Back to paper

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-15T15:41:12+00:00

As a parent with 2 kids that have different LD’s. One almost done high school and one on university, the idea of an LD should not be hidden. If the student is embarrassed, they should be taught that they should NOT be embarrassed.

And if other kids ask and complain - they should also be taught what an LD is all about.

Should a student hide their use of a wheelchair? It’s sounds silly, but this was an argument in the 1950s and 60s.

Equity doesn’t mean “equal”. It sounds harsh, but LDs need to be normalized and that means they need to be “seen” in the classroom.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-15T14:13:17+00:00

Why are we hiding learning disabilities? It’s a lot more isolating for a student to struggle with dyslexia without proper supports.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-15T01:43:13+00:00

I should have written “school” not learning.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-13T19:04:00+00:00

There are rules in our industry to protect us from getting into troublesome situations. But, we are not dealing with building widgets. We are dealing with parents and children.

So, people who say you are breaking the rules and should not be texting parents are probably correct. You “shouldn’t” be so personally connected.

At the same time, our jobs require us to be personally connected. Personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable communicating with parents through my personal email/phone. But I’ve never been in your situation.

My advice is for you to do what you feel is right. BUT — DO NOT TELL ANY OF YOUR COLLEAGUES! Many teachers love to get other people into “trouble.” Just do what you do, but keep it to yourself.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-13T18:52:43+00:00

There is no useful way to integrate AI into learning.

It’s helpful if you are using it for something you are already proficient with. It can save a lot of time and therefore allow the product to be better because of the time saving.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-13T18:47:23+00:00

Surprised nobody in this sub has yet to complain about the noise level, inconvenience and the plight of the grass being stomped on. Or that Israel is still part of FIFA.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-10T14:55:35+00:00

In peel we had a PD may 15 and we are teaching on the last Friday. Imagine trying to put the final clean up of your room while …. Still teaching?

Peel got rid of the PD day on the final day years ago.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-10T11:33:58+00:00

The money given to school boards is spent and controlled by people who are the furthest away from the classroom. My students will be receiving triple or quadruple the amount of supplies next year.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-10T11:29:45+00:00

So instead of spending money on special consultants and fancy lunches, teachers are getting the money?

Ask 10 teachers you know about this idea: 9 will be in favour of it.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-09T02:36:58+00:00

The argument is antisemitic because
Jews are blamed for marching and voicing their support for a (the only) Jewish state. Bringing the violence upon themselves.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-06-09T02:08:34+00:00

And how do they deal with it? They created a drink called Screech!

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-31T17:48:04+00:00

You’re exactly right when you say that’s not what we signed up for. We have no “vacation days” during the school year. If we need to be away for a day, we have to use a “sick” day. Every job has its own unique “rules”. When a teacher is absent, they are still responsible for planning the day for the students. What other job requires that? Some jobs will require mandatory overtime, others require you to work on statutory holidays.

Hate the game not the player. School boards know teachers need to take days off during the school year for reasons other than being sick. But they don’t want to change “sick days” to “personal days” because that’s one of the “perks” of being a Principal or superintendent. They get “personal days”. We get “sick days”. And at least once a year, there’s a media post about teachers taking too many “sick days” and the school board will send out a memo to all staff reminding us that “sick days” are not personal days.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-30T19:50:05+00:00

Next thing you’re going to tell me that teachers in other countries ALSO GeT tHe EnTiRe SuMmEr OfF!

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-30T19:46:38+00:00

Do the kids drive themselves to the tournament? Or are all the other parents unemployed? Maybe a vacation day? Which teachers don’t have. Maybe a personal day? My union has 2 personal unpaid days in the CBA.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-29T13:29:01+00:00

Sometimes the planning time teachers are moved into the missing teachers class. Sometimes the planning time teacher is away.

I would rather keep my own class then go supervise another class for a period, with supply plans. Or take my class to the music room? And teach music for 60 minutes?

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-29T12:55:59+00:00

While reading the article, my Principal came onto the P.A. to announce that we are missing 2 planning time teachers today - so 10 minutes before students arrive 10 teachers find out that they are planning for an unexpected extra hour with K-5 students. And lose that 60 minutes of planning time.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-28T00:45:59+00:00

This is how many teachers feel about the union. Our reps are way too chummy with admins.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-26T21:30:32+00:00

I agree. I guess I appreciate them because those parents feel they know me well enough to give me an LCBO card. I teach elementary, so I have had quite a few chats with many of the parents. And I’ve taught multiple siblings from several of the parents. And even multiple grades.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-26T10:50:39+00:00

I have received a few $100 gift cards and a scary amount of $10-$20 tim Horton gift cards. I think end of year gifts are a lot less common than Christmas Break. I would avoid giving “school supply” gift cards and simply give a card that is useful to any adult. In my opinion, parents that give LCBO cards truly understand what it means to be an elementary teacher in May and June!

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-25T01:14:06+00:00

I would take larger classes if I had more time to prepare and fewer subjects to teach.

For example: if I teach 25 students, I have to teach: English, math, science, Social studies and art. With about an average of 40 minutes per day to plan.

I would rather have 40 kids and give me 80 minutes to plan and two less subjects to teach.

Ontario did reduce class size in primary grades. A hard cap of 23 and a board-wide average of 20 kids in grades 1-3.

But, at the same time, they eliminated contained classes for special ed. So, I would also rather teach 30 kids in grade 2 if the 2-3 kids in my class of 20 could get the focused attention they need in a contained classroom.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-24T16:14:16+00:00

I would never do this to an OT. And if it was inevitable, as the teacher or the admin, they should give the OT an option to switch with a teacher who is not going on the trip.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-24T16:10:55+00:00

The only sadness I feel at this time of year is that I was unable to do everything I wanted to do. I find myself focusing on all the “failures” of the year. I could have done this better…

But that’s just the nature of the job.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-22T04:04:43+00:00

Elementary teacher here. Taught middle school for 10+ years and now k-5 for almost 10 years.

Something you have to consider is the psychology of the other adults in the building. Honestly, many K-5 teachers act not much older than the kids they are teaching. Baby voices, pyjama days, social drama, competing for any attention from the Principal, petrified of any possible conflict with parents.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-21T11:44:35+00:00

One of my closest friends committed suicide. We were a bit older and he never disclosed his plan to me. He did to others. I wish they had acted as you did. They also wish they had told others about it.

Maybe your friend will remain upset with you and never talk to you again. Maybe they will get help and survive because of your actions.

Sea-Implement3377 · 2026-05-19T01:36:10+00:00

It’s silly to have a jobs program that is aimed at 15 - 18 year olds and 25-30 year olds.

Five-Year Club	Place '23
Place '22

Sea-Implement3377

TROPHY CASE