I was asked last week “Why does Jason Kenney hate teachers?” What was unusual was that I was asked this question at a meeting of my most conservative local, by a teacher who has always voted conservative. And instead of the question being dismissed, it was considered.

The ATA has worked with many different governments over its 100 year history. We have often disagreed. But with this government the attacks seem personal. We are called “teacher’s union” “union activists” “special interest groups”.

We are accused of trying to indoctrinate our students with socialist ideology. We are accused of teaching “discovery maths.” Our excellent academic results are dismissed.

Pensions are hijacked, educational assistants are fired, schools are told to remain open but teachers are not prioritised for vaccination. #VaccinateEducatorsNow #handsoffmypension

We are presented with a draft curriculum that is so bad teachers, school boards, university professors, parents all agree is not fit for the classroom. We are subjected to attack ads on the radio and Facebook for daring to speak up about what’s best for kids.

So why does Kenney hate teachers? Is it because the majority of us are women? Is it because we are unionised? Is it because we didn’t drop out but actually obtained our degrees? Is there some deep seated trauma from his own school days?

Whatever the reasons, I will continue to advocate for Public Education.
That’s why I wear #RedforEdAB on Fridays.