Peel school board warns of teacher layoffs, April 17

Demoralizing and threatening teachers does nothing to enhance the educational experience of students in Ontario.

Laying off teachers has a larger implication for future enrollments for faculties of education such as OISE and others in the province. Who would want to be a teacher with the prospect of annual threats of layoffs, extra-large classes, continual math testing, dealing with special-education students with a myriad of needs and be expected to do extra-curricular activities and provide one-on-one support?

All of these factors add up to increased stress and impair the functioning of a well-run school.

The foundation of Ontario’s economy is based on the education of youth, with confident and competent teachers guiding them along the way from kindergarten to university or college. The policies of the Conservatives are undermining this important bond.

Diane Sullivan, Toronto

My daughter was a teacher with the Peel school board, until yesterday. She received her dismissal notice, along with 176 of her colleagues.

She is a young mother with two small children, not someone close to retirement age. She taught high school in a classroom that was already crowded. She loved her job.

Premier Doug Ford’s promise that no teachers will be fired is a lie.

Children will suffer due to these cuts in education. Their futures more uncertain.

Marion Bartlett, Singhampton, Ont.

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