The shortage means larger classroom sizes and fewer opportunities for students. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

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Teachers shortage for NLSD reaches highest level ever at 20 vacancies

Sep 6, 2022 | 4:42 PM

Northern Lights School Division (NLSD) is 20 teachers short as students move into second week of classes.

“This is kind of an abnormality for us. Yes, we are used to starting the year short of teachers, which is unfortunate, but this year has been very challenging where we are starting with our biggest number of positions currently still open,” said Meghan Beaven, superintendent of education. “We are hoping to have those positions filled as soon as we possibly can.”

Teachers are needed in communities throughout northern Saskatchewan including the tri-communities, as well as Buffalo Narrows, La Loche, Pinehouse, and Sandy Bay. Beaven explained teacher recruitment for the school division continues, noting administration is aware of and is exploring different strategies to draw more teachers to the North.

She also added the shortage of teachers can affect students in various ways.

“It really depends on the school and what they have set up with their superintendent, along with their staff,” Beaven said. “It can mean bigger class sizes. If it is high school, it might mean really focusing on those core subjects needed for graduation and not offering as many elective classes.”

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In 2021, the division was short 13 teachers at the start of the academic year. In 2018, it was short 15 and in 2019 it was short nine.

Back in June, NLSD superintendent Jordan Kolbeck hosted a two-day, all-expenses paid recruitment event in Green Lake. The event was attended by four potential hires and, at the time, administration was already aware 21 teachers would be needed by September.

In spite of the lack of teachers, Beaven stated the first few days of classes went well as many students are returning to in-person learning. While online learning between Kindergarten and Grade 12 remains an option, she said the hope is to have schools operating as they did before the pandemic.

“We are working diligently and tirelessly with all of our families,” Beaven said. “We’re reaching out to see what supports are needed to reengage them and our students in education, to get them back into the schools where families feel safe and support sending their kids back to in-person learning.”

Schools remain mask-friendly environments and students and staff are encouraged to practice proper hand hygiene, physical distancing, and staying at home when sick.

The NLSD encompasses 22 schools in 17 communities in northern Saskatchewan. There were 292 classroom teachers and 3,871 students in the 2020-2021 academic year.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno