More Teachers in Nova Scotia Classrooms

More teachers will help Nova Scotia's youngest students and those with special needs to reach their full potential in the upcoming school year.

A $5-million investment through the Department of Education's Learning for Life plan will hire 127 more teachers for September 2003. The new teachers will help reduce class size and support special needs students.

Education Minister Angus MacIsaac announced the number of new teachers supporting these initiatives today, April 15, as part of his opening remarks for the estimates debate on the Department of Education.

"Helping our children learn the basics of reading, writing and math in their early years is critical for them to enjoy a rewarding life in Nova Scotia," said Mr. MacIsaac. "More teachers mean our youngest students and those with special needs will get more attention, helping them to learn and grow."

About 75 of the new teachers are part of government's commitment to reduce class size in the early years. In 2002-03, a $2.5- million investment will ensure that there will be no more than 25 students in a Primary classroom. The limit will apply to Grade 1 classrooms in 2004-05, and to Grade 2 classrooms in 2005-06.

Another $2.5 million will put 52 resource teachers, speech language pathologists, reading recovery experts and other professionals in schools to increase support for students with special needs.

Some of these teachers will participate in pilot projects at each school board during the 2003-04 school year. They will work with parents and education professionals to identify effective ways of increasing support to students with special needs.

During his remarks, Mr. MacIsaac thanked department, school board and school staff as well as colleges, universities and labour market partners for their contributions to improving the education system. He also outlined public school and post- secondary initiatives planned for 2003-04.