N.B. plan to retain teachers doesn’t address classroom safety concerns, association says

Educators say safety and challenging behaviour in classrooms is a key issue for teachers, but the province’s new plan to grow the workforce doesn’t mention it.

Education Minister Claire Johnson released a teacher recruitment and retention strategy on Thursday, which is meant to address the current shortage – projected to grow in the coming years as more teachers retire.

It sets out short- and medium-term goals, to be completed within one and three years, respectively, and long-term goals, which don’t have timelines attached.

The goals range from using data to decide how resources are allocated across schools, to introducing a mentorship program, and expanding education options for people interested in becoming teachers. WATCH | ‘Expectations have changed over the years,’ says ASD-W s