Sask. teachers share experiences about return to school in new survey

Nine in 10 teachers in a survey say it has been difficult to maintain social distancing since the return of school in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) heard from 2,108 people or 16 per cent of its members in the survey by email.

“I think it’s a bit of an eye-opener here that we need to do better in our schools,” STF president Patrick Maze told Saskatchewan Afternoon.

“We need to make sure schools are funded and that school divisions can make the best decisions.”

The survey also asked teachers about access to personal protective equipment, and how COVID-19 protocols were affecting students and staff.

Fifty-two per cent of teachers indicated they’re unable to meet the educational needs of the students, while 80 per cent said they had taken on extra responsibilities, including cleaning, supervising handwashing and preparing online lessons.

“Most of the things kids enjoy about school have been stripped away, leaving many of them sad and disinterested in learning,” said one survey respondent.

“The only education models that make sense given our current classroom sizes and lack of supports are completely outdated and no longer socially acceptable.”

Maze said the results show that teachers and students are not getting the supports they need.

The survey was open for four days and was only open to teachers.