BCC a safer place to teach than Inuksuk High

I read with interest your article regarding teacher shortages. Since I am one of those teachers who have left, allow me to give you some insight from a personal perspective.

I arrived in the Arctic in 1990, and until October, 1998 I taught junior high at Inuksuk High in Iqaluit. Over the years I watched as salaries were frozen and then cut, VTAs eliminated and work assignments grew. However, I stayed. I loved this barren place (and still do) and I made many close friends here. The majority of the students I had contact with were great, most of the parents were supportive, and despite the hard work and long hours, I loved my job. As a result, I have many wonderful memories as a teacher here, especially in the early years.

I would like to address an issue you did not bring up in your article, which is the violence. The amount of violence in the school is increasing, and when I was physically assaulted I found that the support I thought was there did not exist.

The principal issued a suspension of nine days and decided to pass the buck to the education council. At the same time, the board tried to talk me out of pressing criminal charges. I told all parties that if this case was not treated seriously that they would have an increase in violence. My prediction was right.

The support I did receive came from fellow teachers, several of whom have since been assaulted, and from my family.

Your article makes no mention of the violence in schools. Believe me, it is there. Many incidents are not reported. Those that are reported are often only reported to the principal, and many teachers are hesitant to press criminal charges.

Ironically, I eventually took a job teaching at the Baffin Correctional Centre, which, by the way, is far safer than teaching at Inuksuk.

This year, Inuksuk lost many seasoned teachers. If you wonder why, just go and spend a day subbing there. I guarantee it will be an eye-opener. Now, before you draw the wrong conclusion from this, believe me when I say there are still wonderful students at Inuksuk. There are still a large number of supportive parents and many hard working teachers.

However their needs and positive attitudes are being overshadowed by the violent minority who are running the place, discouraging staff and helping to create your teacher shortage. I trust, according to the number of assaults reported, that this being repeated in many communities across the territory.

What is the solution?

Well, first of all change the Education Act so the violent minority can be removed. Then put money towards helping those who want to learn. Look for alternative solutions for dealing with the violent minority The regular classroom is not the place — “been there, done that.” If something other than a bandaid solution isn’t put in place soon, I am sure the teacher shortage will only get worse.

I suggest that if you want to see the view from a teacher’s perspective, spend a couple of weeks subbing in different classes.

Afterwards, you will probably ask yourself this: Would you go to work where you are verbally abused on a regular basis, work 60 hours per week and be paid for 37.5, possibly be physically assaulted, threatened, or have your personal property vandalized?

I think we both know the answer.

Karen Banfield
Iqaluit