Rule Changes Put Teachers on Equal Footing

The Department of Education and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU) have announced changes in regulations to place all teachers certified by July 31, 2000, on the same footing.

"Many excellent teachers will benefit from this," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "It's something we were able to do without changing our high teaching standards. Students will benefit too because school boards will now be in a much stronger position to recruit and retain teachers."

Teachers who obtained certification outside the province by July 31, 2000, will now receive their Nova Scotia certification based on the rules in force on that date.

Previously, this group was required to certify under revised rules which were established on Aug. 1, 2000. Teachers certified in Nova Scotia by July 31, 2000, however, were unaffected by the revised rules.

The new regulations, which have been accepted by the NSTU under the Teachers' Provincial Agreement, apply the same standards to both groups.

Brett Woodbury, registrar of teacher certification with the Department of Education, said the new regulations are a response to concerns from teachers.

"Their views are important," he said. "We value our relationship with our teachers."

"This change in regulations will greatly benefit our teachers and the students they serve," said NSTU president Brian Forbes. "We are pleased to have resolved this matter collaboratively."

The changes take effect this year on Aug. 1. More than 200 teachers will likely receive higher classifications of certification as a result.

All teachers certified after July 31, 2000, remain subject to the revised rules.