While the shortage of teachers is seriously weakening our school network, we are helplessly witnessing a worrying decline in students wanting to enroll in the baccalaureate in preschool education and primary school teaching. The reduction is even lower than 20% in certain faculties of education. Frankly worrying!
This tragic situation reflects a harsh reality; or that of the silent suffering of a significant number of teachers. Years of neglect have left these key education stakeholders on their own and poorly supported in their daily tasks. Tough tasks for all those who know all the complexity of the act of teaching. Fortunately, several players in the world of education and other people who are interested in it THE are increasingly recognized.
However, for too many years, the remuneration of teachers in education, positions traditionally and still predominantly female, has been based mainly on their vocation to the detriment of an unenviable salary. We realize, the hard way, that passion and vocation unfortunately have their limits.
In these circumstances, if we continue to turn a blind eye to these realities, many students will continue to shun the faculties of education and thus weaken the entire ecosystem of what should be the cornerstone of any self-respecting society: l ‘education.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, is concerned about the negative discourse of teachers in office, because, according to him, it would contribute to the exodus of education students. Either ! But the lack of consideration for the profession has been neglected for too long by its many predecessors, thus contributing to the teacher shortage. Should we be surprised? We are now reaping the rewards!
The wound is deep, but the time has come to give our education system a solid boost so that it can regain all its importance.
Looking forward to a 2.0 commission, as Mr. Normand Baillargeon has been calling for for too long. It is time to listen to this great philosopher of education so that our education system can regain its letters of nobility. Let’s act quickly, because this profession is too fundamental to be left in oblivion!