Letter (poem) to the Editor

 

There’s no problem with education in B.C. today?

What is this nonsense I’m hearing you say?

The doors have been slammed, locked, and the lights have gone dim.

Let me explain why teachers are so melancholy and grim:

 

We tell the government there’s no more room in our classes of 30,

But they get pushy, cranky, and then they fight dirty!

They ram and cram and jam some more,

Until not one more student could fit through the door.

 

Then they proclaim, “Okay, educate away!

Oh, what’s this? Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly stay.

Oh gosh, oh dear, now you want support in your room?

Nope…just offer extra help and assistance at noon.”

 

You see, some of our students are quite special and unique;

They often need assistance to read, write or speak.

With EA support they may get what they need,

But that support in B.C. is lacking indeed.

 

What Christy Clark and her selfish government want to do,

Is strip special needs students of their specialist few.

They fill classes so full we can’t get to know or to teach our students.

This shows disregard for education, as well as imprudence.

 

They try to distract you from the real issues at play,

By focusing on our ‘selfish’ requests for better pay,

Which I will tell you are much lower than many assume,

And that I haven’t received enough to buy groceries since before June!

 

Many teachers’ families are hurting and stressed,

But we do what we do because our kids deserve the best.

The BCTF is not just an acronym that is thrown around,

It’s those of us at the schools who are pacing the ground.

 

We teach your children reading, science, socials and math,

As well as the importance of nutrition, self-esteem, and taking a bath!

We wipe away tears, build self-confidence, do hand-holding,

Give the occasional talking to, or the necessary scolding.

 

We aren’t just a daycare where your kids stay and play,

We are integral parts of their tomorrow, yesterday, and today!

Thank you to all those who’ve supported us thus far,

Let’s hope we can raise the educational bar.

 

For those who may not know the cold hard facts,

Of why we don’t go back to work, and just turn our backs:

We need smaller classes, not 30, 31, or more,

And support for the special needs students who come through our door.

 

Now as we return to our chosen task,

Ask yourselves, really, is this too much to ask?

 

By Christie Hoyt

Educator, mother and rhyming enthusiast