Editor:
I am writing on behalf of a majority of students in the public school system, Canada's future generation of voters. Premier Christy Clark has already lost my vote, but it would probably be wise for her to hear and take into consideration what the rest of our future voters have to say.
I am a student who is involved and passionate about volunteering and helping make a difference in society and the community. I am a student, who like many others, cares about my education.
But, above all else, I am a student who believes and sees value in our public school educators. And I am a student who is outraged the Liberal government is failing to see the same value in my teachers and education as I do.
There's no arguing that investing in our children will be good for our future. So why isn't that a reality? Keeping government's promise to put children first in B.C. seemed believable at first, but now I am doubtful, to say the least. I am losing hope: losing hope in our politicians, and losing hope in humanity. As a student who has experienced both a public school and private school education, I can honestly say I unquestionably and undoubtedly enjoy the public school system more than the private. I understand every student has different experiences, but for me, public school has been the biggest blessing in my life and high school career.
Every day I wake up and enjoy going to school. I am excited to step in a classroom where a teacher is engaging and I'm not just a mark on a report card. I enjoy it so much I have devoted over 500 volunteer hours to my school in the past two years.
I don't think I need to explain just how hard teachers work because the government has already taken these points into consideration, right? But just in case it hasn't realized, teachers don't just work 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; they come early and stay late.
They don't get two months off in the summer to do nothing; that's when they plan curriculum and collaborate with other educators. And that one hour and 19 minutes of prep they get in between seven blocks of teaching? They mark their 210 students' quizzes, assignments, homework and tests, which we all know can't possibly be done in that amount of time, so it is done on their own time.
Finally, with all of that on their to do list, they still find time to volunteer and help out with clubs, committees, events, sports teams and so much more.
So, I'm asking the premier to take her politician hat off for one day and put on her mom hat. Once that is on, think about who has been with your child from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., five days a week (give or take a few), 279 days a year (roughly) for 13 years. It's a teacher.
Justine Taylor
Grade 12 student Delta Secondary
