'Students deserve better': Sask. Teachers' Federation plans rally, calls for additional government funding

Saskatchewan teachers and students face a tough reality in the classroom as unprecedented enrolment numbers and budget shortfalls create further gaps in the education system.

Saskatchewan teachers and students face a tough reality in the classroom as unprecedented enrolment numbers and budget shortfalls create further gaps in the education system.

“Teachers are really struggling,” said Samantha Becotte, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF).

“We continue to show up as best we can and be there for our students, but our students deserve better.”

The STF is organizing a public education rally on April 29 at the legislative building. The group is demanding the government invest more in operating funding for schools.

Teachers are forced to “triage” students as a result of inadequate government funding, Becotte said.

Funding cuts create larger classroom sizes, increased student fees and in some cases result in one person teaching multiple grades, according to Becotte. Additional supports and programs often fall to the wayside.

“Only the students with the highest needs are the ones that are getting support. But every student in the classroom has unique needs,” she said.