Maze says teachers pleased with staggered start, but others won’t teach

After a staggered return to school last week that saw different cohorts of students back in classes on different days, all students returned on Monday.

On the Greg Morgan Morning Show, Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation president Patrick Maze said teachers were happy to see their students in person again.

Education depends on building relationships with students, he said.

“Get to know your kids right off the start and get to know who they are and how they work best, identify their needs. It was really well-received,” Maze said.

For safety concerns, Maze said there are a few teachers who have chosen not to return to teaching, “definitely more than I expected, to be honest.”

He said most school divisions have been accommodating, finding other positions for them.

Class sizes also remain in question, Maze said, with some students trying online learning but deciding it’s not for them.

He expects some students to switch from in-person learning to remote as outbreaks occur.

Voluntary testing at schools begins this week, including at Regina’s Campbell Collegiate on Wednesday. Maze said that should alleviate some concerns.

“(We) would have preferred right from the start if there would’ve been better social-distancing policies so that students are more spread out,” he said.

Maze also applauded the provincial government’s announcement last week to dip into its back-to-school fund to hire support and custodial staff.

But again, he would have liked to see the pledge happen earlier.

“(It) would have been nice to have that money announced in June or July so that we could really hit the ground running,” Maze said.