The Nova Scotia Teachers Union is calling on the province to increase pay for substitute teachers.
In a release, President Paul Wozney says there’s a significant shortage, making it difficult to meet the needs of all students.
He says teachers are being pulled from one classroom to the next, filling in for sick and isolating colleagues.
Wozney says that’s resulted in not as much prep time to meet student needs.
The Teachers Union says 12.5 percent of a teachers time is currently allocated for marking and preparation, under the current collective agreement.
Wozney says qualified subs earn some of the lowest daily wages in the country, relative to their peers.
He says a pay increase would improve recruitment and retention.
NSTU President @withwozney says a substitute shortage is making it more difficult for teachers to meet the diverse needs of students. The NSTU is calling on Government to increase compensation for substitute teachers to help improve recruitment and retention. #nspoli #nsed pic.twitter.com/Csqk4r0TIh
— NS Teachers Union (@NSTeachersUnion) March 8, 2022