Teacher shortages continue while Liberals still on summer vacation: Wakeham

For Immediate Release

St. John’s, NL (September 3, 2024) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, is raising serious concerns after NLTA President Trent Langdon spoke about the alarming teacher shortage in Newfoundland and Labrador. Langdon informed the media that 200 teaching positions remain unfilled, even though schools are set to open this week.

"We are facing a critical shortage of teachers in our province, a crisis that the NLTA has been sounding the alarm on for years," said Wakeham. "With the school year about to begin, it's unacceptable that 200 teaching positions are still unfilled. What is the Minister of Education waiting for?"

Wakeham pointed out that the Furey Liberals have failed to implement a comprehensive Education Human Resources plan. This resulted in chronic shortages, larger class sizes, and teachers being stretched thin, ultimately leading to chaos in the school system.

"This situation is reminiscent of the healthcare crisis," Wakeham added. "Just like in healthcare, the Furey Liberals have failed to develop a strategic human resources plan for education. Schools are increasingly relying on retired and emergency supply teachers, some of whom lack full qualifications. This is not a sustainable solution."

Paul Dinn, PC Official Opposition Critic for Education and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, echoed these concerns, questioning the Furey Liberals inaction and the lack of proactive measures to address the shortage.

"Where is the plan to attract more people into the teaching profession? Where are the incentives to bring teachers to rural and remote areas? And why are so many positions still vacant so close to the start of the school year?" Dinn asked. "There have been many reports, such as the teacher allocation review, which sit on shelves. Teachers, administrators, staff and especially students deserve better."

A Wakeham-led PC government will prioritize resolving the teacher shortage and creating a supportive learning environment. We will work with the NLTA to retain and recruit teachers, tackle school violence, and enhance supports for both teachers and students, improving the school community.

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