October 5 has been designated as World Teachers’ Day.

This year, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) has chosen “Addressing Violence, Building Respect” as the theme for the year. ETFO Waterloo and it’s 2600 members stand in solidarity with this group.

“Over the last several years, we have noticed a marked increase in violence in our classrooms,” said President Greg Weiler. “We are supporting members who each and every day are hit, kicked, punched, and spat upon. This is unacceptable. Waterloo Region District School Board staff and students have the right to a safe and inclusive workplace. We must do better.”

In a CTF national survey, 90.6% of over 5,000 teachers who responded indicated safe and caring schools as a major priority for the Federation’s advocacy efforts. As well, 95% of more than 8,000 teacher respondents experienced stress because it is harder to find time to meet the individual educational needs of students. The current Ontario funding formula is inadequate and must be reviewed to better support all students. To learn more about these concerns, please visit www.buildingbetterschools.ca.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario Waterloo Region represents over 2600 contract teachers in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.