To the Editor: My name is Adrianne Vermeulen and I am a teacher. I am very proud to be part of a profession that works towards making our province, country and world a better place.
I love my job. I cannot imagine doing anything else every day. I enjoy working with young people, seeing them learn new things, understand something they did not before, create and imagine new ways to solve problems. I enjoy getting to know each student as well as their strengths, hobbies and interests. I enjoy being a facilitator, guide, nurse, counselor, leader and cheerleader for my students every day.
What is disappointing in my profession is feeling that my work is not valued. I often put hours into my job that are not "on the clock." I'm sure you are familiar with the list: correcting, planning, supervision, creating and managing extra-curricular activities, meetings with parents, meetings with students, meetings with colleagues, personal professional development, learning new curricula, diversifying education for the needs of students, developing and researching classroom resources, planning field trips, fund-raising.
These are some of the activities we are expected to do as part of our job that are not punched in on any payable time card.
Education is what will build a stronger Saskatchewan. We need to plan for the workers (and taxpayers) of tomorrow. Teachers are the people creating the landscape of the future of Saskatchewan. We need to attract and retain the best educators possible in our great province with a competitive salary and a government that holds teachers in high regard.
The Saskatchewan Government must invest in teachers for our future.
Adrianne Vermeulen, Elementary Teacher, Regina, SK.
