Quebec Schools Still Short 3,858 Teachers Ahead of New School Year
As the new school year approaches, Quebec schools are facing a significant shortage of teachers. According to the latest data, there are still 3,858 teaching positions that need to be filled before the start of the academic year.
This shortage is not a new issue for Quebec. In fact, it has been an ongoing problem for several years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the situation, making it even more challenging to find qualified teachers to fill these positions.
The shortage is particularly evident in the French-language school boards, where 2,500 positions still need to be filled. The English-language school boards are also facing a shortage of 1,358 teachers.
The Quebec government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and has taken steps to address it. In June, the government announced a $1.2 billion investment to hire 8,000 new teachers and support staff over the next three years. This investment is part of the government’s plan to reduce class sizes and improve the quality of education in the province.
Despite this investment, many school boards are still struggling to find enough teachers to meet the demand. Some have resorted to hiring retired teachers or offering incentives to attract new teachers, such as signing bonuses and housing subsidies.
The shortage of teachers is not only a concern for the education system but also for students and parents. With fewer teachers, class sizes are expected to increase, which could have a negative impact on the quality of education and student learning.
The Quebec government has assured that they are working diligently to fill these teaching positions before the start of the school year. They have also stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to address any ongoing shortages.
In the meantime, school boards are urging qualified teachers to apply for these positions and help ensure a smooth start to the new school year. The education of our children is of utmost importance, and it is crucial that we have enough qualified teachers to provide them with the best education possible.
