President’s Update – Fall 2026
As another school year begins, I want to extend a warm welcome back to teachers across Saskatchewan. September brings renewed energy, but also a heightened sense of urgency as we continue the critical work of supporting students and strengthening public education, particularly as we head into a new round of provincial collective bargaining.
The pressures in our classrooms remain significant. Class sizes are growing, classroom complexity is increasing, and incidents of violence continue to affect the safety and wellbeing of students and teachers. Recruitment and retention challenges persist across the province, particularly as workload intensifies and supports fail to keep pace. Teachers are again being asked to do more with less, and that is not sustainable.
There are many initiatives, events and projects underway to help support teachers. Over the summer, we brought together nearly 50 teachers for our second annual Labour School. It was an opportunity to help members navigate the complex world of labour relations, including provincial collective bargaining, which begins later this month. This fall, SSL-ebration events in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert will give school staff liaisons a chance to connect, network and receive support from Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation staff.
The Federation will continue to keep members informed and engaged through regular Bargaining Updates, with detailed highlights of the asking package shared once proposals are formally presented at the table. This approach supports good-faith bargaining and creates space for productive discussions while ensuring members remain informed as negotiations move forward. Throughout the bargaining process, our strength comes from the collective support and involvement of teachers across the province.
As always, we are approaching this round collegially and in good faith, with a focus on meaningful solutions. At the same time, we are clear in our resolve. We are prepared for all outcomes, and that requires a strong, informed and engaged membership.
The minister of education and I continue to meet regularly. These discussions have helped build a stronger shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing public education. They have also created opportunities for collaboration and for honest conversations about where our priorities align and where they differ. In the spring, STF was awarded a contract from the Ministry of Education to pilot literacy training for kindergarten to Grade 3 teachers. Due to the overwhelming success of the pilot, the contract has been renewed to continue delivery of the training this fall. The STF also continues to voice its opposition to Bill 137 both directly to government and through the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, of which STF is a member, and has secured intervenor status for the court challenge.
I encourage you to stay connected. Visit tellthemtuesday.com and watch for ways you can get involved and support our fall advertising campaign. Share your experiences and help build understanding in your communities.
Your voice matters. Together, we are prepared, united and strong.