It's impossible to ignore headlines announcing the predicted shortage of teachers both across Canada and globally.
In British Columbia, there has been an almost triple increase in uncertified adults covering classrooms. In Ontario, the not-for-profit organization People for Education reports being surprised at how "extreme" the shortage is. Nova Scotia recently averted a teacher strike after the province and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union reached an agreement in principle that the province was ignoring the root causes of the shortage crisis.
As boards scramble to respond, classrooms are combined and preparation time is forfeited. Specialists are brought in to cover basic curriculum, abandoning other areas of education like music, health or math coaching. Some parents of children living with disabilities are asked to keep their children home.
