Teacher Advocacy
Teachers know better than anyone else the situation in schools today and the real factors that can help us to preserve the high-quality education system we have helped to build in Saskatchewan. Teachers have a duty to speak out about the issues. We must inform MLAs and other political decision-makers about the real impact their decisions will have on this province’s nearly 165,000 K-12 students and over 12,000 teachers.
While teachers have always held a variety of political beliefs and had different views on specific issues, all share the common goals of providing the best possible education to their students and making a positive contribution to their communities.
Teachers may not all agree on the exact route, but they share a common destination. Regardless of political belief or affiliation, you can make a difference just by talking to politicians, writing a quick note or e-mail to candidates and leaders, and talking to individuals in your community about education.
Politicians know teachers are one of the largest occupational groups in the province. If they appear dismissive or unresponsive, do not assume politicians are ignoring your views. It may not show, but the message is getting through.
The public believes teachers are the most credible source of information on education. Talking to people in your community, especially if you support what you are saying with examples from your own experience, will raise the profile of education as an issue and may well change some minds in the process.
The more individual teachers talk about educational issues, the more teachers are seen as an active, influential group whose voice must be considered. The more politicians hear from individual teachers, the more they will respect and value teachers and their professional organization.