part to help make sure those expectations become reality.