Parents and teachers alike were upset to see a bill aimed at improving the quality of education in Ontario brushed aside by the Liberal government and the NDP.
Cambridge MPP and Progressive Conservative critic for education, Rob Leone, was dismayed at the Liberals refusal to bring forward a fair and open hiring process for new teachers. The piece of legislation introduced by Napean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod, was defeated 27 to 46 on Thursday.
“It’s another disappointing decision from the Wynne government and her NDP partners, which will have far reaching affects in schools and communities all across Ontario,” said Leone. “It was simple, it was clear and it ensured principals could hire the most qualified teacher, and they put a stop to it.”
Regulation 274, brought in under bill 115 last year, forces principals to hire from the top of a seniority list and prohibits them from considering applicants new to the profession. The regulation also rules out veteran teachers who switched school boards, only to see their experience wiped clean.
Leone says this is just another example of the Wynne government putting party interests ahead of the interests of Ontario teachers, parents and students.
“As a parent, it bothers me and as a former professor it bothers me. The question is: who benefits from this rule?” continued Leone. “Parents want the best teacher in front of the class and to exclude a qualified teacher is beyond me.”
Jason Trinh, a Toronto-area high school teacher, is feeling the effects of regulation 274. After winning the Premier’s own “New Teacher of the Year Award”, Jason finds himself unable to find a job. He sits 800th on a list of 1200 teachers and won’t come close to having a shot.
For Leone, it sends a dangerous message.
“In what other industry are qualified professionals being turned away?” concluded Leone. “If we’re telling teachers that they will not have a fair chance at a job, it will discourage people from becoming teachers. That will have harmful, long-term ramifications to our education system.”
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