We read lately in the pages of the Journal what 4,000 teachers had resigned over the past three years. This shortage is a major issue, but this issue should not evade, once again, what is happening with support staff.
It is not a problem for me to improve the working conditions of our teaching colleagues, on the contrary. Nevertheless, at a time when the public sector is uniting in a common front, it would be extremely serious for the other professions in the field of education to still pass under the radar.
Imagine a school. Remove teachers, management and professionals. All remaining employees are support staff. There are all the educators in the daycare service, the special educators, the attendants for handicapped students who work directly with the student. There are also those who work in maintenance (janitor, workers who repair anything and everything), school secretaries and all the administrative staff, computer support and many other even more unknown professions such as technicians in practical work or school organization. I cannot name all the trades that we represent. Without them, the school takes the edge, as our mobilization slogan says so well. Despite this, we are systematically forgotten.
shadow worker
A large part of the population is unaware of our work. We can deplore it, but that’s the way it is. What is more serious is that in the mysteries of the ministry, several of our bosses seem to have no idea what our duties consist of. It must be said that by dint of rolling out the red carpet for them during their visits to schools, they were not able to become aware of the reality. Politicians and senior civil servants are sometimes treated like monarchs, while serving the people.
I’d be curious to see the resignation numbers among the support staff. We are more exposed to violence, to incivility, but above all to the great psychosocial needs of the students. We don’t have the support that teachers enjoy and for good reason: the support is us!
Did you know that a child with behavioral difficulties, who is accompanied by a specialized educator throughout his school day, has no additional supervision at the daycare service? When the bell rings: the services disappear! If they are present, it is because management has made a financial effort.
The passion to help
Unlike teachers, most of our professions exist in the private sector. In other words, it would be even easier for us to relocate elsewhere. “But why do you stay then?” we would be tempted to ask. For the passion, for the satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of children. Unfortunately, this flame is starting to fade. Violence, overwork, lack of recognition and above all the feeling of being invisible wear down our dedication.
I am very concerned about the psychological distress of some staff members. The pat on the back is long overdue and the need for recognition is fundamental.
The teachers themselves will tell you: without support staff, there is no public school. We are just asking to be part of the discussion, to be considered in the public discourse, but also, and above all, through concrete proposals that will demonstrate that our bosses have consideration for us.
Photo provided by Stéphane Rostin-Magnin
Stephane Rostin-Magnin, Acting President of the Union of School Support Staff of the Discoverers. Quebec
