Working Group Will Support Effective Classroom Teaching

The province is inviting the Nova Scotia Teachers Union to work together to make sure teachers are teaching to their strengths and training based on classroom needs.

Education Minister Ramona Jennex announced today, April 24, that the province will set up a working partners' group to support effective teaching in every classroom, one of the four priorities of the Kids and Learning First plan.

"Without question, teachers are the heart of our education system, and they make a tremendous difference in the lives of our children," said Ms. Jennex. "But too often they are expected to teach courses without having as much training, background or experience in the subject as they would like. We need to work together to change this, for the best interests of students and teachers alike."

According to the most recent data from 2007, just 37 per cent of junior high math teachers had an academic background directly related to math. At the same time, the data identified twice as many junior high teachers with a math undergraduate major or minor as were actually teaching math.

The working group will look for ways to improve the match between teacher qualifications and courses taught. It will review issues including how placement decisions are made, the supply of teachers in certain subject areas, and how growth of the Nova Scotia Virtual School can help with matching teachers' qualifications and assignments.

The group will also review the training teachers take to upgrade their certification to ensure it is based on needs in the classroom.

"Professional learning funded by the province must be relevant, comprehensive, of high quality, and clearly linked to classroom needs," said Ms. Jennex. "We have a responsibility to ensure our sizeable investment in teacher development ultimately puts students first."

The group will examine whether more school-based professional learning and fewer out-of-province conferences will have more practical benefits for teachers and students at less cost.

The working group will begin meeting next month. The province continues to mark Education Week this week.