#EducationWorks for Students and Saskatchewan’s Future
By: Rod Drabble, STF Communications
An investment in public schools is an investment in Saskatchewan’s future.
The Education Works campaign illustrates how investment in public education results in good jobs and a strong economy.
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation’s Education Works campaign connects the dots to make the case that an investment in public education and a commitment to students results in good jobs and a strong provincial economy.
Education Works delivers the message through representation of a cross section of Saskatchewan professions. An individual’s success in life and their career is attributed to the effort of teachers, the support students receive in school and the values embodied by public education.
The campaign, airing this fall on television and online platforms provincewide, highlights teachers’ commitment to students. It emphasizes the fundamental role of a strong, well-funded public education system when it comes to preparing students for future learning, employment, and as leaders in their workplace and communities.
“As teachers we understand the importance of ensuring students have the knowledge and skills for their future,” says STF President Samantha Becotte. “Parents want their children to grow up as capable, caring and successful individuals and everyone in our province benefits from an educated and engaged society.”
Across the province there is a growing recognition of how public education is the foundation for successful and prosperous careers, businesses and communities. Thanks to the voice of teachers and the STF, parents, business leaders, employers and the public now better understand the challenges and needs facing Saskatchewan classrooms.
Progress has been made in restoring appropriate funding and making kindergarten to Grade 12 education a priority. Measures in the current collective agreement take steps toward addressing classroom complexity, and the most recent provincial budget provided more funding for schools, but more is needed to keep pace with growing enrolment and the needs of students.
As part of the campaign, stickers were distributed to STF members to wear and share on social media with the hashtag #EducationWorks.
“It’s important for all of us to continue working together to ensure government understands why it must continue to invest in education. The future of our students and the work of teachers deserve the full attention and commitment of our province’s leaders; it should not be subject to politics,” Becotte says.
“The STF’s Education Works campaign is designed to deliver the message that predictable and responsive funding for public education plays a crucial role in helping students become contributing members of our communities. It demonstrates the connection between schools, teachers and the jobs and prosperity we desire as we build the province we call home.”