IDEA reports shortage of substitute teachers

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

The number of substitute teachers available to serve Iqaluit schools has once again fallen to dangerous levels, Dominique Wielgosch, office manager for the Iqaluit District Education Authority reported at a meeting on Monday.

There are five substitute teachers on the list — including only one bilingual Inuktitut-speaker.

In February 2001, the IDEA began to recommend schools send students home on days when teachers are absent, rather than using principals and gym teachers to fill in.

A kindergarten class at Nakasuk School was sent home last week because the teacher was absent and the school could not find a temporary replacement.

“If you start using your administrative staff in [the classroom], you don’t have an administration any more,” said Kathy Smith, chair of the IDEA.

Share This Story

(0) Comments