November/December 2010 Volume 23, Number 3 TEACHER Newsmagazine of the BC Teachers’ Federation The premier’s swan song By David Denyer

The premier’s prime-time television address was aired on October 27 at a cost of $240,000 to BC taxpayers. It was a last desper - ate, and ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to salvage his and the Liberal party’s sagging fortunes. The polling that followed confirmed that Campbell’s credibility was dam - aged, not enhanced, by the broadcast. Contrary to expectations, education issues appeared as an afterthought, filler used to bump up the allotted time to the required 20 minutes. He put the focus primarily on early childhood education, announcing an expansion of Strong Start Centres by 100 at a cost of $3- million a year. They favour those families who are able to spare a family member to accompany and work with the child and, at only three hours a day, they don’t dove - tail with the provision of accessible daycare, which would be of greater benefit to those struggling with limited incomes. Campbell declared that, starting in September 2011, every student entering Kindergarten will be offered an early childhood learning assessment designed to assist teachers in planning for the first years of school. But “voluntary early childhood learning assessment” is of no help identified, said Susan Lambert, bargain taxes are when measured vening in the labour market to mythology propagated by business without additional funding to meet BCTF president. “Kindergarten against the services they provide. ensure that all workers can benefit and corporate interests. those children’s needs once teachers already assess all of the “Middle-income families in from economic growth or on redis - In less than a week following his children coming into their classes, Canada often feel under financial tributing income through more prime-time address, the premier Canada Post Corp. Publications Mail but we no longer have the specialist pressure, but the bargain they get generous transfers, more progres - announced his resignation effective Agreement No. 40062724 teachers in schools to work with from public services is often over - sive taxes, and through investing in the date a new leader is chosen. It Please return undeliverable them. More testing doesn’t help public services that even the playing remains to be seen whether the Canadian addresses to… children learn.” A major disappointment was field... Notice that tax cuts are not goals and general direction given BC Teachers’ Federation These proclamations of programs the complete lack of any on this list.” for education remain the priorities 100-550 West 6th Avenue already in place were capped by a intention to address major The premier’s constant talk of of the new leadership. stunning assertion, that within five Vancouver BC V5Z 4P2 putting more money in peoples’ David Denyer is assistant director and E-mail: [email protected] years (safely beyond the next funding shortfalls, lack of pockets and that consumers know newmagazine editor, BCTF Com - election) every Grade 4 student support for children with better how to spend it is simply part munications and Campaigns would be reading, writing, and special needs, school closures, of the dangerously misleading Division. doing math at grade level. cuts in teaching positions, This approach, said Lambert, “is typical of this government’s drive to and the significant reductions standardize education and not in a wide range of services… On the inside recognize the uniqueness of each This month has been witness to a learner. The statement demon- area of data collection and data number of significant changes in the management. strates that the premier doesn’t looked: they consume an average of provincial government, and probing Two further contributions from the understand how children learn and $41,000 worth of public services.” the impact begins with this edition. BCTF research department look into it does a disservice to the children In a recent opinion piece in The A key part of the settlement another aspect of the worklife study, who are struggling and to those Vancouver Sun, Paul Kershaw of the agreement between residential school and as a follow-up to a feature in the whose pace is far beyond grade Early Learning Partnership at UBC survivors and the Canadian October edition, an account of what level.” had this to say: government is the establishment of a may be done to alleviate the affects of A major disappointment was the “So, British Columbians, it is time commission to document the poverty on students. complete lack of any intention to to recognize that our indignation experiences of survivors, and create a In addition, there are book and DVD address major funding shortfalls, about the HST is costing our kids, permanent record. Representa tives of reviews, and a host of articles on the lack of support for children with cornering our premier to the point the BCTF and teachers were present at many kinds of work and projects that special needs, school closures, cuts that his party’s electoral success an education initiative to further this teachers sponsor and support. in teaching positions, and the depends on issuing another tax cut work, and accounts of the event are As is customary at this time of year, significant reductions in a wide at the expense of the social policy included in this edition. we acknowledge the contribution of range of services that help students investments that will really address The controversial topic of Wi-Fi those teachers who have retired as of and their education. the vulnerability in middle-income receives more coverage, as does the June 30 and wish them well. A major part of the address was families.” devoted to a strenuous defence of “It is time—to do the math. Tax In with the new, out with the old 3 the HST and the controversial cuts cannot grow strong economies announcement of a 15% cut in the in perpetuity if we don’t grow Reconciliation: A work in progress 5 provincial income tax rate as of strong, smart, and innovative popu - Lessons in hope for Tamil refugees 7 January 2011. lations. Put bluntly, strong econo - Ironically, just the day before, the mies require smart family policy.” Student brings hope to homeless youth 8 Canadian Centre for Policy Alterna - Iglika Ivanova of the CCPA in her tives (CCPA) released a report assessment said: “If our Premier Teacher’s worklife research 9 entitled “The Power of Taxes.” The wants to help British Columbians, CCPA report makes clear what a he should focus on directly inter - Manage your digital footprint 16 2 TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010

born, estimate when she was born classes that far exceed the capacity determined the parameters— Lowe, Boscariol, and Douglas are President’s (they guessed 1863!) and then of the physical space or safety everyone is required to attend PD not the exception. They are the rule. “count by tens” to determine the standards. Students wait endlessly days, everyone is required to They should be supported in their message difference. They began to chorus in line for a chance to use provide progress reports to whole efforts. But when such work is the repetition: 1863, 1873, 1883… equipment. Students with special staff plenaries at the start of each uphill, it is exhausting. In BC, on Suddenly, one little boy excitedly needs are often placed in classes PD day, and collaboration is average, teachers are working close interrupted and insisted that the without adequate supervision. encouraged. Now everyone is to a 50-hour week. Most teachers class stop counting “by tens” and There have been harrowing inci - engaged in a relevant and have five years of basic training; instead count “to tens.” And then he dents of student injuries. The PSA meaningful self-directed action 25% have masters degrees, and a explained his point—count from decided to do something about it research. Douglas’s story is evi - further 26% have diplomas or other 1863 to 1870, that’s easy! Now and this fall they published a dence of the necessity of profes - forms of certification beyond those count by 100s! That’s easier still! All practices and standards guide sional autonomy over professional five years. Yet, professional auton - of a sudden a little boy (whose detailing working and learning development. It is a self-evident omy is not respected, and working parents were worried about his conditions for school shops. These truth that for professional develop - conditions do not reflect profes - numeracy skills) demonstrated a conditions are essential to both ment to be effective it has to be sional standards or provide the sophisticated understanding of student safety and learning. This is relevant to one’s practice, and to be learning conditions for students to place value. It was an amazing the professional voice; it should be relevant it must be reflective and thrive. Susan Lambert moment, a time for him to shine as the authoritative voice. self-designed. For Douglas, the new Students deserve smaller class he led the class down his path of As PD chair of her school, Brooke plan was hugely satisfying: “I feel sizes, and students with special There are many perks to my job. discovery. And it was a joyful Douglas surveyed the staff and like such a weight has been lifted needs deserve more support. All Probably the best is the privilege of moment for Lowe. It illustrated the found the results daunting. There off my shoulders; I couldn’t meet students deserve authentic assess - hearing from teachers. I’d like to power of authentic assessment was such a broad and diverse range and balance their needs; now there ment practices. How can learning thank April Lowe, Grade 2 teacher embedded in classroom practice, of of interests. Previously, PD had been is such freedom!” be personalized when assessment in Sea-to-Sky, and a BCTF assessment “for learning,” of designed to address school goals What do all these stories have in is standardized? The FSAs and their workshop facilitator, Paul Boscariol, assessment as the antithesis of stemming from the district’s common? They are the stories of misuse are harmful for students and of Nelson and president of the Tech mindless standardized data achievement contract, or parent consummate teachers fulfilling the schools. They are symbolic of our Ed PSA, and Brooke Douglas, Grade gathering. needs articulated by the SPC. It was obligations and responsibilities of struggle to protect the quality of 5/6 teacher and Richmond’s PD Last fall, Paul Boscariol asked me clear that this year such PD would professional practice; teachers public education and make learning chair, for sharing these stories with to meet with the executive of the be meaningless to some and trying their best to use professional meaningful, engaging, and relevant. me. Tech Ed PSA. They told me stories irrelevant to others. So, in a judgment and assert professional This year, we plan to take our April Lowe uses a “jumping of shop teachers desperately trying complete departure from their autonomy to improve the profession message against the census number line” to teach arithmetic to teach while at the same time previous practice, the staff decided and practice of teaching. And administration of FSAs viral—watch concepts. Recently, she asked her ensuring the safety of students to develop individual professional they’re doing it with dignity, for your opportunity to get involved students to plot when they were using dangerous machines in inquiry projects. Together, they dedication, and determination. in this campaign. Readers write More than one way need to practice their understanding gations is simple, but important: apparent expert in this field, is BCTF executives and school district administrators, to read further on I agree with Jane Turner's of the concepts. I don’t normally “What is the evidence?” Of course, unfamiliar with these points. I can this topic and recommend the description of students and teachers assign homework—only if the not all evidence is created equal only hope that a campaign to ban following science-based resources as either “objects” or “subjects.” I’d assignments are not finished during and this is where things get inter - lighting in schools does not follow. as starting points, which can be like to extend that definition to class. Some of my more capable esting. Small preliminary studies, or I get the impression that Quiring accessed by a quick google search: include teacher training in students hardly have any homework even poorly designed larger studies, is either ignoring, or is unaware of, Brian Dunning’s, “How Dangerous university. How many of us trained most of the time. However, I had a may appear to suggest that the best science in this field and is is Cell Phone Radiation?”, Lorne under the Year 2000 document? I parent who read your article and exposure to radiation from cell- only paying attention to a selection Trottier’s, “A Growing Hysteria,” and felt as a training teacher that I was now tells me that his daughter phone and Wi-Fi towers is linked to of weaker studies that appear to S.T. Lakshmikumar’s, “Power Line being indoctrinated into a method - should not have to do any home - certain health hazards. However, support what it seems he wants to Panic and Mobile Mania.” ology of teaching I disagreed with. I work at all. I feel that it’s very evidence from the best-designed believe. What we want to believe Greg Payne feel strongly that teachers should be irresponsible of you to print such an studies with the most rigorous has a huge influence on the infor - Surrey taught how to teach (i.e., a variety article (for the public to see and to methods have con sistently over - mation we choose to accept or of methods, unit and lesson plan - misunderstand that it is the position turned these findings and confirmed disregard and psychologists call this Shocked of the BCTF) without balancing it what any physicist worth his salt the “confirmation bias.” The best- ning techniques, classroom I am shocked by the inclusion of with other views. I am especially will tell you…cell-phone and designed scientific studies guard management strategies, etc.), not this article (“Should Wi-Fi be used in frustrated because this is the BCTF, wireless radiation have far less against many human biases, includ - that one way is the only way. If the classrooms?”) in the BCTF Teacher my own union! Frustrated and chance of hurting you than the ing the confirmation bias, and help university instructors did this, we newsmagazine. disappointed. visible light shining from your desk us to slowly but steadily figure out would be graduating teachers with I just received my copy the other Connie Lau lamp. This is because cell phone how the world actually is, rather “built-in” professional autonomy, day. I am writing a response but Langley and Wi-Fi radiation is made up of than how we wish it to be. This is teachers who could decide for checked to see that the deadline is low-frequency, low-energy radio exactly why quality science, and not themselves what works best with already passed for submission. I am Science lacking waves. Radio-wave radiation simply good intentions and passion, their students and what fits with hoping that I will be still able to In its September issue, Teacher cannot damage your cells or mole - is so important in guiding our policy their philosophy of teaching. submit in the next day or so. published a full-page article, cules as it is non-ionizing. As and decision making. Aldina Isbister The article published is “Should Wi-Fi be used in class- scientist S.T. Lakshmikumar writes, Quiring is not serving the public Vancouver erroneous. It does not list a single rooms?”, by Lynn Quiring. This “Unless one is willing to discard the interest by ignoring the best science reference and those quoted are not Up with homework article, though convincingly written, concept of photons, Planck’s law, on this topic. Rather, he is stirring reliable sources or their quote has was bursting with misinformation, and the interaction between up needless fear and worry, and As a BCTF member, I had trouble been taken out of context. distortions, and pseudoscience; so understanding why the article photons and atoms—and thus the possibly influencing people to make Finding Lynn Quiring’s biography much so that I was quite taken “Down with Homework!” (Alfie entire body of quantum physics—it lifestyle changes that are completely on another site provides: “Lynn Kohn, Jan./Feb. 2008, Teacher) was aback to find it published in our is simply not possible for the unnecessary and costly. For Quiring is a Registered Pharmacist, published in our union’s news - BCTF magazine. As a science photons associated with either a example, in other articles he has Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist, magazine with no preamble, stating teacher, one of my most important power line or a cell phone to cause advocated for people to move away and holds a degree in naturopathic that this is but one view. roles is to educate my students on cancer.” He also reminds us that from cell-phone towers and medicine. He also holds diplomas in Most of us, as teachers, give out how science works in order to help cell-phone radiation carries a encouraged parents to take their homeopathy and hormone regula - homework from time to time, not them distinguish fact from fiction. million times less energy than the concerns to school boards. The tion therapy. He is an expert in cell- because that’s what we like to do, The key question that I encourage radiation of visible light. I am scientific consensus does not phone radiation and EMFs and their but rather, we believe the students them to bring to all of their investi - puzzled how Quiring, who is an support any such quixotic actions health effects on the body. He has and I’m concerned that an uncritical practiced in natural medicine for acceptance of his claims may over 10 years.” influence school districts to make How is Quiring an expert in cell- ill-advised decisions on Wi-Fi phone radiation? There is no infrastructure, budgeting, and research and no peer review of TEACHER policy. Quiring’s work. Nothing in Quiring’s A growing, profitable industry degrees, or qualifications lists him Newsmagazine of the BC Teachers’ Federation continues to be built around the as an expert. Quiring is very completely unsubstantiated health outspoken on the issue of cell 100–550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4P2 risks of cell-phone and Wi-Fi phones and WiFi but without any 604-871-2283, toll free 1-800-663-9163, Fax 604-871-2289 radiation, and Quiring, who owns evidence base. I have tried to find E-mail: [email protected] Web: bctf.ca/newsmag Logical Health, LLC, a company that quotes or original articles in other “specializes in electro-hypersensi - work by this author and found only tivity cases and interventions in promotion of health products. Editor Teacher Newsmagazine Volume 23 Deadline Articles contained herein cell-phone radiation, electromag - I am curious how CUEBC, our David Denyer Advisory Board 1 September 2010 August 20, 2010 reflect the view of the authors and do not neces - netic radiation, and electro- provincial specialist association, Assistant editor Richard Beaudry 2 October 2010 September 24, 2010 sarily express official policy of magnetic field sensitivity” would was not invited to comment, or Kathleen Smith Jack MacDermot 3 Nov./Dec. 2010 October 29, 2010 Stacey Robinsmith 4 Jan./Feb. 2011 December 17, 2010 the BC Teachers’ Federation. appear to be in a position to benefit review an article that clearly does Design consultant Paul Steer 5 March 2011 January 25, 2011 The BC Teachers’ Federation from a misinformed or misdirected not provide any factual basis. Betty Sommerville 6 April 2011 March 30, 2011 does not endorse or promote public. Kevin Amboe any products or services pre- Copy editor BCTF Executive 7 May/June 2011 April 22, 2011 In today’s day and age, the most Past president of CUEBC, Surrey Bev Humphries sented in the advertising sec- Committee technologically advanced of all Staff writers Rick Guenther ISSN 0841-9574 tions of the newsmagazine. Ideas recycled time, there are certainly a great Anita Chapman Glen Hansman All advertisements will be Canadian reviewed and approved by number of societal and environ - I loved that recent piece by Emily David Denyer Jim Iker Educational Press Association O’Neill, “The 21st century Nancy Knickerbocker David Komljenovic CEPA the BCTF. They must reflect mental issues that demand our Larry Kuehn Susan Lambert BCTF policy and be politically, immediate attention and action. obsession,” and the Hollywood Canadian environ mentally, and Karen Langenmaier Irene Lanzinger Association graphics were equally…foxy. of Labour profession ally appropriate. Radiowave radiation is simply not Jill McCaffery CALM Media Patti McLaughlin one of them and acts only as an Words are cheap and the Charlie Naylor Denise Moffatt spinning, such as “a 21st century Margaret White Teri Mooring PRINTED IN CANADA BY unnecessary, and therefore danger - MITCHELL PRESS LIMITED learning agenda” and “hands-on Christine Stewart ous, distraction. I’d like to encour - programs” continues to be woven, Kip Wood TFEU age interested colleagues, as well as TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 3 until the cows come home. There are a couple of other words that could follow that last sentence. I’ll leave them to your creative imagination. As a retired “chalk holder,” I still remember when the Commodore 64 In with the new, out computers were really going to “do the teaching” and improve everything from academics to social growth. This was followed by “The Year 2000” and “accreditation”! The idealism sounded great on with the old paper and still does (even though By Noel Herron some is on recycled). These “laudable goals” continue to be churned out just like the IRPs and When Premier Gordon Campbell the rest of the “cheese cake,” while took to the airwaves in a rare budgets are cut, schools closed, prime-time televised address last taxes increased, and platitudes month, he had previously announ - printed out exponentially. ced several key cabinet shuffles, It’s ironic that the new education Dan Propp one of which was to usher in Richmond George Abbott, formerly minister had the word reconciliation minister of Aboriginal in the title of his previous portfolio, Editor’s note relations and reconcilia tion to because that is exactly what is The newsmagazine reflects areas the post of minister of education needed in the wake of his predeces - of interest and concern to teachers and to usher out Margaret sor’s legacy of confrontation in and the use of Wi-Fi is one that has MacDiarmid, former minister of dealing with various education received national attention. It is stakeholders. MacDiarmid in her recognized that the topic is …MacDiarmid, with her short stint as education minister controversial and the evidence on aggressive and unpredictable leaves a legacy of alienation and either side of the issue far from manner, had become a distrust that will require consider - conclusive and hence all points of able fence-mending. view are welcome. lightning rod for growing Replacing the pratfall-prone discontent within the MacDiarmid with a cabinet heavy- BCTF advantage education community. hitter like George Abbott is an admission by Gordon Campbell that program changing took the blame in their ongoing and he is in deep trouble with the partners education, to the post of minister for selecting “in- dubious claim on the adequacy education portfolio. for tourism, trade, and investment. house” Comptroller of “the greatest ever’’ per-student A significant change is in store Politically, this cabinet shuffle will General Cheryl funding allocation, even in the face Replacing the pratfall-prone for the BCTF Advantage Program be viewed as an attempt to Wenezenki-Yolland, to of last year’s first-time-ever early in the new year. As of January MacDiarmid with a cabinet revitalize Campbell’s embattled silence VSB—the BC statement from the province’s 13, 2011, the British Columbia heavy-hitter like George Liberal government but whether it Liberals’ most persistent education provincial secretary treasurers’ Automobile Association, (BCAA), Abbott is an admission by signals a change of education critic. association (BCASBC) that there will cease to be our principal policies is another matter entirely. This particular choice, as was a documented shortfall of $120 Gordon Campbell that he is in partner. One thing is certain, Margaret opposed to the selection of Auditor million in funding for boards across deep trouble with the educa- BCAA has made the decision to MacDiarmid had become a liability, General John Doyle, who was the province. end its involvement in group tion portfolio. if not an embarrassment, for the BC provincially empowered to under - Ignoring the fact that persistent marketing and will end its market - Liberals, and this portfolio change take an independent, arms-length, provincial underfunding led to ing and promotions to groups. It will be viewed by many as a financial review, was greeted with cancellation of key programs and intends, instead, to concentrate on demotion for her. scepticism by many within the services, loss of hundreds of Abbott will need to take a long, service to individual members. In her brief stay as education Vancouver education community. teaching and non-teaching posi - hard look at existing education This change in no way affects minister for almost one-and-half The lack of credibility of the comp - tions, increase in parental fund - policies of this government. In BCTF members who have pur - years, MacDiarmid was well on her troller general’s $200,000 report raising, deferral of school repairs particular, he will need to re- chased BCAA memberships or any way to becoming one the most and maintenance, shortages of examine the BC Liberals’ dysfunc - of BCAA’s insurance products. The unpopular ministers—outside Her response to the cutbacks school supplies and materials, tional funding formula, the systema - BCAA will honour any discounts Finance Minister Colin Hansen—in closure of upwards of 200 schools, tic and surreptitious downloading of and benefits already promised to to provincial sports funding and the shortening of the school expenses on to school boards, and BCTF Advantage Program members, the Campbell government. The fifth by telling teachers to have year in a number of boards, the restrictive provincial educa - and members wanting to renew education minister, in a revolving their students “walk, dance, MacDiarmid repeatedly dismissed tional practices and policies, not to services at group rates may do so door of ministers since the BC and play in the parks“ instead pleas for added funding and mention the outdated one-size-fits- prior to January 13, 2011. Liberals were elected in 2001, support, claiming that Victoria was all approach that has created so On January 14, the BCTF Advan - MacDiarmid, with her aggressive of formal team sports, was “protecting public education.” much grief. tage Program will be introducing a and unpredictable manner, had widely ridiculed. Her response to the cutbacks to To ensure quality public educa - new principal partner that will offer become a lightning rod for growing provincial sports funding by telling tion for every child in BC, while all the services previously offered to discontent within the education teachers to have their students valuing fairness and equal Advantage Program members, and, community. was underlined when she declared “walk, dance, and play in the parks“ opportunity for all, a fresh and a new travel partner—W.E. Travel. Her very public four-month fight that the VSB had “a large surplus,“ a instead of formal team sports, was equitable approach to our K to 12 Please watch the website: with the Vancouver School Board in finding that even the Liberal sup - widely ridiculed. And she dismissed public system is urgently needed. www.bctf.ca/advantage—the next which she was described by retired porters on the board greeted as “a growing concerns about school It remains to be seen if George edition of the Teacher news - Superintendent of Schools Geoff preposterous assessment.“ board uncertainty concerning stable Abbott is up to the task. magazine, and your local Johnson, in The Vancouver Sun, as MacDiarmid routinely and funding with a curt “this govern - newsletters for more information ”a provincial bear, now well and Noel Herron is a former Vancouver ment has its priorities straight.“ about our new partners and their truly in attack mode,“ MacDiarmid cynically fronted for the BC Liberals trustee. offerings. – Patti McLaughlin, BCTF Income Security Division Looking back Library guarantee 70 years ago Thus my first requirement is a well- cassette tape or on a “floppy disk.” Find the BCTF on for BC schools...in pressed suit or jacket and slacks A program on a cassette tape is fed Facebook Too commonly the rural teacher combination. And of course a dress into the Apple by an ordinary India is looked upon by his or her shirt and tie and suitable, well-kept cassette player. Floppy disks, which The BC Teachers’ Federation is on neighbours, and even by himself or shoes. For hot weather there are Still another overseas school has look like soft 45 rpm phonograph Facebook and engaging members herself, as a transient. In too many short-sleeved shirts. In the hot been accredited by the BC Ministry records, use a “disk drive” to “boot” through social media. If you have a districts there still lingers the weather I would permit the neck of Education.This one is the first in in the program. Facebook profile, go to perverse tradition that a country button of the shirt to be loosened India, but 20 other BC schools exist – Nov./Dec. 1980, The BC Teacher www.facebook.com/BCTeachers school teacher is little more than a with the tie also loosened but I in China, South Korea, and Federation to see our brand new temporary visitor probably to be would still insist on a tie being 10 years ago Thailand. These schools must use page and become a fan. You will get replaced by still another. Very often worn. Only in excessively hot BC teachers deserve a signifi cant BC certified teachers and use BC updates about BCTF news, events, the local residents do little to weather would I permit coats to be salary increase. We haven’t seen a curriculum, as well as be inspected and opportunities to discuss current encourage intimacy. In other cases removed. There is no place in raise that means anything in almost annually by a BC ministry official. issues in education. the school district is divided into school for a sport shirt. Never. The a decade. But when we bargain for About 6,000 students are hostile cliques among which the open-neck flannel sport shirt is ourselves, we’ll be negotiating for registered in these schools which teacher must walk warily lest he inexcusable. the future of public education as Check out the give easier access to post- identify himself with one of them – December 1960, The BC Teacher well. If we are to attract the best secondary schools in BC. Most of BCTF’s YouTube and thus give offence to another. and the brightest of our young these overseas schools are run as – November 1940, The BC Teacher 30 years ago people to teaching, and if we are to private businesses, with a few being channel The computer is with us and retain our experienced colleagues, run by BC school districts. One of Go to www.youtube.com/BCTFvids 50 years ago undoubtedly here to stay. The last we need competitive salaries. Our the requirements for a school, to see the BCTF’s YouTube channel. In my opinion, taking them as a 20 years have witnessed such a single most effective tool in according to the Vancouver Sun, is It’s loaded with content about group, there are no better dressed phenomenal growth of these achieving this goal is collective that “a library is open every day.” In education funding, teachers men than lawyers, and teachers machines that their presence in our bargaining. It’s up to each of us to contrast, with ongoing underfund - teaching on call, Social Justice 12, should be in the same class. By daily lives now goes largely make the coming round of and a brand new video on testing ing of education, more and more “better dressed” I am not referring unheeded. The microcomputer negotiations a success. assessment that was filmed at schools in BC no longer have a to the price tag of the suit. With a requires commands to be relayed to – Nov./Dec. 2000, Summer Conference. Don’t forget to library open every day. little care a fellow can be just as it either by the typing of instructions Teacher newsmagazine pass those links on to friends and – Larry Kuehn, BCTF Research well dressed in a moderately priced on its keyboard or by the loading of Compiled by Chris Bocking, Keating post them on your Facebook page. and Technology Division suit as in the most expensive one. a program stored on a standard Elementary School, Saanich 4 TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010

By Jinny Sims community to buy services. Schools would be computer labs, and this would remove the imperative to BC has one of the best public maintain and build new schools, school systems in the world, and and infrastructures. The school day this has been acknowledged by the and school calendar are seen as current and past ministers of barriers to the proposed reforms. education. In 2010, the Ministry of There would be no need to worry Education met with John Abbott, a about class size, and there would be British educator and one of the huge savings because textbooks architects of 21st Century Learning would be obsolete. In light of the in Britain. John Abbott, Valerie recent fiasco around the implemen - Hannon, and others have joined tation of BCeSIS, the reformers have forces to promote 21st Century not taken into consideration the Learning in other jurisdictions. In diversity of our province and that the UK, this concept was an not all BC students have equal experiment that was carried out in a access to technology. Many of our very low socio-economic area to schools do not even have fully help engage students in their operational computer labs, never learning, and was not seen as a mind having the capacity for panacea to overhaul the whole wireless connections for every education system. What started as a student. This agenda for reform will progressive movement has since further increase the social divide as been influenced by the neo-liberal it feeds greater inequities. Not all agenda for accountability that is parents will have the resources to based on measurable outputs, buy additional learning experiences economic growth, privatization and and new technologies. Our students commodification of public actions of the policy makers, and focus on narrowly-defined measur - Teachers and teacher unions are spending so much time con - education/public services, and a those leading the charge for reform. able data narrows both teaching have become the target of the nected to Facebook, Twitter, wireless focus on the individual and self- This disconnect is very dramatic in and learning. It forces teaching of reformers as they see teachers, handheld, and television. Do we interest. the US, and is evident in Canadian content, rather than engaging individually and collectively, as a then want their education experi - BC has joined Alberta, New jurisdictions as well. 21st century students in the process of meaning - barrier to their agenda to privatize ence to be with a screen? When Brunswick, and the US in adopting learning has captured the imagina - ful learning experiences. The public education. After creating students are wired and immersed in the 21st century learning mantra. tion, and at face value, can be very imposition of standardized tests, untenable learning and teaching the new social media, who will The initiative was established in appealing for teachers, parents, and like the FSAs, Grades 10–12 conditions, and imposing standar - teach them media literacy, boun - 1995 by “…a group of English and the public. On reflection, for provincial exams, district- and dized tests, the reformers have daries, and appropriate usage? American businessmen and teachers trying to meet the diverse school-wide writes, runs contrary to turned to teachers being the Where will they learn about com - organizations to make sense of needs of students in an under- meeting the needs of individual problem. At the same time as there munity, civic responsibility, and a resourced public education system, students and exploring personalized is talk of creativity, critical thinking, just, civil society? When we look at what is the disconnect can appear macabre. learning paths. However, the testing innovation, and personalized As professionals, it is imperative happen ing in the US and There is an underlying assump - indus try, worth billions, is the learning, there has been a con - to insert our voices into the debate tion that current teaching practice driver. Both personalized learning certed attack on teacher profession - about education reform. We must other jurisdictions motivating in public schools is antiquated, with and the testing agenda are being al autonomy. There are attempts to 21st century learning, there is Victorian-era images of teachers pushed by the same reformers. hamper a teacher’s ability to design As professionals, it is impera- dissonance and contradic tion teaching students sitting in rows Over the last decade, under - and deliver education programs, tive to insert our voices into between what is said, the stuck in a historic time frame. funding of public education and the and to select resources and learning Nothing is further from the truth. testing agenda has narrowed experiences. There are jurisdictions the debate about education actions of the policy makers, Change is constant, and public student choice. Many students are that are mandating reading and reform. We must welcome a and those leading the charge education is about teaching our not able to take elective courses, as other scripted programs. At the dialogue that is based on for reform. This disconnect is students to learn from the past, live they struggle to meet the demands same time, reformers are pushing to sound research, pedagogy, very dramatic in the US, and in the present, and prepare for the of provincial exams, and under- link teacher evaluation to student future. As teachers, we are keenly resourcing has limited student test results, and talk of value-added and practice. We cannot is evident in Canadian juris- aware that we live in times of rapid choice as schools have been forced teachers who would be rewarded allow reformers to put their dictions as well. change, and that we must prepare to narrow course offerings. The very with merit pay. Job security and own spin on education our students to live in a technolog - government that decimated teacher tenure are portrayed as the ical, complex, and fast-changing apprenticeship programs, and biggest barriers to quality teaching. change. We must embrace world. There is amazing teaching through underfunding, reduced They do not want to talk about the elements that are sound, research on learning and learning and learning happening in class - student choice for hands-on underfunding, working and learning processes that were fragmented in and critique those that will rooms around the province. Teach - practical courses, is now promoting conditions, learning resources, many different disciplines, and undermine and privatize ing that is based on sound peda - student choice. Once again, first sound pedagogy, and the value of embedded in many universities, gogy, uses a variety of tools, you limit choice, and then use public education to a democratic public education. research institutions and businesses including new technologies and choice to further privatize public society, but instead they focus on around the world.” (website quote). social media to actively engage education as you encourage private “fixing” the teacher with mandated It is interesting to note that there is students in their learning. providers for services that have courses so providers can make no mention of teachers, or the value welcome a dialogue that is based Big business and corporations been cut from public schools. For more money. Teacher unions and of a public education system. So on sound research, pedagogy, and seem to be the main drivers behind example, at one time, most contracts are seen as barriers that what is driving the latest version of practice. We cannot allow reformers current reforms. There is a con - secondary schools offered auto- must be discredited and weakened. reforms? to put their own spin on education certed attempt to commercialize mechanics, and due to lack of A teaching force without the protec - In BC, the ministry has identified change. We must embrace the and corporatize public schools. funding upgrading and maintenance tion of a collective agreement or a 21st century skills as: reading, elements that are sound, and Through deliberate underfunding of for most of those workshops have union would be more malleable, writing, numeracy, and 7 Cs: critical critique those that will undermine public schools, policymakers have been dismantled. The proliferation and would not be able to mount a thinking and problem solving; and privatize public education. We created space for business as of private schools and tutoring resistance to the undermining of creativity and innovation; collabora - can learn from our history. The consumers and salesmen. Cor - services is a direct response to public education; it would be much tion, teamwork, and leadership; Primary Program in the Year 2000 porate giants, like Bill Gates, are larger class sizes, lack of support for easier to silence the professional cross-cultural understanding; initiatives has survived and flour - quite willing to invest hundreds of voice of teachers. All around the communication, computing, and ished because it was based in millions of dollars to support world, teacher unions are under ICT literacy; career and learning In the context of deliberate practice, and the experiences and charter schools in order to ensure a pressure to move into the 21st self-reliance; caring for personal knowledge of classroom teachers. It marketplace for consumers of policies to underfund, desta- century so teachers would be left health and planet earth. The focus was play-based, child-centred, and goods and services provided by bilize, and privatize public without any protections, and in the presentations has been on developmentally appropriate. It was companies that will earn billions. schools, privateers use the employers would have all the personalized learning, use of driven by, and embraced by, Others are turning to schools to flexibility. technology and online learning, standardized-testing agenda classroom teachers. So, if BC is provide students with specific job The 21st century learning teachers as facilitators, and more serious about education reform, let skills, so they do not have to invest to undermine public confi- initiative proponents focus on the choice for parents and students. No the ministry engage teach ers in a money in training workforces. Both dence in public education. need to rethink and liberate the teacher could argue with these meaningful dialogue that is based groups are driven by economic self- The focus on narrowly- public education system. Teachers laudable goals, and would assert on the professional experi ence and interest, and the concept of life-long would no longer be teaching, but this is exactly what is happening in defined measur able data knowledge of teachers. Provide learning, with students engaged in would be liberated to facilitate classrooms around the province. As narrows both teaching and teachers with professional the process of learning, is lost. In personalized learning for each practicing teachers, we also notice autonomy, and the resources to the US, many charter schools are learning. student. Teachers are asking for that a sense of community, citizen - deliver quality teaching and learn - run by corporations and founda - class size, class composition, and ship, and civic responsibility are ing. Last, but not least, trust tions using public funds and specialist supports that allow them missing from the list. teachers as they are highly qualified buildings to make a profit. to meet the needs of every child. When we look at what is happen - professionals. In the context of deliberate students with special needs, and However, the reformers have ing in the US and other jurisdictions policies to underfund, destabilize, reduction in learning assistance and visions of students attached to Jinny Sims is director, BCTF motivating 21st century learning, and privatize public schools, support services to assist our wireless digital devices taking Professional and Social Issues there is dissonance and contradic - privateers use the standardized- vulnerable students. Once again, personalized learning courses on- Division. tions between what is said, the testing agenda to undermine public there is a disconnect between the line, and students going out into the confidence in public education. The talk of 21st century learning and the commitment to fund public education. TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 5

of the Union of BC Inidan Chiefs and by speakers and by those present for Japanese-Canadians and Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National that neither the former minister nor Chinese-Canadians as well. “Stop Chief of the Assembly of First current Minister for Aboriginal walking around like you own the Reconciliation: Nations. Jody Wilson-Raybould, the Relations and Reconciliation were place, and start to awaken to the Regional Chief of the Assembly of present at the event, which had racist past” was his message to First Nations, noted that all of the been long in the works, but broader Canadian society. Recon - A work in progress individuals in attendance are on occurred one day after Premier ciliation is going to take a long time, their own journey to find balance Gordon Campbell’s cabinet shuffle. he said. It took many years to get us and reconciliation, and that the act Marie Wilson, one of the commis - here, and it will take a long time to By Glen Hansman sibility of telling Canadians what sioners from the Truth and Recon - change attitudes at all levels of happened in the residential schools, Residential schools date back cil iation Commission noted that the government as well as in our honouring the lives of former schools. It will be the children of The BCTF was invited to send to the 1870s. Over 130 resi- event would have been the perfect students and their families, and Canada, both Aboriginal and non- participants to an all-day public way for a new minister to get up to creating a permanent record of the dential schools were located Aboriginal, who will need to carry education initiative about residen - speed on a key aspect of his new residential schools’ legacy. across the country, and the on this work, and we have a re - tial schools held at the Chief Joe portfolio. Residential schools date back to spon sibility for helping them do so. Mathias Centre in North Vancouver, last school closed in 1996. There was good reason for the 1870s. Over 130 residential More information about the Truth hosted by the Squamish Nation, the During this era, more than government and for teachers to be schools were located across the and Reconciliation Commission of Indian Residential School Survivors there. As Honorable Justice Murray country, and the last school closed 150,000 First Nations, Métis, Canada can be found at trc.ca. Society, and the First Nations Health Sinclair, chair of the Truth and in 1996. During this era, more than and Inuit children were Additional information about the Reconciliation Commission, also Council. Marjorie Dumont, assistant 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and reconciliation work can be found on director, BCTF Professional and placed in these schools, often noted that these issues cannot be Inuit children were placed in these against their parents’ wishes. the website of the Aboriginal Social Issues Division, and I were schools, often against their parents’ approached as an “Aboriginal Healing Foundation, ahf.ca. honoured to attend on behalf of the wishes. Many were forbidden to Many were forbidden to problem.” Rather, it’s a problem for The Federation has a letter of Federation. speak their language and practice speak their language and all of Canada. Aboriginal children in understanding with the BC Public The event was intended to their own culture. practice their own culture. residential schools were told they School Employers’ Association promote interest and understanding Chief Ian Campbell, Squamish were inferior, that their languages stating that the parties are com - among Aboriginal people and other Nation, opened the event, remark - and culture were inferior; mean - mitted to redress the under repre - British Columbians in the work of ing that before reconciliation can while, he argued, non-Aboriginal sentation of Aboriginal employees. the Indian Residential School Truth occur, we must look at the truth— of transferring despair into hope is students in public schools were told Locals are encouraged to utilize this and Reconciliation Commission, reconciling hurts and pains handed not an individual effort, but one that the same thing—Aboriginal students letter of understanding to imple - which is part of a settlement down, and the legacies of those— by necessity involves the larger were inferior, and therefore non- ment employment equity agree - agreement arising out of a class- before moving forward. This was a community and Canadians recog - Aboriginal students are superior ments for Aboriginal-identified action suit between survivors of the theme that was emphasized by a nizing our colonial past in order to and have entitlements. The laws, teachers. residential schools and the variety of speakers during the move to reconciliation and a institutions, and society of Canada Glen Hansman is BCTF second vice- Canadian government. The com - morn ing of the day’s events, which positive future for all of us. are founded on racism, he posited, president. mission has been given the respon - included Grand Chief Stewart Philip Disappointment was expressed not just for Aboriginal people, but A life-changing experience By Courtney Swanson What makes this twisted percep - • I never met any Aboriginal of asking questions, because by emotionally harmed, discriminated tion of Canadian history even children. asking questions, we’re pointing out against, and marginalized. worse, is that the majority of my differences. I understand that accomplish - I am speaking today as a non- • I participated in Canadian fellow classmates had similar levels I recognize that this is a problem. ments have come easier to me in Aboriginal nursing student, to give holidays that catered to the of knowledge regarding this topic. I also remember that we spent a life because I belong to the my perspective of our education dominant culture. (e.g., I remem - I graduated from high school lot of time learning about how to dominant culture, and I know that I system. ber dress ing up as a pilgrim for a within the BC public school system, interact with people immigrating don’t feel right about that. Approximately six months ago, I Thanks giving school play, in but I had never come across the from other countries, but never I will never view myself, my had a life-changing experience. I honour of the European pioneers topic of residential schools and who journeyed to this land. No - about how to create meaningful, culture, our society, history, or this heard Samaya, from the Indian colonialism until my third year of trusting relationships with the country the same way again. Residential School Survivor Society, body ever mentioned that this nursing school. arrival also marked what essen - original peoples of this land. We Thanks to the Indian Residential speak to my class about the effects never learned how to mend the School Survivor Society, I have of colonialism and residential tially became Canada’s own I thought that issues genocide.) ways of the shameful past that we decided to expand my knowledge, schools on the Aboriginal created. and I am now taking my nursing between Aboriginal people • In secondary school, the only community. All of this combined added to my elective in the field of nursing with and European descendants Aborigi nal students who I knew I’m not exaggerating when I say ignorance of residential schools, Aboriginal peoples. lived with Caucasian families. life-changing. This is not easy for were a part of a distant past, colonialism, and Aboriginal peoples It is my hope to take this learning me to explain, because in order for like something seen in the • My learning in class consisted of in Canada. and work as an ally with the me to give context to what I’m movies. the fur trade and Aboriginal Today, as an adult, I can take Aboriginal community. talking about, I must first admit how customs and culture, but nothing responsibility for what I didn’t Without imposing, I hope to be ignorant I’ve been for the first 28 about how the white settlers know. part of a positive move forward years of my life. attempted to dehumanize I can take responsibility for what toward equity—together. I will say it though, because I How is this possible? Aboriginal people. my ancestors contributed to. As the former South African want to be honest, and the topic of Why is it considered necessary for I also grew up when multicul - I can acknowledge the fact that President Nelson Mandela once today is truth. us to learn about the histories of turalism and human differences my skin colour alone represents said, “Education is the most My truth, is that I am embarras - other nations’ mistakes, such as were a hot topic. something that may cause feelings powerful tool which you can use to sed and ashamed to admit that up Nazi Germany, but not about our To address multiculturalism, we of hatred or anger in people, and change the world.” until six months ago, I had no idea own? learned that “we are all the same,” that it is a symbol of oppression in The IRSSS changed my world. If education regarding the true that residential schools ever existed. I’ve looked back on my past to try and that it shouldn’t matter if this country. I was oblivious to the effects that someone’s skin is a different colour, history of this land can be brought to see how I managed to miss such I can talk about it, and I can share colonialism had, and continues to or if they come from a culture into the school systems, and be a crucial aspect of our history—the my knowledge. have, on the Aboriginal people of distinct from our own. The day that Sumaya visited our taught by Aboriginal people, then history in which my own European this land. Essentially, we were taught “not class marked a new beginning for perhaps we can begin to change the ancestors would have played a role. I thought that issues between to notice” differences, or at least, me. world of all Canadians. This is what I’ve come up with: Aboriginal people and European not to express that we notice them. I understand that Aboriginal Courtney Swanson made this address descendants were a part of a distant • I grew up in a predominantly As a result, rather than learn from families and communities have to the Public Education Initiative on past, like something seen in the white, middle-class suburban each other, we learn from textbooks been torn apart, displaced, lied to, the Indian Residential School Truth movies. neighborhood. or secondary sources. We’re afraid stolen from, physically and and Reconciliation Commission.

L-R, Indian Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners Wilton Littlechild and Marie Wilson, Courtenay Swanson addressed the Public Education Indian Residential School Survirors’ Society Board Elder Louisa Smith and TRC chairperson Justice Murray Sinclair. Initiative on the IRSTRC. 6 TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 Conferences for social justice teachers Professional development for social change By Myriam Dumont immigration debate • Children are not color blind: Over the past two months, I have Talking about skin color in the been fortunate enough to attend classroom two amazing conferences. The first • Civics applied math lab: Social one I attended took place in justice issues in the math Berkeley, California. The conference curriculum Is it anti-Semitic to criticize Israel? was put on by an organization • Comics and social justice: A called Gender Spectrum and was dynamic duo of content and style put on for families and profession - • Learning Israel-Palestine: als living and working with gender- Connecting with Palestinian variant youth. Over the past few youth and uncovering the conflict months, we have seen in the media in the Middle East how vulnerable our LGBTQ youth • Transgender youth 101 are, especially those who do not conform to the gender expectations • Why teachers should be By Bob Rosen in South Africa that he wouldn’t be has been sharply criticized by the our society has set for them. It was concerned about military access welcomed at the bar mitzvah of his United Nations and the Inter - extremely empowering to meet with policy at your school. own grand son. (This attempt at national Red Cross. The conflict between Israel and families and professionals who are There was also a resource fair intimidation was reversed when it Within the “Green Line” of Israel’s the Palestinians has once again trying to create a world where all that offered a wonderful selection of generated tremendous international 1947 borders, Israel’s self-definition been thrown into high relief by the our students feel safe and where teacher resources for those outrage.) as a “Jewish state” makes second- action of Israeli forces in boarding a their identities are celebrated. interested in doing social justice Conflating criticisms of the class citizens of the Palestinians relief ship bound for Gaza to Perhaps the most valuable part of actions of the state of Israel with who comprise 20% of Israel’s attempt to break the crippling land this entire conference was hearing Although both these confer- attacks on Jewish people in general population. These are the people and sea blockade of that territory by the youth speak. Every teen spoke ences took place in the US, is utterly false. There have always who remained behind when the the Israeli military. Israel’s actions of the importance of having been Jews who have been critical of Zionist military’s ethnic cleansing the issues and the struggles have earned it an unprecedented teachers speak up when bullying the Zionist project. In fact, many of campaigns drove the majority of facing teachers and public degree of international condemna - occurred and were hopeful that the strongest critics of Zionism and Palestinians from their ancestral tion. schools would eventually be safe education are virtually identi- of Israel’s policies have been homes. Israel refuses to allow the Recently, the BCTF places for gender-variant youth. cal. Teachers in the US have Jewish. 80% of the Palestinian population Representative Assembly called for The second conference was that were driven out of their homes been battling against stan- the develop ment of a curriculum hosted by a group called Northwest To understand Palestinians’ at that time, or their descendants, to dardized testing, huge cuts to unit that allows a fair and compre - Teachers for Social Justice, with the return, even though Israel was hen sive all-sided discus sion of the attitude toward this situation, involvement of Rethinking Schools. public educa tion, as well as obliged to do so as a condition of Israel/Palestine issue. Teachers imagine how Sikh, Jewish, or The third annual Northwest Confer - the implementation of being granted its statehood by the need to understand what’s going on Muslim Canadians would feel ence on Teaching for Social Justice’s international community in 1948. At charter schools. in that region and discuss it with theme this year, ”Rethinking Our if Canada were to define the same time, anyone who is their students. Classrooms, Organizing for Better itself as a “Christian state.” Jewish can immigrate to Israel and In the past year, there has been a Schools,” seemed very timely work in their classroom. gain instant citizenship as a right in spate of actions by government considering what teachers and Although both these conferences the Jewish state. To understand bodies in Canada in an attempt to schools have been going through took place in the US, the issues and In Canada, organizations such as Palestinians’ attitude toward this brand critics of Israeli policies as here in BC over the past little while. the struggles facing teachers and Independent Jewish Voices, Jewish situation, imagine how Sikh, Jewish, anti-Semitic. At the same time, the Along with the keynote from Sonia public education are virtually Outlook Society (which publishes or Muslim Canadians would feel if Harper government has acted to Nieto, there were so many identical. Teachers in the US have the Canadian Jewish Outlook Canada were to define itself as a defund the Christian human rights been battling against standardized magazine), and Not In Our Name “Christian state.” NGO Kairos because of its alleged It was extremely empowering testing, huge cuts to public educa - are increasingly vocal critics of South African leaders Bishop support for a campaign of boycott, tion, as well as the implementation Israeli policy and represent an Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela to meet with families and divestment, and sanctions (BDS) of charter schools. alternative voice to the hardline have said that the conditions of professionals who are trying against Israel. In fact, Kairos never Building alliances with other Israeli supporters of B’nai Brith and Palestinians in the territories are to create a world where all did support the BDS campaign, organizations that see education as the Canadian Jewish Congress. worse than those faced by blacks although many defenders of human our students feel safe and a means for social change is crucial. There is also a growing number of under the apartheid system there. rights around the world—Jews and where their identities are My hope is that next year even organiza tions of dissenting Jews in Former US President Jimmy Carter non-Jews—do. Recently, the Ontario more teachers will head down to the US, England, and elsewhere has described the current occupa - celebrated. parliament also passed a motion Portland or Berkeley to continue who are speaking out in opposition tion as a form of apartheid. condemning Israeli Apartheid Week building bridges with our allies in to the actions of the state of Israel. In response to a growing aware - on college campuses in Ontario and the US. Israel’s continuing illegal occupa - ness of the crisis in Israel and interesting work shops it was elsewhere. Well-known Canadian tion of territories it captured in the Palestine, a number of artists and difficult to choose just three. Here is Myriam Dumont is a part-time Grade journalist Judy Rebick (who is 1967 war has given rise to many musicians are refusing to perform in a sampling of some of the many 4/5 teacher and librarian at Hastings herself Jewish) sharply criticized the workshop topics offerred: Elementary Community School, human rights concerns. The Israel as part of the boycott, move and pointed out that this is occupation denies the most basic • Let’s empower middle school Vancouver. divestment, and sanctions (BDS) the first time a Canadian legislature rights to the Palestinian residents of girls to be strong and confident! has taken action against student campaign called for as a non- For more information, visit the Occupied Territories, including • The arts as tools for social justice: protest activities since the McCarthy violent protest by Palestinian civil Northwest Teachers For Social the right to a viable territory and Sharing the stories of Somali and era in the early 1950s. society organizations. The Congress Justice, www.nwtsj.org and Gender state, to vote in meaningful Iraqi middle school students Most significantly, a group of of South African Trade Unions Spectrum, www.genderspectrum.org. elections, and to control their own (COSATU), which played an impor - • Bringing current events to life: MPs, representing all federal governmental affairs. As a direct tant role in the defeat of South Role-playing the Arizona political parties except the Bloc result of this occupation, the African apartheid, has also played a Quebecois, formed the Canadian movement of Palestinians is strictly leading role in this BDS campaign, Parliamentary Coalition to Combat controlled through a series of trying to pressure Israel to abandon Anti-Semitism (CPCCPA), which has military roadblocks that make its own apartheid policies. been conduct ing a series of one- communication and travel within There is considerable discussion sided hearings aimed at defining the territories maddeningly slow and debate about the road to peace pointed criticism of Israel as the and sometimes impossible. Israeli in Israel/Palestine. The internation - “new anti-Semitism.” They are now soldiers at the checkpoints ally recognized goal has been a preparing to make a report to frequently deliberately humiliate two-state solution. But Israeli Parliament proposing legislation Palestinians simply trying to move settlement policies and intransi - that could make such criticisms of within their own territory. Israeli gence have made this goal increas - Israel a violation of Canadian law. dissident Jeff Halper has described ingly unattainable in the short run. Currently, an ever-greater Israel’s administration of the Many in Palestine and elsewhere number of Jews in Canada and Occupied Territories as a “Matrix of are proposing the idea of a single around the world are distancing Control.” state inhabited by Jews and themselves from the policies of the In addition, there are more than Palestinians who have full equality Israeli government, which were 11,000 Palestinian political under the law. This is now seen by recently condemned in the United prisoners in Israeli jails. Much of the many supporters of the Palestinian Nations’ Goldstone Report for best land and water access in the criminal actions against Palestinian territories continues to be taken by cause as both a more practical and civilians during the Gaza War in illegal Israeli settlements, which are more principled solution than trying December 2009. (The report also connected to each other by a series to establish a state in the frag - criticizes Hamas for its rocket of Jewish-only roads that Pales - mented Occupied Territories. attacks against Israeli civilians.) tinians are not allowed to ride on. Regardless of their views on all Goldstone, a noted international Currently, the Israeli military has this, Canadians should be free to human rights expert and a South been enforcing a blockade in Gaza consider all the options and African Jew and self-described since 2005. This aggressive action approaches to resolving this supporter of Israel, has subsequent - sharply limits the import of vital decades-old crisis without fear of ly been viciously attacked by the goods, which is causing terrible being labeled anti-Semites for Israeli government and its suppor - hardship to the people living there, speaking out against the injustice ters for taking such a forthright in direct opposition to international and oppression that the Palestinians position. Recently Goldstone was law forbidding collective punish - are experiencing. told by Zionist religious authorities ment of civilian populations, and Bob Rosen is a retired Surrey teacher. TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 7

particularly resilient and cheerful, willing to work very hard. They shedding fewer tears than teachers have even asked for homework.” see in typical Canadian schools. Their mothers are attentive to the “You make our lives better” Classroom work so far has children’s learning and daily including human smuggling. learn, they’re just lapping it up.” focused on concrete vocabulary, express their thanks to the teachers, Lessons in hope After initial medical examinations Most of the children are Level taught with some bilingual books, bowing with their hands held palms from Tamil refugee in Victoria, the male Tamils were One learners who are illiterate in lots of props, and animated facial together as if in prayer. transferred to a detention facility in their native Tamil language but it’s expressions. Calendar activities, the “It's so touching when they do students Maple Ridge and the females were amazing how quickly they are weather, colours of the rainbow, that,” Kinoshita said, adding the moms often bring little treats. sent to the Burnaby Youth Custody progressing. “Some are so focused, The teachers soon discovered By Nancy Knickerbocker Services Centre. The children were with a great aptitude for languages,” “You just see the appreciation housed with their mothers. Peddie said. that only a few of the and gratitude on the faces of the Just after sunrise on August 13, As September approached, the “At first it may seem that the children had had any access children and the parents,” said Ciofi. 2010, the MV Sun Sea, a decrepit Burnaby school district was asked more extroverted students are the to education in Sri Lanka, and “It has to do with how our teachers 59-metre cargo ship, docked in to provide educational services to ones really getting it,” Spratt noted. it wasn’t a very positive work to establish a relationship the Tamil children, with joint with every child. The curriculum Esquimalt Harbour under tight “I had one student who at first was experience… security provided by two RCMP funding from the Ministry of very withdrawn, but now he’s no comes next. You can't be there for patrol boats and the watchful eyes Education and the Ministry of longer shy and is willing to speak more than a few minutes before you Children and Families. Reno Ciofi, start tearing up.” of Canada Border Service agents. up. I can see that quite a bit has parts of the body and items of director of instruction in Burnaby, The teachers were especially On board were 492 Sri Lankan actually gone in. Some are real clothing, the importance of hand- said he assembled “a dream team” refugee claimants, including two leaders in the group. After all, these washing, following directions, moved to find a message for them of teachers with a wealth of special pregnant women, a six-month-old kids have been together in close Canadian money, the numbers from written in sidewalk chalk on the education and ESL expertise to baby, and about 40 pre-school and quarters for a long time.” one to ten (although some children playground. It said: “You make our work with this unique group of school-aged children. All three teachers observed that already know one to a million), and lives better.” children. the children understandably show a different occupations and The mothers and children are The arrival of the Sun Sea, “I felt privileged to be asked to do lot of interest in ships, and big boats professions. occasionally taken for visits with it,” said Cora Kinoshita, who had the second ship carrying Tamil frequently show up in their draw - All three of the teachers were the fathers, who are detained in honed her ESL skills just the past migrants to land on BC ings. Do they seem traumatized by impressed by the children’s high Maple Ridge. What do they make of summer working with rural children their perilous ocean crossing? hopes for the future. “There are their situation? shores, created a tidal wave in the Philippines. “If there is trauma, we are not several future doctors and teachers “They understand they are of controversy that swept “We were very excited,” added seeing evidence of it,” said Spratt, in the group,” said Spratt. “They waiting for the immigration process across Canada. Joan Peddie. “What an opportunity!” adding that the children seem have aspirations and they are to take place,” said Spratt. “Hearing” Kinoshita and Peddie each work is a word they understand. They’ll part time with the 5- and 6 year- say, for example: “Today father Three Burnaby teachers watched olds, while Pilar Spratt works full- hearing.” Or: “Tomorrow release?” the news with concern, but never time with the 7- to 12-year-olds. And indeed, some of the children imagined that they were about to The teachers soon discovered and their parents have been begin the most unusual school year that only a few of the children had released into the Canadian of their careers, teaching these very had any access to education in Sri community. “I miss some of them children who had endured months Lanka, and it wasn’t a very positive already,” said Spratt. “In particular I of ocean crossing with very limited experience: “Canadian teachers had three siblings who were just so food and water in a vessel that was nice. Sri Lankan teachers bad,” the happy. Their joy is infectious, their far from seaworthy and now far children said. Pilar explained that wide smiles and bright eyes.” from home. “they’ve been physically disciplined What about those Canadians who The arrival of the Sun Sea, the in school back home, but not here.” say these migrants are just queue- second ship carrying Tamil migrants The first lessons were about jumpers who should be sent back to to land on BC shores, created a tidal proper conduct in school—lining up, wave of controversy that swept sharing, taking turns. Sri Lanka? across Canada. Public Safety “We needed to be firm,” said “People are too caught up in Minister Vic Toews voiced suspi - Peddie. “They didn't know any where they stand on these issues,” cions that the ship was carrying rules because they have never been Spratt says. “It’s the children we are members of the terrorist Tamil to school before.” providing this for. Children have Tigers, and declared that every “But they’ve adapted really well… rights, and we’re just there to help them.” passenger would be assessed Now they are starting to remind one The children of Tamil refugee claimants who arrived from Sri Lanka in individually to ensure they were not another of the rules!” Kinoshita August are eager to learn English, their teachers say. L-R: Cora Kinoshita, Nancy Knickerbocker is the BCTF engaged in criminal activity, said. “And they are so eager to Joan Peddie, Pilar Spratt. REBECCA BLISSETT PHOTO media relations officer.

- lire et non officiels a été en grande l’ensemble des acquis en savoir- préparation aux diplômes nécessi - Le DELF et la • Parler (2 compétences) partie pris en charge par les faire, diplômes et certifications de tent une coordination fiable. La spécificité - prendre part à une conversation conseils scolaires. l’apprenant. On peut y intégrer formation d’enseignants et la mise - s’exprimer oralement en continu La pédagogie, quelques pistes… aussi des expériences en place de formateurs et d’experts canadienne • Écrire (1 compétence) interculturelles vécues dans requièrent un centre DELF dans En matière de pédagogie, Le DELF est sur le point d’être de différentes langues. En plus, le chaque province. En Colombie- plusieurs enseignants commencent By Moh Chelali plus en plus intégré dans le cursus passeport permet de déterminer le Britannique, par exemple, avec une à introduire systématiquement un scolaire de plusieurs provinces niveau et le profil de l’apprenant population étudiante de plus de 40 volet sonore dans leurs méthodes Pendant longtemps, l’évaluation canadiennes. Certaines d’entre elles dans plusieurs langues que le 000 élèves en immersion et plus de d’enseignement et aussi à en français langue seconde était (Alberta, Colombie-Britannique, candidat a apprises tant dans le 100 000 élèves en français langue développer des activités de essentiellement basée sur la Québec…) disposent d’un centre milieu scolaire que familial ou pour de base, il serait ardu de trouver des compréhension de l’oral avec leurs maîtrise de l’expression écrite. DELF provincial habilité par le CIEP toute autre raison (tourisme, loisirs, structures, des correcteurs et des élèves. La grammaire n’est pas en L’évaluation spécifique des activités de Paris. Les sessions sont rencontres, etc.). Il permet alors de examinateurs si un grand nombre reste : dans une perspective de langagières avec les diverses organisées au sein des établisse - présenter l’ensemble des de ces élèves décidait de passer le pédagogie du sens, elle est de plus compétences et savoir-faire ments scolaires publics ou privés. compétences linguistiques, y DELF. en plus introduite de manière n’existait pas. On ne pratiquait pas Passer le DELF offre un cadre qui compris dans les langues de inductive en classe. La grammaire Conclusion nécessairement toutes les favorise la qualité des enseigne - l’immigration. Les diplômes et les de l’oral est désormais prise en Le DELF calibré selon le CECR composantes d’une évaluation ments en français ainsi que le certifications officiels sont listés à la compte aussi. La phonétique est offre une chance unique aux jeunes exhaustive comportant toutes les développement de la fluidité verbale fin du Passeport, et les attestations maintenue au-delà des niveaux A1 apprenants canadiens. Cet outil de compétences : expression orale, et la confiance dans l’utilisation de sont jointes au Dossier. et A2 et sert son objectif initial : la référence validera le progrès de nos expression écrite, compréhension la langue française axée sur le 2) La Biographie langagière différenciation de formes jeunes dans les quatre compétences orale et compréhension écrite. développement de compétences et permet de faire un état des lieux des grammaticales dont la réalisation de base (compréhension orale et Le Cadre européen commun de de savoir-faire. compétences linguistiques de orale est proche. Pour rendre production orale, compréhension référence et le Diplôme La réalité en Colombie-Britannique l’apprenant selon son niveau du des écrits et production écrite). Cet d’enseignement de langue française l’apprenant actif, les stratégies moment (expérimenté, indépendant outil permettra aussi de suivre et de Le Cadre européen commun de Avec la mise en place du centre d’apprentissage actuelles misent sur ou élémentaire). comparer les acquis, et de valider référence pour les langues (CECRL), provincial du DELF depuis quelques la dynamique de groupe (alternance 3) Le Dossier contient l’ensemble l’évaluation d’apprentissage dans publié en 2001, fruit de plusieurs mois et le projet de mise à l’essai entre la classe entière, les petits des certifications et des diplômes une dimension locale, nationale et années de recherches linguistiques dans plusieurs conseils scolaires du groupes et les binômes), l’auto- officiellement obtenus par l’élève internationale. Le rôle de l’enseig - menées par des experts des États grand Vancouver, le DELF acquiert apprentissage (en dehors de la ainsi que des preuves de son nant est crucial, car il doit mettre à membres du Conseil de l’Europe, une réalité tangible. Environ 500 classe) et parfois des enquêtes à excellence dans les différentes. Ces la disposition de ses élèves des n’arrive à influencer la réalité élèves ont participé à l’examen l’extérieur afin de profiter des documents peuvent être sous forme méthodes de travail, des stratégies canadienne d’enseignement que officiel et à l’examen en blanc cette apports du milieu (où l’on peut écrite (travail scolaire, projet, stage, et démarches d’apprentissage leur plusieurs années plus tard. année. Il est à prévoir qu’au moins trouver des locuteurs du français etc.) ou orale (cassettes audio ou permettant non seulement Patrimoine Canada, dans un rapport 1 000 à 1 500 élèves participeront dans le commerce, la culture, vidéo, CD-ROM, etc.). d’appren dre à apprendre en d’étude publié en 2006, affirme que durant l’année scolaire 2010-2011 l’enseignement…) et de faire de autonomie, mais aussi d’être des « le CECR comporte des avantages » aux examens du DELF au niveau de l’apprenant un « acteur social ». Débattre de certains défis acteurs qui agissent en interaction considérables, qu’il est capable de la province. D’autres gros médias se sont L’examen DELF apparaît pour sociale dans la construction des répondre à la diversité des besoins En plus des 55 enseignants joints à cette nouvelle tendance; certains éducateurs comme un apprentissages.La vivacité et les et des cultures pédagogiques des certifiés l’année dernière comme ainsi le site TV5 propose aux examen/diplôme franco-français un développements de l’enseignement provinces et des territoires et qu’il formateurs/examinateurs à Vichy enseignants un ensemble d’outils, peu déconnecté de la réalité au Canada ont fait du pays un s’avère très prometteur en tant que en France, cette année, 60 autres de services et de ressources pour canadienne. La rédaction des items pionnier dans le domaine des cadre cohérent et transparent pour enseignants ont été formés comme exploiter les émissions de la chaîne ainsi que le recueil des textes programmes d’immersion. Le choix les langues au Canada. » examinateurs à Richmond par 6 et les documents en ligne sur apparaissent aussi centrés sur une d’un outil comme le DELF n’est pas Comme le CECR, le DELF est formateurs canadiens de la tv5monde.com. réalité essentiellement française. Il une finalité en soi, mais un outil divisé en six niveaux (A1, A2, B1, Colombie-Britannique. Le finance - Le second élément d’intérêt faut dire cependant que le CIEP perspicace et efficace. B2, C1, C2) qui vont du niveau ment de ces formations a été pédagogique est le Portfolio. Le reconnaît ceci et est prêt à colla - débutant (A1) au niveau confirmé essentiellement pris en charge par portfolio est composé de trois borer pour infuser un contenu plus Moh Chelali, Responsable des pro- (C2). Il distingue cinq competences : le ministère de l’Éducation de la parties : le Passeport des langues, la adapté aux réalités canadi ennes. grammes et services en français, • Comprendre (2 compétences) Colombie-Britannique, alors que le Biographie langagière et le Dossier. L’organisation et la mise en place Fédération des enseignants de la - écouter financement des examens officiels 1) Le Passeport des langues est de structures d’examen et de Colombie-Britannique. 8 TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 Student brings hope to homeless youth By Brittney Deering wanted to tell everyone I was doing board directors. We would have bi- fine and that I was living indepen- weekly and monthly meetings dently, but I would have to lie on where we would sit down and talk I am sitting in front of my the first day back at school. How do about what we needed as young computer at school trying to write I tell people that I have nothing, people and what we think we about homelessness. I am homeless nothing at all? I hate the lying. needed to be successful. and I feel rage, desperation, sad - My homelessness was real and What we came up with was ness, frustration, regret, and hope - there was no one to help me other remodeling “Building 272” in Alder - lessness. How can anyone than my boyfriend and a few good grove. The building was previously understand my life? friends. I used to steal a lot to feed just a youth hangout on Friday myself and get the bare necessities nights, and different groups used I want to tell you about some that every girl needs. I went to the the area. Now it is used as a place of the feelings, stresses, and ministry and my social worker was for young people to come if they the hardships of being a sympathetic but her supervisor was need help anytime. There are meals unwilling to approve my request for every night and youth-care workers homeless young person. a new agreement until I found a are there if kids ever need to ask place to live. I was homeless for five questions, or if someone needs a months. I continued to steal food safe house. We help a lot of young I want to tell you about some of and moved from place to place. I people figure out their lives— the feelings, stresses, and the would have to feel safe in a house especially how to get help. Some Poverty and hardships of being a homeless and that feeling didn’t last too long just need laundry facilities and a young person. Just sharing my life because there were often people shower, others need food and a situation is embarrassing and yet it who were quite willing to rip me off computer to send a message home education: gives me a chance to push back or to take advantage of me. I always or to someone they love, or to look against all odds. I want to believe felt nervous worrying about my for jobs. The youth workers help a that things will be different in the safety. I became quite depressed lot because most kids feel lost in a future and that I will change my with the hopelessness. My boyfriend homeless situation. Moving from experience. tried to be understanding but he A year ago, I was in the same didn’t comprehend the depth of my situation as a lot of other youths anxiousness. It makes me feel hopeful that who are struggling on the streets all Just before the cold days of I can be part of helping some- research to action the time. Luckily for me, I became winter took over, my friend Megan one else. I just want them to homeless during the summer. It is and her mom took me in. I was in never experience that feeling Part 2 of the study findings, education teachers and educational strange to get comfort from a contact with my social worker now of hopeless ness. Poverty and education assistants to support small group season but it gave me a chance. and she was willing to pay Megan’s learning as well as smaller class It all started in July. I was living as mom an amount of money for research project: A teacher’s sizes. an independent youth on a youth having me there, food, bills, and perspective agreement with support from the basic necessities. Everything was It makes me feel hopeful that I In the school Ministry of Child and Family going great once again. I had a can be part of helping someone By Margaret White • Creating “schools of care” Development. I was celebrating my home, I was back in school, and I else. I just want them to never Creating schools of care emerged 18th birthday and decided to have a wasn’t fighting to survive anymore; experience that feeling of hopeless - as a dominant theme in the respon - few friends over as a little celebra - it was just coming naturally. In ness. What is needed in the ses to this question. Based on the tion. Unfortunately, by the end of February 2010 Megan and I moved I am grateful to come to school classroom, school, and discussion, “schools of care” would the night things had gotten a bit out out together on our own. I got each day but the painful experience community? focus on social justice and social of being homeless never leaves me. responsibility, build relationships of hand, but I never suspected what involved in a youth homelessness An important reason for conduct- with community, and have lots of would happen next. initiative through the group FAYSS Brittney Deering attends Langley ing this research was to learn from caring adults to connect with My landlord evicted me with four (Family and Youth Services Society). Secondary School, Langley. teachers what is needed to support students and families. Suggestions days notice to leave my “home.” Six other youths and I were the low-income students and their for involving families include having This is a familiar pattern in my life families to overcome educational and there was no point in fighting a drop-in space for parents and barriers related to poverty. Teachers the notice. I had similar experiences who attended the focus group were when I lived with my mom. We asked to “Imagine what an ideal Based on the discus sion, a were always searching for a new school community would look like if meaningful education chal - place and leaving precious things it had all the resources to support behind. I had nowhere to put my lenges stereotypes and pro- low-income students to fully partici - belongings, no truck to help me motes understanding about pate and succeed at school. What move, and worst of all, nowhere to would you put in the classroom, the poverty, builds on the go. My friend helped me move a few school, and the community?” strengths of students, fosters of my smaller boxes—about all that Teachers shared many ideas could fit in her car. I stored those hope, is sensitive and respon- about what they think is needed in boxes at friends’ houses and took sive to cultural heritage, and the school, classroom, and com - the rest with me. I blamed myself. I munity to create an inclusive, addresses multiple skill levels. felt guilty about messing up again caring, and meaningful experience and I had no one who could help me. Whenever I am faced with for low-income students and their sponsoring family events to encour - finding a new place, I feel my families. age positive connections with the insides churn up with anxiousness In the classroom school. Teachers told us they would and desperateness. • Creating an inclusive, caring, and also like to see more after-school It was a huge stress not having meaningful classroom environment programs for students (offered at no anywhere to go. I had no income Many of the suggestions relate to cost) such as cooking, sports, craft and now I had to put the pressure creating a supportive, welcoming, courses, and mentoring programs. and inclusive classroom environ - My landlord evicted me with Teachers also made suggestions ment. Teachers also told us that for what is needed in schools to four days notice to leave my education should be meaningful to support the physical and emotional “home.” This is a familiar pat- the experience of students dealing needs of students. Suggestions tern in my life and there was with poverty. Based on the discus- included providing a school nurse to no point in fighting the notice. sion, a meaningful education chal - assist families with health concerns, lenges stereotypes and promotes professional services for students in understanding about poverty, builds need of emotional and behavioural on the strengths of students, fosters support, and a quiet space for on friends and their families to help. hope, is sensitive and responsive to students when they needed to sleep It is a horrible feeling because it cultural heritage, and addresses or take a break. Schools also need feels like begging. I felt like a multiple skill levels. to examine procedures for offering burden to those people I care deeply Teachers also told us they would school-meal programs so that about. I remembered when I was like to see resources to meet the students do not feel stigmatized for younger having this huge bag and I basic needs of students in the class - using these programs. carried my belongings around with room such as food being available Teachers in the focus groups me all the time. Once again, I was EVICTED at all times for hungry students and indicated a need for a shift in in the same situation—carrying my ample supplies, so all students have instruc tional approaches at a bag around. It had my personal the tools required to complete school-wide level. Some teachers hygiene products and my clothes school work. would like to see less emphasis on stuffed full. I carried this 10 kilo In the first part of the focus learning that is based on age and sack with me. It made me feel group, some teachers identified grade level. A few teachers sug - strange and hopeless. small group learning as an impor - gested schools offer a homework It was fine during the summer tant strategy for addressing learning club to help address learning gaps because everyone was around. gaps. Teachers told us that what is while another teacher suggested the There were people to see; the needed in the classroom to facilitate school implement a “no-homework” weather was beautiful. I was dread - small group learning are additional policy. Some teachers identified the ing the return to school because I staff resources such as special need for schools to bring in TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 9 resources such as First Nations tator and Surrey teacher, reported educators and cultural support that some of the teachers who workers to support the development attended the focus group formed a BC teachers talk about of culturally meaningful education. Poverty Action Group at the Surrey The focus groups revealed that Teachers’ Association. Ilse Hill, satisfaction and stress in their work many low-income students are focus-group facilitator and Port excluded from field trips in subtle Alberni teacher, published an article By Margaret White and listens when we call for help. tion system. Data from this study and indirect ways related to hidden in Teacher newsmagazine, calling Charlie Naylor The quantitative results confirm suggest that this reduction has costs of participating and/or an on teachers to mobilize for change: what we learned in the qualitative increased workload for classroom unwillingness of families to use In a focus group that I conducted part of the study. Of the 47 sources teachers and reduced support The Research Department of the subsidy programs. Teachers told us in my community last year with BCTF of stress listed in the survey, the provided by specialist teachers. British Columbia Teachers’ that in order for students to fully researcher Margaret White, we asked most stressful factors relate to With severe cuts expected in the Federation conducted a survey of participate more funding is needed teachers about the effects of poverty inadequate support to meet student 2010–11 school year, the implica - public school teachers to assess for field trips, and schools need to that we are observing in our class - needs. Level of support for students tions are problematic for an working and learning conditions in review subsidy policies to assess rooms and communities. Part of the with disruptive behaviour, class- education system in which teacher BC schools. An important objective the extent to which these policies exercise was to imagine the resources composition issues, level of support workload is already a significant of the Worklife of BC Teachers: 2009 directly or indirectly discourage needed to have the “perfect” situation for non-designated, grey-area survey was to explore qualitatively low-income students from for our classrooms, schools, and students, and the unmet needs of Increased teacher workload what teachers find the most satis - participating in school events. communities. None of the responses students are the four most signifi - fying about their work and to learn and stress, and loss of job Some teachers spoke of the need offered could be considered unrea - cant sources of stress. At least 60% about which factors most contribute satisfaction, have consider- to raise awareness about poverty- son able. Experienced teachers talked of respondents rate these factors as to teacher stress. related issues within the school about the supports that used to be in high stress or very-high stress. The able implications for students The analysis of written responses community by providing more place and the increasing burdens attitude of the provincial govern - in the classroom and for shows that many teachers clearly opportunities for staff to learn about placed on children and families. It is ment is the fifth-highest source of love teaching and gain immense teachers’ quality of work life, time to use our professionalism to stress for teachers, slightly higher poverty and to share strategies that satisfaction from a vocation that and will likely affect teacher unite together and develop a plan of than inclusion issues. Class size, they find helpful in supporting they see as instru mental in action to create systemic change. and testing and assessment also retention in future years. students and families dealing with supporting children’s learning and While the intention of this project rank in the top-10 most-significant poverty. Some teachers spoke of the development. The study findings is to bring out a teacher’s perspec - stressors. need to examine the values provide further evidence that tive on poverty and education, the Job insecurity is increasingly an underlying current approaches to teacher/student relationships and issue. The survey results indicate voices of students, families, and issue for newer teachers due to the poverty and education and to interactions are the primary causes that excessive workloads contribute community members also need to steady erosion of teaching positions challenge approaches that focus of satisfaction; yet other positive to teachers being on medical leave, be heard. in BC over the past decade. The primarily on the limitations of interactions, with peers and especially for a stress-related survey findings suggest that students instead of building on their parents, and some level of illness/disability. If workload teachers teaching on call (TTOC) strengths. Teachers also told us they autonomy, are also important increases and specialist support experience very high stress levels would like to see resources to factors that contribute to teacher decreases due to cuts in teaching In the community associated with job insecurity/ satisfaction. positions in the 2010–11 year and • Building caring and meaningful meet the basic needs of stu- concerns about employment, as do I greatly enjoy the variety of the beyond, there may be increased community connections with dents in the class room such teachers with less than five years’ work I do; working with principals, stress-related claims in the coming children, youth, and families experience, or who are less than 35 as food being available at all vice-principals, teachers, students, years. Teachers made several sugges - years of age. times for hungry students parents, agencies…I have a lot of Increased teacher workload and tions as to how the community It is extremely difficult to have a autonomy. I am glad that the work I stress, and loss of job satisfaction, could help to build social connec - and ample supplies, so all stu- regular family life when you are do is with people, helping students have considerable implications for tions with and between families, dents have the tools required working on-call, and don’t know and families. This is very satisfying. students in the classroom and for such as community kitchens and until the morning if you are working to complete school work. On the converse side, it almost teachers’ quality of work life, and gardens, family nights and weekend or not. I am unable to pay for daycare always appears that it is the com - will likely affect teacher retention in field trips, clothing exchanges, and when I am not sure if I will use it or bin ing of factors that stresses future years. There is evidence from offering programs of interest to not. teachers, such as multiple other empirical studies that exces - parents. Some teachers emphasized Stacey Kemp, a school psycholo - It is hard to get a full-time demands/limited time, classroom sive teacher workloads, and proble - the need for caring program leaders gist, long-time social justice continuing job. I feel every year is complexity in terms of class size matic conditions in classrooms, who are sensitive to poverty issues advocate on poverty issues, and a insecure in regards to work for me and composition, lack of supports in cause teacher burnout and nega - and are able to create emotionally focus-group facilitator reported on and I have a mortgage to pay. general, and limited levels of tively impact students’ learning. safe and welcoming spaces. an idea for a community forum that support for dealing with student This survey found that one in five Values emerged as an important developed out of this research Changes in workload, stress, behaviour. Stress appears to be teachers is considering leaving the aspect of community programs in project: and job satisfaction One of the things that came up in most severe when several sources profession, with some of these the focus-group discussion. This study provides evidence that the focus group was how we need to of stress occur at the same time. teachers identifying increased Teachers’ comments suggest the most teachers are working many reach out more to the community. workload, stress, and burnout as community has an important role to hours outside of the regular work - One of the quotes I like is “nothing The survey findings suggest reasons influencing their play in providing programs that day on a range of school-related about us without us” meaning that that teachers teaching on call perspective. promote volunteerism, instill a activities, with administrative and we need to find out what our families The study results indicate that sense of meaning and purpose, (TTOC) experience very high reporting requirements taking up an living in poverty really need instead of teachers view their working empower students, and create stress levels associated with increasing amount of their time. making assumptions about what we conditions as fundamentally linked opportunities for skill development. The survey findings indicate that, in think they need. An idea that arose job insecurity concerns about to the conditions that support Other suggestions for how the the view of respondents, working out of the focus group was having a employment, as do teachers student learning, and that they want community can support low-income and learning conditions are worsen - community forum similar to the focus to see improvements to working students include providing free with less than five years’ ing, with at least two-thirds of group. This forum would join the conditions that give students better access to community sports pro - experience, or who are less teachers (who have been teaching various community groups together chances of success. One key set of grams/facilities for youth and than 35 years of age. for five years or more) experiencing and the goal would be to include evidence for this claim is that while assisting with transportation, when increased stress levels and work - those who often do not have a voice. pay and benefits are emphasized by necessary. Many teachers noted the load compared to five years ago, This is something I would like to many teachers as directions they need for affordable childcare and 40% reporting decreased job work toward in Penticton and School All the bits and pieces to weave want the union to pursue, respon - services in their community, satisfaction. These changes appear District 67 (Okanagan-Skaha). together, never enough time. When dents place addressing working including after-school childcare. to be pervasive, affecting teachers Linda Young, chair of the Anti- teachers recognize a student has The community also has a role to across demographic groups, imply - conditions linked to student learn - poverty Committee for the issues outside the norm they ask for play in meeting the basic needs of ing that strategies to reduce work - ing as a slightly higher priority than Vancouver Elementary School students and families. Some teach - help, but early intervention is not load and stress would be of benefit improving their own pay and Teachers’ Association (VESTA) ers identified the need for more really very early. We are professionals to teachers across the board. benefits. participated in a VESTA-sponsored consultation between teachers, who should be supported with the Increased workload and stress for This research was conducted by research project, organized by a social workers, and social agencies extra help to bring these students teachers may be a consequence of Margaret White, senior research researcher (Marcy Cohen) and involved with families. Improved along. Instead, we have meetings, do the significant reduction in teaching analyst, and Charlie Naylor, senior community organizer (Priti Shah) in access to dental, medical, and more paperwork, and have even less positions arising from a growing researcher, of the BCTF Research partnership with the Living Wage mental health services for families time and energy for teaching. Nobody funding crisis in BC’s public educa - Department. in need, including assistance with Coalition and Frog Hollow and transportation, is also needed. Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood Finally, teachers recognized that House. They met with immigrant government attitude the importance of social justice parents living on low incomes to advocacy in raising awareness hear about what parents found about poverty and addressing the positive and supportive at school, underlying causes of poverty. The what challenges they and their class size Living Wage Campaign, affordable children face at school and in the housing, a national childcare plan, community, and what schools can stress variety and reduced tuition fees are do to support children and parents time limitations poverty-reduction strategies that with low incomes so that they have lack of support teachers identified as important the opportunity to fully participate areas for education and advocacy. in all aspects of school life. disruptive behaviour The Poverty Action Group of the Where to from here? Moving BCTF Committee for Action on workload from research to action Social Justice is also planning to We view this research as a share some of the research findings starting point. We hope it helps to in a poverty and education work - build empathy and understanding shop they are developing for BC teachers. burnout about students dealing with poverty and to bring about positive action Prepared by Margaret White (BCTF paperwork class composition towards building a more equitable Research) in collaboration with Ilse and inclusive school community. Hill, Stacey Kemp, and Julia MacRae job insecurity autonomy The focus group research served as (2009 Poverty Action Group of the a catalyst for further action in local BCTF Committee for Action on Social communities. Justice); and Linda Young (VESTA meetings Julia MacRae, focus-group facili - Anti-poverty Committee). 10 TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010

accidents. It is all about prevention. injured (remember—not all injuries 4. Follow-up plan for corrective The WCB claims process can be are physical) or are exposed to an actions is put in place. Health and safety long and emotionally draining and agent that could cause an 5. Investigation report is written. carries a varied success rate. It is occupational disease: 6. Investigation results should be much better to prevent an injury in mind that we are workers with 1. Report to the first-aid attendant. publicized. Health and safety than to go through the claims the same processes available to us 2. Report to the administrator The employer has 21 days in to keep us as healthy and safe as process. topics and what to verbally and on a 6A form. Send a which to respond to the any other worker. Using the joint Follow these steps when you see copy to your local union office. committee’s recommendations. do about them health and safety committee an unsafe condition: 3. Report to your health and safety (A good reference can be found process helps us to recognize the 1. Report to the administrator. representative. on the WorkSafeBC website under By Karen Langenmaier importance and power of these 2. Report to the health and safety the “Publications” tab, called committees at our worksites in representative on the joint health 4. Report to WCB using Teleclaim at Investigations of Accidents and Health and safety representatives addressing and pre vent ing injuries and safety committee. 1-888-WORKERS. Diseases─Reference Guide and from all over the province provided and occupational diseases. It is all 5. See your doctor. 3. Put it in writing. Workbook.) a wealth of information about what about prevention. What should happen next: The employer is obligated to: Remember the basic tenets: is going well and what still needs Workers have the responsibility to – investigate the situation and 1. The administrator, along with work at the recent zone meetings. It report not only accidents and • Health and safety is for all correct any unsafe situation members of the site-based is so encouraging to see reps who incidents but also any work workers. “without undue delay.” committee, conduct an have been coming for a number of practice, method, or condition that • Report, report, report, report. – report the investigation to the investigation of the incident. years and the degree of knowledge could cause an injury or occupa - • It is all about prevention. they have to help members in their tional disease of any other worker. joint committee or worker 2. The committee makes recom - Look after yourselves and others. locals through health and safety Reporting potentially hazardous representative. mendations and action plans to issues. situations, followed by an investi- – inform all workers affected by the prevent further incidents. Karen Langenmaier is health and Regardless of which health and gation and recommendations to unsafe condition. 3. Emergent issues should be safety officer, BCTF Income Security safety issue arises, we need to keep remediate the situation, will prevent Follow these steps if you are corrected “without undue delay.” Division. My father’s garden By Marsha Thompson enabled this growth. I watched as can make any difference at all. I speed on their individual paths. I resemble my father. He didn’t Dad added the compost from prepare my lessons, read profes - One crop, asparagus, was my exchange ideas or produce with previous seasons, infusing the sional journals and inspiring books, Dad’s favourite. He had dug it wild neighbours, although when I Being a teacher. What does that garden with new life and vitality. reuse ideas that have worked, and from the orchard and planted it questioned him about that he said it mean? What influences and sparks Digging, turning the soil, pulling rework ideas that don’t. Many against the back fence. I wasn’t was because no one else had a the passion of those of us who have early weeds, planning the beds, lessons are discarded as I plan new fond of asparagus back then, and garden. I don’t recall him ever made it our life’s work? For me, the marking rows, checking seed tactics and strategies. I strive to be a the plants he let go to seed would asking for help or expressing answer can be found by digging catalogues and reference books, guide, allowing students to grow tangle my feet as I attempted to uncertainty about anything, and I deep into the roots of my childhood, remembering previous years’ and explore in my defined space— balance on my walk along the believe that as a child I came to see into the rich soil of my father’s experiences, and finally, after the classroom. narrow fence rail. It’s only now, these traits as less than desirable. garden. During the summer months my years later, that I appreciate the Teaching taught me to allow myself Dad is a quiet man, an honest …I recall how learning came father would spend hours in his delicious taste and textures of this to be uncertain and to admit to not man who holds his emotions close; garden. He countered the hot vegetable. I wonder if my former knowing and needing help. It was a man I still seek to truly know and easily and joyfully in the Okanagan sun with carefully students reflect back on our classes the most liberating feeling to finally understand. As a precocious and relaxed moments in the planned watering. Of course, my together with the same sense of cry with exasperation on the active youngster, I would trail after garden. I hope that I’ve brothers and I benefited by running belated understanding and shoulders of caring colleagues, and him, trying to keep the pace on created classrooms where through the sprinkler as it clicked its appreciation. to talk and work out solutions numerous walks through our way onto the lawn. He would As I continue to reflect on the together. neighbourhood and frequent hikes students feel safe enough to diligently monitor the leaves and students I have taught, it is often the In my mind’s eye, I still see my up Knox Mountain. Dad expected make mistakes and move at beds for pests, which were swiftly “wild” ones, the ones I had to try father’s pride as our family sat me to keep up, and I often had to their own speed on their and naturally dealt with. He was harder to understand, or give down to meals created from his run to match his steady stride. Only individual paths. patient while working the soil, special concessions to, so that they garden’s bounty. I too beam with in our back garden could I be with much different from the impatient could cope with life inside the four delight as I hear of the successes of him in my way, at my pace. Whether taskmaster I encountered while walls of school, that I remember my former students and watch the watching him while hanging upside analyzing weather and temperature attempting to be a worthy crew on with that special warm glow. In glowing pride on our graduates as down from the swing set, puttering conditions, my father would plant his sailboat. There he was abrupt, they cross the stage to receive their next to him in a row of radishes, or his seeds. curt, and I would often become …I still see my father’s pride Dogwood. helping to pick the early straw- As with my father’s work in the clumsy and inept as his intensity Health considerations forced my berries, I had a chance to listen, as our family sat down to garden, Patti Penti (2004) states, and lack of tolerance for slowness Dad to move to “the land of the watch, and absorb the lessons I was meals created from his gar- “Teaching is a complex combination and error became manifest. walking dead,” as he calls it, a to take forward into my life as a of many forms of knowledge. I too “water” my teaching. I den’s bounty. I, too, beam gated, seniors, residence where he teacher. Throughout her/his career, a attempt to monitor the amount of with delight as I hear of the cannot have a garden. He misses Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “For every teacher continues to develop information, practice, feedback, and this part of his life dearly, and I have thing there is a season, and a time successes of my former stu- knowledge and with each new assessment I dole out, always sug gested that perhaps he could for every purpose under heaven.” dents and watch the glowing experience that knowledge is striving for the perfect balance that grow herbs on his back patio My father appeared to unconscious - adjusted, refined, and honed.” She will ensure steady growth. I try to pride on our graduates as instead. He was somewhat reluctant ly follow this concept as he goes on to say, “It is the entire avoid flooding my students with too they cross the stage to until I reminded him that my worked/played in his garden. With person who draws from many much of any one thing as my daughter, who also lives in the departure of the winter snows receive their Dogwood. sources in order to teach…often exuberance pushes me to cover Kelowna, loves to cook, and would and spring thaw would come the passing on values and beliefs as curriculum and impart my views welcome the fresh herbs for her preparation of the soil in his well- she/he consciously passes on and knowledge. their being out of the ordinary, they culinary adventures. And so, with defined gardening space. I learned subject knowledge.” I understand, from my sailing somehow woke up something renewed purpose, and a sense of how important it was to ensure that As a teacher, I attempt to remove experiences, how it is possible for a uniquely responsive in me. being needed and appreciated, he is stones were removed and hard or ameliorate the conditions that child to freeze and perform poorly I am a highly independent person, once again researching, reading, clumps broken down into earth that might hinder a child’s educational under some types of pressure. In and it took me years of teaching buying the perfect containers, would cradle a seed, enabling it to path. Sometimes successful, but too contrast, I recall how learning came before I learned how to ask for help preparing the soil, and when the grow strong and true, without often unable to combat the easily and joyfully in the relaxed and to share ideas without prompt - time is right, he’ll plant his seeds strange bends and warps. It was the obstacles many children face, I moments in the garden. I hope that ing. I look back and see how closely once again. carefully maintained minute spaces become discouraged and wonder if I I’ve created classrooms where between the grains of soil that Marsha Thompson teaches at students feel safe enough to make A.R. MacNeill Secondary School, mistakes and move at their own Richmond. TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 11 Metadata: There’s more to that essay you’re marking than just the words

By Tony Wilson instead of “accept all changes,” the ate the importance of metadata. The recipient of the document could so called “Downing Street Memo” click “original showing markup” and was downloaded in MS Word from A couple of years see the history of all the changes the British prime minister’s website ago, I marked a paper made. In the commercial world, this in 2003, and it revealed that the for a law course I teach. might reveal different business press officers and others in the PM’s I know the level of the terms, different pricing, and other office who prepared the memo students and their highlighted changes made to the justifying the war in Iraq, “cut and general knowledge of document before it was e-mailed to pasted” an American graduate the subject area (Canadian Contract you, and reveal the people who student's article into the memo Law), but one student’s assignment reviewed the document. Or you jumped out way ahead of all the word for word without, of course, might notice there are still com - others. All the assignments are e- referring to the student’s work, or ments embedded in the document mailed to me in MSWord, but for changing anything, begging the when you hit the “comments” some reason, I went into “File/ political question: Who’s in charge function. Although not a part of Properties” within the electronic of the UK’s foreign policy anyway? “tracked changes,” I've heard of version of the docu ment to see Washington or London? some documents having comments what was there. Lo and behold, And for anyone with an interest made in white text in order to hide “Properties” showed that the author in litigation, metadata behind a the words from everyone except the of the document wasn’t the student document is discoverable in author. Of course, if the colour of I was grading, but a law firm. This litigation proceedings and can be the font is changed, the white text is suggested that the docu ment wasn’t evidence in court. exposed. written by the student, but had been But metadata isn’t just an issue for business, lawyers, and obtained by the student by e-mail What's metadata? It’s a Greek from the law firm or from someone politicians. For teachers and who received it from the law firm, word, and it means data university instructors, metadata in Is the iPad or the student had paid a lawyer or about data. If the online an electronic version of an essay or someone else to draft the paper. world is a binary world of assignment can reveal that the It turns out that the student purported author of the assignment right for education? zeros and ones, then the wasn’t the student enrolled in the worked part-time at the law firm and used one of the firm’s com - concept of data about data is class, but someone else, such as a By Mark Holland From my perspective, the iPad puters to do the assignment. important. It’s the informa- commercial essay preparation seems to be ideal for education in “Properties” showed the identity of tion behind the words, like company or another student. So several ways: There are no moving metadata can potentially reveal For those of you who don’t know the licensee of MS Word. The layers of an onion or the parts, no hard drive to fail, no plagiarism and other academic what an iPad is, I’ll give you a brief licensee was the law firm. All was physical keyboard that will get ice berg below the waterline. offences. synopsis: The iPad is an electronic legitimate, but it goes to show sticky or damaged if any liquid is Metadata is information Although sending documents as Internet device, similar in appear - there’s more to a Word document spilled on it. It’s very light, making it e-mail attachments in PDF is far ance to an iPhone or iPod touch, but than what appears on the surface of about the history, tracking, or easy to pass around the classroom, superior to sending documents as quite a bit bigger. In fact, its colour the page. You have to understand management of an electronic and you can store a bunch of them attachments in Word, some meta - screen measures 9.7 inches. It that an electronic document together, taking up very little space. document. data, like the author's name, can weighs in at approximately one- contains more than just words. It Compared to the price of a laptop, survive a conversion of a Word and-a-half pounds, and is only half contains metadata. the iPad is about half the price, an inch thin. This allows you to take What's metadata? It’s a Greek making it attractive in times of the iPad virtually anywhere without word, and it means data about data. tightening school budgets. There is too much trouble. With up to 10 If the online world is a binary world literally no file system to learn, hours of battery life, you can get of zeros and ones, then the concept manage, or update. No viruses through a full day of use without a of data about data is important. It’s period! The learning curve for using charge. Like the iPhone and iPod the information behind the words, one is minimal, and it seems to be Touch, the iPad uses multitouch like layers of an onion or the ice - an ideal device for users of all ages. technology, where you use your berg below the waterline. Metadata The iPad’s applications are endless fingers instead of a mouse to is information about the history, for use in special education, report- navigate around its iOS operating tracking, or management of an card writing, social networking. system. Text can be entered from electronic document. Along with the introduction of the the on-screen keyboard or by con - Certainly in the academic world, I iPad was the iBook store; a virtual necting up any Bluetooth wireless always (repeat, always) check ”file- bookstore contained within iTunes. keyboard, which is a nice feature if properties” in Word to see what it Here you can purchase and you plan to do a lot of typing. says or doesn’t say about the author download digital books to the iPad. of an electronically delivered Compared to the price of a Some of their offerings are for assignment I’m marking. If a name laptop, the iPad is about half purchase while others are free. The of a former student shows up, or it iBook reader app also allows you to the price, making it attractive looks like the name of a commercial store PDF documents, which by the essay-writing company, a lawyer, or in times of tightening school Some people think they’re quite document to PDF. A Word document way are wonderful to view on this something just doesn’t smell right, I clever hiding portions of text by scanned to PDF, however, will not device. You can even pinch and budgets. take it to the next level. And like my highlighting words or sentences in retain metadata. And neither will zoom in on diagrams to make the situation above, everything may be “black” using the highlight function. faxes. text larger and easier to read. I can explainable and legitimate. And Although this might look secure at And metadata is contained in see the obvious advantage of being There are two different models sometimes, maybe it’s not. first glance (and somewhat like bits digital photographs as well. able to store all of a student’s available; there's a Wi-Fi version, In the commercial world, meta - of it have been crossed out with a Although I’ll talk more in future reference materials on the iPad. data is something businesspeople and one with 3G network capability, thick black felt pen by a censor or articles about commercial services One can only imagine the potential have to be acutely sensitive to. A allowing you to connect to the the RCMP), all someone has to do is available to check for academic of having interactive textbooks client of mine discovered one of the Internet from virtually anywhere! re-highlight the words covered up, dishonesty and plagiarism, (i.e., installed on student iPads. This Word documents he was sending to Storage capacity ranges between click yellow highlighting or, even web-based services that use could have a dramatic impact on a contracting party to print, sign, 16, 32, and 64 Gigabytes. In Canada, better, no highlighting, and they'll webcrawlers and algorithms to find helping to meet tight school board and return in good faith had been Rogers, Telus, and Bell provide 3G see what the not-so-smart censor previously used papers, improperly budgets, considering the fact that manipulated in Word in the same network access for the iPad. tried to cross out. cited papers, plagiarism, and papers the need to spend huge amounts of font as the contract, and that royalty The iPad is a device—not a And some people put deal points being written by “paper mills”), the money to replenish traditional rates and renewal terms had “computer.” That’s because after in the “properties” portion of the answer to the issue of imbedded textbooks will be obsolete! The real changed from the version my client using it for a few weeks now, I’ve document when they create or edit metadata requires use of special power of the iPad lies within the had sent out. Then they were being software to “scrub” the metadata off discovered that it’s so much more. the document, i.e., Not final offer. printed, signed, and returned by the the Word document before the When I first heard about the iPad, For the recipient of a document The learning curve for using other party with no notice that the document is e-mailed, prompting the first thing that went through my that hasn’t had the metadata mind (like many others) was, “Why one is minimal, and it seems document had been altered. On my the sender to hit “scrub” or “not advice, the contract was terminated “scrubbed,” the ability to see do I need a big iPod touch?” It to be an ideal device for users scrub” each time the document is e- and my client now sends only PDFs, previous tracked changes, dele - shares many of the design traits of of all ages. The iPad’s applica- mailed. faxes, or original documents for tions, imbedded comments, and its smaller siblings, but because it Teachers should know about this. tions are endless for use in execution. white text might be a windfall in has a much bigger screen it really But perhaps students shouldn’t. Just special education, report-card Word documents that have been terms of positions to take in negoti- excels at displaying your photos, so you can check. “tracked” to show changes, or ations. For the sender, well, you movies, and web pages beautifully. writing, social networking. Tony Wilson is a franchise and intel- documents that have had “com - might think your organization has a At the top, is a 1/8" headphone jack lectual property lawyer at Boughton ments” added using the “comments” mole in it. and microphone, and at the bottom Law Corporation, Vancouver. He is function in Word may retain previ - In 2002, a lawyer I know was is the standard dock connector and thousands of applications (many of an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser ous changes or comments. Some - shocked to learn a securities filing a very decent sounding speaker. On them free) that are available for it. University and is rated as a leading times, you can see the changes he was involved in drafting revealed the right side is a switch that locks There are more and more being Canadian franchise lawyer by LEX- made and accepted to a document his “hidden” comments in the the screen orientation, with volume introduced every day. PERT and WHO’S WHO Legal. He is e-mailed to you that go back to the version of the prospectus filed with controls below it. The standard a regular columnist with the Globe Mark Holland teaches at Upper Lynn date the original version was the Toronto Stock Exchange by dock connector at the bottom, and Mail, Lawyers Weekly, Canadian Elementary School, North Vancouver, created. This can be done by acces - another lawyer. The Toronto Stock allows you to plug in the unit to Lawyer and Bartalk Magazine. His and is director of education for s ing the track changes function and Exchange was good enough to call charge it, and you can also book Manage Your On Line MacVideoTraining.com, a Vancouver- going “back” as far as you can. If, the lead lawyer and alert her to the purchase a dock to VGA adapter to Reputation will be published in based company specializing in creat- after reviewing the tracked changes problem so a “scrubbed” document use it with a projector. This opens November 2010. ing video training courses for all Mac in a document, the author chose could be inserted in its place. up endless possibilities in the users. E-mail: mark@macvideotrain- “final” in the reviewing toolbar Politicians have failed to appreci - classroom. ing.com. 12 TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010

Candace Drew- Chui-Fong Chim Candace Gillespie 58 Nicola Margaret Metcalfe McKinstry Lawrence Chu Peter Gorrell Similkameen Kenzie Munn Teachers retired John Duncan Gwendolyne Chute Patricia Grant Deborah Cappos Stephen Newton Marjorie Elliott Valerie Clark Margaret Keitel Jeffrey Bloom Wendy Newton Barbara Fahrni Helen Close Steve MacDonald Rand Ivanick Kathleen O'Sullivan Michael Flanagan William Dick Michelle Marshall Wah Low Sonia Polson Teachers who retired prior to September 30, 2010 Perla Glanzer Viola Dickson Raymond Marshall Laurence Newman Judith Powell Helen Glass Maidena Domijan Robert McKay Norman Pearson Raymond Spencer 5 Southeast Kathy Feth Althea Strudwick 37 Delta Elizabeth Griffin Patricia Fletcher Elizabeth Melkonian Anne Strain Robert Stoddart Kootenay Sharon Francis Joanne Sullivan Gale Berkner Patricia Gudlaugson Margaret Forman Carol Reid Jimmy Toodlican Magdalene Sheryle Blackwood Robert French Martin Summers Reinhart Blum Carol Hemrich Richard Gaska Therese Scotto Van Der Kamp Brian Conrad John Gobolos 59 Peace River Richard Sutherland Robert Bourgeois M Higgins Vicki Hickenbotham Audrey Slater 64 Gulf Islands Jane Curry Gail Goodall South Cheryl Taylor Carole Brost Mark Hyder Jennifer Jakobsen Lori Staehling Glenn Goring Murray Knipfel Lawrence Gradin Terry Dechief E Tisher Patricia Brown Dilshad Karim Sheldon Klein Sandra Stevenson- Carol Janyk Gary Leclair Aline Grigg Barbara Nicholls Judith Turner Charles Carignan Vivian Kee Ruth Larson Moore Susan Levett William Lindell Franceen Herron James Oliver Diane Twist Lorna Clare Darlene Kennedy Anne Lyle Dianne Strome Lynne Scott Peggy Lucas Doris Hewitson Annette Davidson Lynn Ross Grant Vander Hoek Shirley Kennedy Carol MacLean Maureen Stuart Leo Sabulsky Leonard Sokol Neil McDermid Jerry Holowchak Bob Zeilstra Sheryl Everett Jennifer Kerr Daryl McFadden Raymond Van Driel Carol Mitchell Clyde Howard Steven Faraher Amidon Ann Marie Sherk 67 Okanagan Skaha 36 Surrey Athena Kilindris Joanne Morrison Peter Van Ooyen Brian Thornton Linda Allen Janet Oliver Susan Keller Barbara Ashworth Peter Gilchrist Donald Koch Wayne Murphy Lucia Zawadzki Grace Klein 60 Peace River Erin Beck Mary Elizabeth Parks Margaret Avery Regine Hedley Angela Kolaric Janet Ollis Terry Quick Beverley Leland 45 West Vancouver North N Bingham Lloyd Baluk Patricia Hendry Yvonne Kolstee Valerie Palosaari Murray Quinn David Loyd Patricia Hillman Susan Cottell Denise Bronson Linda Hoshizaki Judith Barteluk Teresa Krochak Allison Payne Patrick Robertson Brenda MacDonald Pamela Hockin Antoinette Dembicki Michael Clark Arlene Kubin Jeanne Bateman Joan Levi Franka Raynier Roberta Dixon Kenneth Froese Vivian Lieskovsky Betty Thomson William Maier Sandra Houghton Deborah Li Dawn Reithaug Maureen Valikoski Gordon Marano Betty Beach Martha James David Gloag Paul Gage Jane Merritt Karen Beaman Georgina Lorne Monique Robert Judith Neale Ethel O'Neill E Pronger 6 Rocky Mountain Fernando Mastromonaco Janet Johnston Pamela Marleau Patricia Sharpe D McClure-Isik S Blanchflower Nickolas Kanakos Christiane O'Brien Dennis Peters Leslie Rathjen Janice Baker Vivian Bradley Teresa McCusker Catherine Smith Catherine Peckham- Michele Sine Sharon Ford Deborah Meldram Patricia Kaulius Shirley Peters Maureen Brooks Patricia Milsom Jade Soon Campbell Richard Willie Donna Mozell Marilyn Moffat Susan Koot Grant Spelsberg Chloe Broomhead Brent Morgan Robert Turner Julie Robinson Brenda Oslie Jennifer Moodie Kathryn Lambert Lola Weiss 68 Nanaimo Susan Brown Pamela Moulton Dianne Varty Lynne Shozawa Douglas Praskey Dianne Neufeld Christina Lang Neil Wilson Susan Averill I Butchart Diane Murray Betty Winter Lawrence Thom Pat Schwartz Garry Otke Allen Loewen Michael Zeman Jim Basnett Brian Cameron Gail Paget Beryl Woodrow Sara Touhey Nora Zeman Mary Bright 8 Kootenay Lake Alan Phillips Wynn Machin Jude Campbell Lizette Pappas Brenton Wright 46 Sunshine Coast Gregory Bush Linda Blair Ian Pooley Julianna Mazziotti 61 Greater Victoria Janet Salvino Sharon Carter Mary Anne Parker 42 Maple Ridge Mary Chalmers Joan Carruthers John Borley Diane McArdle Margot Andison Douglas Sanders Brent Cassie Sol Pavony Loraine Anchor Robin Curtis Robert Brocklesby Leslie McKerrow Michael Denley Sandra Berry Denis Showler Judith Clark Janis Puusepp Sharon Christie Jennifer Davidson Jim Donald Phillip Milligan David Diether Donna Blackstock Trudy Spletzer Mary Clifford Jean Redpath Nancie Chung Nell Duncan Helen Foulger Carol Morrell Denis Fafard Richard Boisvert James Stait Peter Connal Jean Ronalds Nancy Chung Catherine Golder Enid Gayle-Ewashen Sharon Niles M Griffiths Edele Bonnaig Betty Thibodeau Barbara Cook Judith Roos-McClacherty Patricia Crowdis Linda Hoeschstetter Lynn Hedekar David Gerlitz Anna Panton Monty Rudd Kjeld Brodsgaard Cheryl Tuddenham Guyle Coon Marilyn Druce Gayle Neilson Beverlee Cardle Bradley Kent Arnold Johnson Susan Peters Gail Ryan Jeannette Turk Carol Cosens Angela Flumerfelt Audrey Owen Nancy Carson Christie Kilmer Lynn Johnson Sylvia Pryke Michael Scales Georgina Turvey Mary Cullen Susan Pudek Sue Gatensbury Ann Parker Wendy Eckardt La Nhi Le - Lamoureaux Margaret Kinrade Betty Scheltgen Susan Volk Ralph Dale Gordon Rittinger George Hough Evelyn Schimmel Melanie Etheridge Karen-Leigh Leeson Lois Lawrence Douglas Scott Gregory Walker Anneke Dandy Barbara Salt Ann Hutchinson David Scott Rodney Finch Robert Leeson Marilyn Lawrence Marleane Sinclaire Patricia Warrender Dorthe Davison Beth Sparks Lana Lambert Patricia Thompson Joanne Finnegan Patricia McRory Janet McLean Harriet Small Shirley Deane Brenda Stewart Wendy Larsen Susan Gilberstad Joyce Mitchell David Olynyk 27 Cariboo-Chilcotin Geoffrey Smith 47 Powell River Diane Desilets Donald Tuck Winsome LeBlanc John Gorman Jacqueline Mullins Mary Olynyk Marilyn Bergen Pamela Steele Brigitte Harris Surindar Dhaliwal Catherine Tyler Terri Maltais Lamar Grube Annie Ngo Nancy Pulsifer Robert Bergen Nancy Stevens Leona Jensen Judy Davis Phyllis Donnelly Elly Van Alfen Marie Maric Edwin Ross Fred Hagen Trudy Parsons Pik Hwa Sept Elizabeth Surchin Romana Moore Patricia Ryan Jeanne Shaw Carlos Demedeiros Susan Dumanski Jane Vycichlo Betty Wilson Sharon Hoddinott Marilyn Wells Luigi Tallarico Ann Morcom Denise Hubbard Lynn Scarsbrook Mary Tanner Christine Donaldson E Duncan Patricia Taylor 48 Sea to Sky Audrey Dye Margo Durkin Lori Wilson Beverley Nicholson David Johl Bruce Schweers 10 Arrow Lakes Norma Westrom Jutta L'Hirondelle Sharon Hoffman Carol Duthie Dale Wormeli Gary Okada Maureen Kelway Kim Slater Valerie Piercey-Wilson Alan Zisman Joy McLennan Christine Koshelanyk Stanley Dyck Janet Worrall Kathleen Parks-Davidson Stuart Rhys Kent Katherine Smith Henning Von Krogh 39 Vancouver Donald Stephen Donnaleen Miller Antoinette Spoor Karla Langley Reta Eddleston 38 Richmond Brenda Montani Karen Lindsay 19 Revelstoke Donna Prendergast Margaret Endersby Janice Adams Secondary Ralph Switch David Lock Glen Stainsby Judith Cowan Gillian Adamson Stanley Thomson B Poole Dianne Tait Ulla Ritchie Guy Ethier Nicola Beninger Gail Rybar Terrance Loeppky Carol Du Mont Kathleen Waldron Kathleen Griffin Oscar Bisnar Allan Amundsen Mary Trask Coral Loy Ronda Williams Ron Wright Laurie Van Leeuwen Diane Fujino Stacy Wright David Hall Kathleen Boyle Janice Brooke Shirley Lucyk 69 Mt Arrowsmith Vera Buxton 49 Central Coast Eileen Harris 28 Quesnel Kris Hans Faye Brownlie 43 Coquitlam Wendy Lynwood Virginia Brucker Linda Calliou Yvonne Wai Dianne Martin Elizabeth Bensted Irene Hanson Kent Campbell George Alexander Lynn MacFarlane Jill Chudleigh Jeanne Whitehead Jane Fletcher Margaret Chandler Eliana Charbonneau Jackie Barrington 50 Haida Gwaii/ Paddy Mann Barbara Dow Dennis Hazelton Keith Chu 20 Kootenay David Law Lucinda Hendren Mauri Clemons-Braund Pierre Bellemare Queen Charlotte Esther Miller Stan Kusznieryk Rita Cloutier Margaret Murdaugh Alan Moore Columbia 33 Chilliwack Ruby Hennessey Linda Con David Brear Carole Morin Anna Dispirito Susan Wright Janet Norton Timothy Beecham Denis Andersen Diane Henry Colin Cox Barry Brinkman William Morrison Michael Dow Christine Rivers David Brewer Donna Cheshire Karyn Henwood Sue Dadson Brenda Buss 51 Boundary Patricia Moss Sandra Brewer Brenda Dewonck George Foster Dale Calderwood Linda Brousseau Linda Moyer Louise Wright Amy Doughty Krystyna Holan Susan Gallpen Michael Calder Harley Gauthier Carol Holland Roger Doi Wendy Carr Lonnie Mader Maria Nanni 70 Alberni Glenn Caputo Harald Erbe Marie Genereux Marilyn Chambers Carol McQuarrie Colleen Noren Marian Anaka Marilyn Hickman- Dean Hollett John Henderson Antonio De Luca Presseau Marinus Horsting William Evans Deanna Chong Beverley Roy Brenda Oraas Lana Carvalho Kelvin Hoyle Luigi Peluso Darrel Ganzert Terry Jensen Diane Howe Lydia Francescutti Kathleen Copps Gary Ruley Janice Charlesworth Kam-Shim Johnston Judith Dickson Dianne Penner David Nutini Lorraine Krahn Allen Hull Yvette Gellatly Andrea Vowell Richard Chase John Jordan Norma Favelle Alina Robertson Ronald Paolini Carolyn Loewen David Jackson Joanne Gray 52 Prince Rupert Susan Dievert Diane Sanford David Kay Arlie Fisher Peter Rushton Gary Mason Mary Kazuta Zaitoon Hamir Martin Bowles Margaret Eady Douglas Sly Bryan Knapp Alice Flemming Deborah Shaw Steve Mowat Beverly Kilpatrick Gerald Harris Douglas Brown Brenda Heitland Sandy Stevenson June Harrison Edward Koch Michel Gendron Richard Smith Tanya Jarvis Julie Muirhead Beverly King Kazimierz Kozdron Judith Brown Carla Terava Susan Nessman Lorraine Jarvis James Gustafson Catherine Cembella Linda Stead Sandra Leslie Alexia Turner Carol Korst Siew Lau Deborah Hardin Edwin Stephenson Janet Pohl Janice Kosty Kimberley Jensen Lynne Couvillon William Maxon Allan MacDonald Suzanne Harrison Peggy Tally Jean Miles 22 Vernon Harold Schmidt Karen Kroeker Klaus Knapp James Hope William Magee Arlene Hatto Judith Tethong Willa Noble Diana Bainbridge Catherine Sessions A Kula Jean Leach Raymond Leonard Susan Brockley Heather MacKay Rebecca Maruno Timothy Laithwaite Bernadette Thomas Peter Scurr Diane Smith Linda Lavers Erickson Janet McKinlay Emily Lieb Susan Cunningham Alice Stein Robert McKeown Pierre Lemieux Raymond Tomusiak Margaret Stewart Michael Loosemore Trudie McLellan Eileen Yearwood Gary Davidson Miriam Taylor Daphne McMillan Barbara Lum Paul Unke Linda Switzer Tracy Maclean Marion McMillan 53 Okanagan Ronalda Delangen Helena Tetteroo Helen Mirfield Jean Lyster Anne Warren Lorraine Wilson Eileen Mageau Martin Meissenheimer Similkameen James Inglis Gail Vodden Maureen Mosher Barbara Mancell Lydia Wiet 71 Comox Valley Marian Mahony Raymond Morel Murray Martin Edwin Allen Wayne Willoughby Lori Johnson Dara Wakely Vivian Nabata Kerry Beaudette Julie Brooker Karen Kenny Linda McArthur Harvinder Nahal Lawrence Myers David McQuillan 62 Sooke Heather Walker Anne McKay Nancy Leardo John Dickinson Heather Klassen Kanwal Neel Cathryn Parker Joy Moscone Valerie Baker Karen Dunington 35 Langley Sheila Meek Ronnie Lee Janis Leblond May Oshiro Michael Pearce Kenneth Murray Gillian Bell Christine Fenwick-Wilson Catherine Bailey Sandra Melrose Janet Polonijo Roxana Lee Michael Lynch Patricia Brealey Georgina Page Beverley Neilson Leona Brown Leslie Fraser Mariana Mezo Mary Puddicombe Gloria Okerstrom Angela Lewis Jackson Mace John Callaghan Joyce Peatch John Suttie Murray Bryant Raymond Garford Pamela McGregor Stephen Motek Becky Pendleton Susan Robinson Loa Passaglia Lenore Cook Rita Grill Sue Chan Margaret Murtsell Donald Rolls 54 Bulkley Valley Elizabeth McKinnon George Clulow Donald Pudlas Jo-Anne Perley-McField William Cook A Hind James Miles Naeema Noor Rose Schwenning Vickey Sahota Robert Pope Paul Candela Diane Dawson Bruce Isenor Henry Doerksen Gail Pack Nina Shenton Eugene Cole Caren Pittman Penny Emerson Margaret Sherwood Laura Ramsay Loretta Deutscher Lesley Krainer Suzanne Wallden Karen Pedersen Catherine Silverberg Joanne Smedley Sarah Sanderson-Wilson Anne Greene Nancy Evans V Laurie Catherine Fallis Susan Smyth Margaret McConnell 23 Central Vicki Phillipps-Wolley Gordon Smith Cecile Saucier Denise Fiddick Ella Mallette Francis Flanagan Elizabeth Powell Judith Sommer Sharon McIntosh Okanagan Stuart Gaitt Jane Spearing Laurie Saucier Barbara Heber Donna Messer Sid Prysunka David Stephen Jerry Schneider Shirley Adams Kerry Herd Kathleen Stewart Wendelyn Schiller William Krawetz Ann Murray-Freeman Richard Ritchie Graeme Swan Graham Stokes Elizabeth Short Jill Schneider Guy Lawrence Diana Olsen Leslie Armour Linda Jensen Sally Stubbs Charlene Watts Pamela Beck Judith Johnson Reuvena Ross Jacqueline Thompson Marilyn Speer Michele Leboeuf David Pye Melody Sawkins Kathleen Vanderwood David Walker Allen Stanton 55 Burns Lake Susan Loraas-Pletsch Thea Senior Lorna Beger Kelly Johnson Donald Wishlow Brenda Bell Stuart Jones Maureen Scott Louise Walker Kathleen Sturrock Elizabeth Friesen John Petersen Judith Somers Marguerite Bilyk Maureen Jonson Joanne Seib Lois White 40 New Angela Tatto Susan Larson Barbara Robb Roy Taylor Candida Bothe Ronald Jonson Yom-Tov Shamash Laura Wieler Westminster Ruth Thomas Gordon Oxendale David Spence George Warren Margaret Boyd Susan Jow Carol Simonsen Jane Wright Elaine Biagioni Donna Thompson 57 Prince George Linda Turnbull 72 Campbell River Susan Boyd Colleen Kouwenberg Russell Slade 39 Vancouver Eileen Duncan Richard Thompson Linda Campbell 63 Saanich John Allott Ruth Brooks Susan Kydd Roderick Stables Elementary Gina Gagne Terry Turkson Marianne Danyluk Denise Aujla Susan Argast David Buckna Dianne Leroy Charles Stansfield Anne-Marie Arthur Ross Irving Erma Vietorisz Barry Hammond Gurmail Aujla Eva Burgess Georgina Cadman Patricia Marshall David Strand Joyce Beveridge Jeanne Jensen Margot White Lorne Hughes Judith Brochez Jim Dyck Susan Campbell Douglas Mason Diane Sullivan Jerry Bialecki Joy Mayadas David Wilkinson David King Kathy Brodsgaard Norman Dyck Tina Chalmers David McGowan Vicki Sullivan Sharole Brown William Wright 44 North Vancouver Helene Kowalenko Mina Carr Grahame Edwards Valerie Charison William Mercer Janet Summers Sharon Bushell 41 Burnaby Maria Agostini Donald Lefler Sharon Collier Murray Garland Heather Cooper Donald Nelson Karen Tapella Marietta Carlile-Grubb Donna Andrews Christopher Bastone Anne Little Kathy Eyckermans Anne Howarth Wendy Cowley Victor Paquette Alison Temple Penny Clement Brenton Baillie Annette Blair Janice Manning Carol Hitchman Bruce Izard Janet Cowper Brian Priest Donna Trask Jacqueline Conradi- Sheila Ball Mary Brown Ronald Manning Harvey Knapp Janice Lee Erik Danielsen Gillian Richardson Maria Undurraga Robertson Elizabeth Ballantyne Lorraine Burns Linda McFarlane Mary-Ann Leslie Cheryl MacDonald Laurie DeBray Gail Schneider Elinor Waldman Dorothy Crossley Michelle Beraldin Correne Carson Jo-Anne Perrin Anne Light Wade Major Audrey Delaere Wendy Smith Charles Wang Barbara Crowther Margaret Burke Beverley Cowie Elizabeth Joan Sheanh S Lott Nanette Manson Dorothy DeVries Daphne Stevens Dina Willis Louisa Di Tomaso Christine Bush Susan Cummins Ilona Thomson Milton MacNeil Lynn Maxted Cecile Eastman Jennifer Strand Darhl Wood Pamela Donald Jennifer Caswell Lesley Edwards Norman Williams Barbara Menzies Daniel McPherson TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 13

Claudia Monchak John Nelson Carolyn Yip Karen Hoover fragmentation is promoted as there is no shortage of supportive Susan Nassachuk June Neufeld Terry Young Doreen Huggins Book review “diversity,” students fail to question actors, willing to take positions Barbara Prowse Patricia Parker 78 Fraser-Cascade Linda Johnson the structures of their own society, vacated by those less trustworthy to William Rasmussen Jimmy Pedersson Lynn Barker Viola McDonald and literature is taught without the new regime. Resisters, such as Michael Redican Carol Renner Kathleen Koopman Terrance Michell Education, regard for its social context. Humbert and her comrades, are in Kathi Rudko Lauri Salonen Thomas Moen Diane Medeiros In Hedges’ account, education fails the minority. As a result of her Maria Scott Marilyn Piechotta Marian Segreto resistance, and the 73 Kamloops- to engage in the ‘big picture,’ and transgression, she is imprisoned, and Thompson Marie Scott 79 Cowichan 84 Vancouver Is. empire of illusion serves only the illusion of wisdom— later sent to a series of work camps. Alan Bailey Norman Walker Valley West Marlene Wildeman one of the five “illusions” presented Among the Germans, we discover Faith Bailey Marion Achurch Wayne Trueman Sandra Bava Lynda Yalowega By Patrik Parkes alongside those of Literacy, Love, various degrees of complicity with Devan Bailey 85 Vancouver Is. Sylvie Beillard 74 Gold Trail Happiness, and America. The failings the Nazi government. There are Ann Batie North Helen Bewza Russell Burroughs of education, here, are not isolated, committed Nazis and sadistic labour Hedwig Braunwarth Alana Check In his famous exploration of Susan Bottos Dorothy Eyer Janice Cooper modern authority, Discipline & Punish but sympto matic of a North camp supervisors. We also encoun ter Katherine Fassler Susan Jacobi Lisa Boyd Rosemary Devoe William McCormick (1975), Michel Foucault characterizes American culture in which adults are a judge who “respects and admires Nora Butler Carol McDermid Cheryl Johnston John Shuttleworth formal education as an extension of infantilized, unable or unwilling to the men whom he is about to Lawrence Calvert Anne McKague R Murray confront the confusion of reality; condemn to death” for subver sion; a Kenneth Oakes 87 Stikine the military and prison systems: “A Carol Campbell Susan Pye “indulged and comforted by clichés, competent mayor who joins the Nazi Janice Chalmers Beverly Richings Carol Chamberlain relation of surveillance, defined and Vicky Radley stereotypes, and inspirational party for reasons of practi cality; a Ghislaine Denbigh Vit Snucins regulated, is inscribed at the heart of Susan Tomusiak 91 Nechako Lakes guard who risks his life by offering Kenneth Dennis Sue Termuende the practice of teaching.” To most messages that tell us we can be 82 Coast Janice Tapp whoever we seek to be.” It is also a refuge to Humbert; and active Jack Fennell 75 Mission Mountain teachers, it is perhaps distasteful to Linda Froese Ernest Abrams 92 Nisga’a read a depiction of our work as sadistic culture, in which “reality” resisters who, like Humbert, are Erica Ball Peter Braganza condemned to forced labour. This Sandy Gallup Thomas Anderson Reinhold Dusdal equivalent to that of prison guards. television tells us: “Those who win Judy Gibbard Frederick Bruhn Delmer Duncan are the best. Those who lose deserve account is nuanced, and through it Robert Goffinet Diane Sutherland Nevertheless, there can be no doubt Donna Greenlay Robert Byrne Robert Irwin that teaching is “inscribed” with a to be erased. Compassion, compe - we learn that there are degrees of Charles Harman Heather Grimson Kathleen Ludwig 93 SEPF surveillance function that serves tence, intelli gence, and solidarity complicity and resis tance. But what Judy Iftody Sylvie Coulombe Harvey Kliever Michael Lynch greater structures of authority. We with others are forms of weakness.” is the best response under the Dale Kinaschuk Reginald Knourek Francis MacKenzie Sheila Scoble And for those who think it’s just circumstances? And in our own Rhonda Koch Nancy Murray are employed by school boards, and Douglas Thomson teach material prescribed by entertainment, Hedges’ discussion of times, to what degree should we co- Ruth Konrad Elizabeth Ormond Linda Wisniewski operate with the system in which we Darlene May Mary Philpot provincial curricula. Short of a violent pornography is illuminating: 83 N. Okanagan live? Should we actively support it? Eugene Mead Linda Robinson radical social transformation, we “Porn reflects the endemic cruelty Shuswap of our society. This is a society that Should we, like the judge, register Wayne Melnychuk Janet Rutage Nadina Dearing cannot help but act as virtual prison does not blink when the industrial our distaste yet follow the rules? Brian Millar Iris Schneider Judy Garlick guards in the service of such Iris Nelson Thomas Tucker authority. However, we should not slaughter unleashed by the United Should we, like the prison guard, excuse ourselves too lightly: our States and its allies kills hundreds of work within the system subversively? “prison guard” function is also a civilians in Gaza or hundreds of Or should we, as Humbert and her question of degree, and in this we thousands of innocents in Iraq and comrades, actively resist? In the end, Pension seminars for all ages have some control. Afghanistan. Porn reflects back the their resistance is rewarded, but it is, cruelty of a culture that tosses its perhaps, a Pyrrhic victory—most of sharing and learning. It’s a Two books, recently published, Your Pension, Your Future mentally ill out on the street, ware - her comrades are executed. Hum - workshop—not a seminar. provide insights regarding our role as servants of authority. The first, houses more than two million people bert’s Résistance acknowledges that and/or Thinking about Attend a seminar. We know that Empire of Illusion, by the Pulitzer in prisons, denies healthcare to tens there are various and complex Retiring entering retirement is more than Prize winning US journalist Chris of millions of poor, cham pions gun versions of both co-operation and These two seminars are co- choosing a pension option, and who Hedges, describes the banality and ownership over gun control, and non-co-operation, but she has little presented by BCTF staff and Pension better to share information, ideas, and atomization that characterize trumpets an obnoxious and super - patience with those who excuse their Corporation staff. Preregistration is experiences with you than retired contemporary North American patriotic nationalism and rapacious inability to act, as follows: “We required. The time and the location teachers? culture. The second, Résistance, is the corporate capitalism. The violence, couldn’t! Our hands were tied!” To will be confirmed by mail or e-mail. Retirement brings with it life- recent translation of French cruelty, and degradation of porn are this, she replies, “Were your hands Check out the list of dates and altering situations and a wide variety resistance activist Agnès Humbert’s expressions of a society that has lost tied more tightly than ours?” locations on the poster in your school of choices, some financial, some legal. wartime memoir. On the surface, its capacity for empathy.” Again, we do not live under the staffroom or go to the Teachers’ Some physical, some social, and all these two books may seem uncon - Here it should be clarified that Nazi occupation. Nor are we guards Pension Plan website (tpp.pensions are connected with lifestyle. Achiev ing nected. But for those who doubt most of these descriptors also apply at a forced labour camp. However, by bc.ca). You can also contact the plan Chris Hedge’s very convincing a workable balance of activities and Hedges’ depiction of North American to Canada. Hedges reminds us that a by phone 1-877-558-5574 or e-mail account, in Empire of Illusion, we live fulfilling dreams doesn’t just happen. society as extreme, Humbert similar segment of our own [email protected]. in a society in which “to engage in Once you have determined that it’s provides a foil: for most, life in Nazi- population—42%—is also illiterate or occupied France was fairly “normal,” semiliterate. In the broader sense, the goals of the collective, is to be There is more time to retire, it’s also time to [perceived as] obstructive and concentrate on all the other aspects of after all. That is, when we consider however, he makes it clear that to it than money that most French weren’t cowering literacy indicates not only the negative.” He shows us that, in light your new venture. The BC Retired Teachers’ Associa - in corners, antici pating abuse by the practical ability to read, but also of the 2008 financial crisis, it is a If a pension seminar is coming to tion has developed a workshop for Gestapo, the apparent placidity of willingness. He describes a media- society in which elites “were never your area, ask your BCTF local those of you about to retire. our own times may come into saturated public discourse in which taught how to question the assump - The workshop is designed to com - president to contact the BCRTA to question. Both Hedges and Humbert “Those who question, those who tions of their age,” and act as plement the pension plan seminars, book this highly acclaimed follow-up depict the mechanisms by which doubt, those who are critical, those technicians, trained merely “to but with limited enrolment to facilitate workshop. extreme situations are abetted by who are able to confront reality and sustain a dead system.” Of course, compla cency. And as teachers— grasp the hollowness of celebrity we are not the same elites who are unless we aim to assist a kind of culture are shunned and condemn ed responsible for the financial event of serious illness or accident fascism—we need to be vigilantly for their pessimism.” Here, let us meltdown. However, as teachers, we Factor 88? Don’t wait you have sufficient accumulated sick mindful of such mechanisms. remember that Canada is also need to be self-critical, and question whether we are not, in fact, training A member who has attained age leave which, when combined with Hedges reminds us that “honest influenced by much of the same future generations merely “to main - 64, has reached factor ‘88’ (age plus 120 days of benefit from SIP: short- intellectual inquiry…is by its nature mass media. tain a structure that cannot be contributory service), or is in receipt term, will protect your salary to the distrustful of authority, fiercely Hedges makes a clear connection maintained.” of a retirement pension under a end of the month in which you reach independent, and often subversive.” between the kind of infantile, Are we truly qualified to provide registered pension plan, may volun - factor ‘90’ or the end of the month However, through various filters, narcissistic, and magical thinking he students with the tools they need to tarily withdraw from the long- term you attain age 65, whichever comes universities function instead to finds in North American society, and see the big picture and participate in portion of the Salary Indemnity Plan. first. create “hordes of competent sys tems the sadism—specifically the lack of Withdrawal may be made during any a democracy? This is a difficult task if Principals and vice-principals managers.” Hedges describes both compassion and communitar ian school year in which one of the fore - we do not have these tools our - should contact their HR department universities that “do only a medi ocre values—promoted in this culture. going condi tions has been met and to inquire if they are members of the selves. To be sure, we need to take job of teaching students to question Within this discussion he invokes upon the completion of the appro - BCTF SIP or the disability plan offered responsibility and acquire these tools and think” and “organ ize learning history, and declares that “those who priate withdrawal form. Withdrawal through the BCPVPA. The BCPVPA on our own—as many of us do. But around minutely special ized suffer from historical amnesia, the will be effective, upon approval, in plan will have its own withdrawal we also need to question whether disciplines, narrow answers, and belief that we are unique in history September for applica tions received guidelines. the system that produces teachers is, rigid structures designed to produce and have nothing to learn from the in that month. Applications submitted Applications are available online in fact, adequate. In BC, for example, such answers.” These assertions are past, remain children.” This brings us later will be effective the month at: bctf.ca/uploadedFiles/Public/ it is possible to be certified as a backed by fascinating anecdotes of to Agnès Humbert’s account of the following approval of the application. SalaryBenefits/SIP/LT-withdrawal teacher without ever having taken a an education system in which French Resistance. In making application for with - Form.pdf or call the BCTF Income course in the philo sophy or sociology In Résistance, Humbert also drawal, you should ensure that in the Security Division at 604-871-1921. of education (as is the case for describes a society overrun by graduates of SFU’s professional sadism and banality. Of course, Nazi- development program). It is occupied France and contem porary absolutely crucial that we are able to North America are not the same. Yet BCTF Peer Support Service !"#$%&'()!(*+$#"&,)-( understand our role in the greater the connection should not be dis - ./"+$"&*(0/)./"12( context—if not for the sake of our This service will be provided by teachers, who are known as BCTF peer missed. We, too, are sub jected to society, then for ourselves. A society consultants, who have an extensive background in teaching and training surveillance, ideolo gical orthodoxies as Hedges depicts it, atomized, in planning, consultation, classroom observation, analysis, and feedback FallF1 201102lla 1 (of disingenuously unregulated sadistic, and irrational, will certainly skills. MasterM of EducationnoitacudEforetsa markets and globaliz ation), EducationalitacudE LeadershipedaeLlanoi rs pih p find no interest in providing a exploitative trade arrange ments, and Peer consultants will offer support in a collaborative and non- ImaginationanigamI & Cultural InclusionnoisulcnIlarutluC&noita supportive environment for our a vapid mass culture inculcating judgmental environment. PSS consultants support the growth of a Justice,ecitsuJ Law & Ethics in EducationnoitacudEniscihtE&waL, profession. We play an important VygotskiankstogyV EducationnoitacudEnaik establishment values. And in reading teacher’s professional practice, outside of the evaluation process. role in influencing the direction of Health EhtlaeH Education & Active LivinggniviLevitcA&noitacudE How can a member access the service? Humbert’s account of occupied the society in which we live. But if FrenchhcnerF EducationnoitacudE France, we can ap proach an An active member may request PSS services by communicating with Creative,vitaerC ee CriticaacitirC, l & CollaborativevitaroballoC&l we do not take this role seriously, understanding that our contem - their local president who directs the request to Patti Turner, BCTF Inquiry that is, if we act uncriti cally, as mere porary “normalcy” is in fact a kind of program co-ordinator. FallF1 201102lla 1 system managers, it may not be a DoctoronoD rotc of EducationoitacudEfo illusion. society in which we will want to live. Who will pay for the service? EducationalitacudE LeadershipedaeLlanoi rs pih Humbert’s wartime memoir reads Patrik Parkes teaches at Moscrop The cost of the service to a teacher will be covered by the BCTF when like a novel, populated by a variety of characters, responding individu al ly Secondary School, Burnaby and is edi- the teacher is self-referring. When the member is on a plan of assistance, ApplicationpA DeadlineenildaeDnoitacilpp to the political circumstances in tor of the Global Educator. the cost of the service will be negotiated with the member’s school M1March 1551hcra , 2011102, district. Cost-sharing with school districts is negotiated case-by-case. which they live. Immediately Reprinted from The Global Educator, MoreM information::noitamrofnieroM following the Nazi occupation, there the PAGE PSA journal. For more information about the service, contact Patti Turner MEd cgp.educ.sfu.ca is little sense of a drastic alteration in 604-871-1803, toll free: 1-800-663-9163 (local 1803) EdD www.edd.sfu.ca day-to-day living. The infrastruc ture [email protected] operates as normal, and we discover

10/15/08 14 TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010

Yours for the asking Are you a fan of the BCTF? New full-day Full-day Kindergarten Exemplar fdk/pdfs/exemplar_video_guide.pdf) Video Series (www.bced.gov.bc.ca/ offers questions for reflection and Kindergarten exemplar early_learning/fdk/exemplar_videos. discussion to stimulate ideas for Please videos htm) demonstrates rich, age- supporting early learning in the appropriate activities and learning classroom. join The Early Learning Branch of the environments supported by teacher, The videos and accompanying Ministry of Education has produced principal, and researcher inter - viewing guide build on and are us on new resources to support teachers views. supplementary to the Full-Day Facebook. in the implementation of full-day The video series is comprised of Kindergarten Program Guide Kindergarten. four vignettes covering the (www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/ While the videos are designed following topics: fdk/pdfs/fdk_program_guide.pdf). with teachers and principals in • Part 1: The Learning Environment For more information visit: mind, they are an enjoyable way for www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/ • Part 2: Teaching and Learning in all education partners to learn more fdk/exemplar_videos.htm or contact a Play-Based Environment about the importance of play in the Early Learning Branch at: early learning pedagogy. • Part 3: Inquiry-Based Learning [email protected]. Developed in partnership with the and Development of Self Congratulations to the Primary British Columbia Principals’ and Regulation PSA for their hard work on this Vice-Principals’ Association • Part 4: Extending and Deepening project. Find us on (www.bcpvpa.bc.ca) and the British the Learning Experience – Anita Chapman, BCTF Professional FacebookacebookFacebook Columbia Primary Teachers’ The accompanying viewing guide and Social Issues Division Association (www.bcpta.ca), the (www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/ www.facebook.com/BCTeachersFederationwwww.facebook.com/BCT.facebook.com/BCT/BCTeachersFederatione         
          
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Denise Bissonnette “Beyond BUCERIAS, MEXICO Waterfront Panoramic view, steps to the ocean, [email protected] for colour Beyond Barriers to Passion and MAY condo, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, fully jacuzzi, pool, 604-274-2396, e-brochure. Pet friendly. Possibility” plus 28 sessions equipped, deck overlooking Bay of dealing with “at risk” students. 7 Vancouver. “Investigating Our www.yellowpointretreat.com HAWAII. Private Maui Schooner Banderas, weekly and monthly For a brochure and to register, Practices 2011” 14th annual SAN PANCHO, MEXICO. Just 40 miles Resort in Kihei, Spring Break rentals. www.condoplayalinda.com, www.bctf.ca/bcaea/conference. conference. Teachers from different north of Puerto Vallarta, luxury 2011–Sat. Mar. 19 to Sat. Apr 2. Two contact [email protected] html. educational contexts convene at oceanview 2 or 3 bdrm. house, in bdrm./2 bath (sleeps 6) $1,350/wk. UBC to share their investigations, GULF ISLANDS Deluxe waterfront quaint Mexican village. 40’ heated or 1 bdrm. condo/1 bath (sleeps 4) 21–22 Vancouver. AEPSA understandings and questions. cottage, 1 bd./sleeps 4, winter and pool, across the street from 1 mile $1,150/wk. Contact 604-535-9315. (Adult Educators’ Provincial Deadline for proposals March 11, summer rates, call Alma 250-629- sandy beach. Weblink: SECHELT GETAWAY! Private, fully Specialist Association) 15th 2011. Registration fee $25 ($15 for 3008, www.ainsliepointcottage.com students). Lunch and refreshments www.casadesuenosmagicos.com equipped suite, sleeps 2-4. Annual Conference and AGM, included. Scarfe Education Building, QUADRA ISLAND private cabin for 2. Scuba/kayaker’s haven! 604-219- “Dealing with Neurodiversity, 2125 Main Mall, UBC. For more Panoramic ocean, mountain view, Addiction and Mental Health 4586, [email protected] information, visit http://eplt.educ. soaker tub, www.lunavista.ca Challenges in Adult Students.” ubc.ca/programs/institutes/iop.php SALT SPRING ISLAND 3 bdrm. MISCELLANEOUS Keynote speaker Robert Aitken, or contact Judy Paley at waterfront home for rent. $1,200 VCC. To register www.bctf.ca/ [email protected], 604-822-2733. RETIREMENT SEEM IMPOSSIBLE? Not month/week. Contact Lyn, aepsa or contact [email protected] if you start a Mini-Office outlet [email protected] NOW! Computer a must. Future October PSA days WATERFRONT CONDO Birch Bay, WA. www.smartjobbiz.com 2 bdrm., 2 bath., available for day, (BCTF procedure statement 30.A.14) SCHOOL TATTOOS. 1,000 tattoos week, or weekend rentals. 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 [email protected] www.ceef.ca for more information. 16 TEACHER Nov./Dec. 2010 Living safely with electromagnetic radiation By Jim Waugh technologies like cellphones, cord - contain unhealthy levels of radia - cent lamps (CFLs) from the home shielding techniques in the living less phones, Wi-Fi, wireless baby tion. It comes from cellphones and replace them with LED (light room. If you suffer from sleep monitors, and wireless security carried by the occupants, Wi-Fi, emitting diode) or incandescent disturbances, try turning off the Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) systems. Power-frequency radiation cordless phones, wireless security bulbs or fixtures. Fluorescent lamps switch at the electrical panel for the from cellphones, cellphone is emitted by appliances, electric systems, fluorescent lighting, and and CFLs are not healthy because bedroom circuit during the night antennas, Wi-Fi, and other sources tools, electronic equipment, and exterior sources such as cellphone they emit high levels of power- making sure there are no has saturated much of our living lighting fixtures in the home, and antennas and high-voltage trans - frequency radiation from their appliances, health monitors, or environment. As our awareness of high-voltage electrical transmission mission lines. Even outdoor areas ballasts and CFLs radiate ultraviolet devices that require a 24/7 power its effects increases, the question and distribution lines on the like parks and beaches are becom - radiation from their lighting tubes supply. If your sleep improves in a becomes, what can we do to protect landscape. A variety of frequencies ing contaminated with radiation that can burn the skin if there are few days, consider installing a our health? Fortunately, there’s a are found in modern passenger from cellphone antennas, Wi-Fi, and no UV filters in place. They generate demand switch on the bedroom great deal that can be done. The vehicles particularly hybrids and transmission lines. Hospitals and dirty electricity (high frequency circuit. government, by its refusal to cellphone use in the vehicle will add extended-care facilities contain a energy) on the building wiring that acknowledge the potential dangers to the density of EMR. The radiation fog similar to other public causes harmful magnetic fields to Kitchens are important too of untested wireless technologies, frequencies contribute to the buildings exacerbated by emissions be radiated and the tubes contain Kitchens have the largest number has shifted the responsibility of aggregate amount of radiation our from electronic medical equipment. mercury, a toxic heavy metal. of EMR sources in the home. Every protection to you. bodies absorb on a daily basis. The The EMR environment in casinos is Electric radiant floor heating should appliance, large or small that uses Despite having accountability for more radiation the body is exposed very unhealthy in part because of be used to warm a floor only when an electric motor, heating element, national health, Health Canada to, the greater our risks of contract - the close proximity of the players to the room is not occupied. Hot water or electronic control will emit continues to insist that exposure to ing symptoms and illnesses that large numbers of gaming machines. radiant heating is much safer. unhealthy levels of radiation. For low-level radio-frequency energy, have been attributed to EMR. this reason, beds, reading chairs, or such as from Wi-Fi equipment, is Making your home safe Safety in the bedroom couches should not be located on not dangerous to the public and the Considering the high radia- Considering the high radiation Bedrooms are rooms where we walls common with major equipment is required to meet the tion density in our outdoor density in our outdoor and working spend a third of our time resting appliances. Be cognizant of EMR safety guidelines of Safety Code 6. and working environments, environments, it becomes a matter and healing and special attention emissions from electric stoves, In doing so, Health Canada ignores of necessity that it be as low as should be paid to them. Make sure ovens, and microwave ovens, and the Royal Society of Canada Report it becomes a matter of possible in the home so that we the head of the bed is not located maintain a distance of a metre or of March 1999, which states Safety neces sity that it be as low as may rest and recover from the radi - on a wall common with an more when your immediate Code 6 is explicitly designed to electrical panel or service drop, possible in the home so that ation we absorb during the day. An attention to the food is not required, protect from thermal exposures electromagnetic home inspection computer, television, or other we may rest and recover particularly if you’re pregnant. (causing body tissue to increase in source of EMR. If so, move the bed from the radi ation we absorb performed by an experienced temperature) and Wi-Fi, cellphones, professional or as a consequential or the source. Move electric clocks, Biological experiment cell and radio transmitters, and during the day. do-it-yourself project will alert you radios, cellphone chargers, We are in the midst of a huge DECT cordless phones do not fall to unhealthy sources of EMR and extension cords, power converters, biological experiment and our into this category because the highlight an appropriate course of and anything else that uses children are most vulnerable to radiation is non-thermal. Health A few of the symptoms include action. Should you be planning to electrical power during the night potential harm. Their undeveloped Canada also ignores a large body of headaches, nausea, altered reflexes, build a new home or do a major one to two metres from the bed. bodies, precise electrical systems science that proves biological flu-like symptoms, insomnia, renovation, it would be prudent for Unplug computers and televisions operating at 7.8 Hz, are being effects of EMR exposure occur at tinnitus, skin rashes, allergies, you to learn about low-EMR design from the wall at night. Ensure the continually harassed by frequencies levels thousands of times lower behaviour difficulties, anxiety, and or seek the services of a knowl - bed is a metre or more from an measured in billions of hertz. The than Safety Code 6 recommended the worst one—feeling old. An edge able professional. A well- electric baseboard heater. Never use biological changes that are occur - an electric blanket or heating pad guidelines. Why is our federal estimated 3% to 5% of the popula - conceived floor plan together with ring may only become evident in 10, and turn off the waterbed heater government so persistent in ignor - tion suffers with electromagnetic good electrical planning will yield a 20, or 30 years. Until the govern - safe living environment. before climbing into bed. If you’re in ing the facts? The evidence points sensitivity, an allergy-like condition ment takes action to establish and Reducing radiation levels in the the market for a new bed, buy one to the money. The wireless tele - that can be severely debilitating enforce biologically based safe home begins with eliminating made of natural materials without communications industry is when sufferers are exposed to exposure guidelines for radio- and unnecessary sources of wireless steel springs or metal bed frame. generating revenues in the trillions electromagnetic frequencies. Expo - power-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Discouraging cellphone Should you be sensitive to radio- of dollars annually world-wide and, sure to EMR affects the immune radiation, we must protect the use at home is very important. frequency radiation coming through as a result, our government is system and nervous system of the children and ourselves. It is incum - collec ting millions in taxes, fees, Cellphones emit harmful radiation a wall from a cellphone antenna or body as well as its genome. A few bent on us to educate ourselves and and other revenues. Seemingly, that enables them to maintain a neighbour’s Wi-Fi or cordless of the many diseases attributed to speak out against the mindless taking care of this cash cow is much constant contact with cell antennas. phone, consider blocking the radia- EMR are chronic fatigue, chronic proliferation of wireless technolo - more important to the politicians stress, multiple sclerosis, Equally important is to eliminate tion with aluminum foil applied gies until they are proven safe. and bureaucrats than protecting us Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s cordless phones and replace them directly to the wall or on large from harm. disease, brain tumours and cancer, with the corded variety. Substitute hanging panels suitably decorated. Jim Waugh, North Vancouver, assists childhood and adult leukemia, and wired Internet connections for Wi- Your decorating skills will definitely clients in reducing their EMR expo- The invisible fog lung, breast, and prostate cancer. Fi. Refrain from using wireless baby be an asset. The window can be sure. Living Safely with Electro - The invisible fog of man-made monitors and consider replacing covered with fabric made with magnetic Radiation: A Complete electromagnetic radiation we live in The dangers around us wireless security systems and other silver- or tin-plated copper fibre. An Guide for Protecting Your Health is a is formed by radiation in a couple of Many public places like shopping wireless technologies with wired alternative is a canopy covering the wealth of valuable information. frequency ranges. Radio-frequency malls, office buildings, restaurants systems. Remove fluorescent light - bed made with plated copper fibre Visit www.EMFSafeHome.com or radiation enables our wireless and coffee shops, and schools ing fixtures and compact fluores - material. You may consider similar [email protected]. Manage your digital footprint By Larry Kuehn your name on ratemyteacher.com this playing “professional Russian you can see who you are following enclosed space for a professional and on YouTube. For a look into the roulette.” You have probably heard and check out what they are saying. learning community. Caution and “deep web,” try pipl.com. You may some stories, or read them in Even though your tweets and good sense should always be at the Here’s a new task to add to your find more of a footprint than you discipline reports from the BC retweets may be perfectly fine, your top of the tool box. day: online reputation management. imagined. College of Teachers. reputation can be affected by what She also sees a pedagogical So you don’t write a blog or Hengstler points out that your Inappropriate e-mail to a others are saying or the language reason for teachers becoming comment on blogs. You don’t footprint—and reputation—is built student—the rule should be that as they are using—linked to you even immersed in online experiences. belong to MySpace or send e-mail in two ways. One is active—the you are writing, imagine that your though you are unaware and are Many of our students’ lives are messages to students. Not only do blogs, articles, photos, videos you principal and your mother are not responsible for what is being being lived online. For some, it you not become a “friend” with post. The other is passive—what standing behind you, reading what said when your network is visible to starts before birth as an ultrasound students, you don’t even belong to others put on about you. All of it is you are writing. others. picture gets posted by about-to-be Facebook. permanent because of the nature of With all the possible negatives, parents. Nothing to worry about, you the Internet. Hengstler points out that one might think that Hengstler is Leaving the online experience to think. Wrong, according to Julia If something terrible and untrue is making the case for staying off the children and youth without mature Hengstler. Even if you never your footprint—and reputa- said about you, you may be able to Internet. Not at all. models and examples is both personally go online in any form, tion—is built in two ways. get the website to take it down. Joining up may be dreadful and dangerous and professionally you probably still have a digital One is active—the blogs, irresponsible. The young lack the footprint. It could even include However, it is still out there. It could dangerous. It can also be reward - articles, photos, videos you perspective of the long-term impact video of your teaching, taken with a be on personal computers where it ing, both professionally and person - of what they do today. student phone and uploaded onto a was already downloaded. Much of post. The other is passive— ally, if you come to it thoughtfully Before the permanence of the website. Shutting your eyes to the the web exists on digital archives, what others put on about and consciously. You may also want digital record of our lives, most of web is not enough to maintain a even after data is removed from the you. All of it is permanent to create your online presence by what we did as children was positive reputation. source website. Taking content building two personas, one profes - because of the nature of the forgotten beyond anecdotes of Hengstler now teaches in the down in one place does not remove sional and the other personal. Internet. parents and friends—and forgiven. education faculty at Vancouver it from others. However, you must be aware that That is a luxury not available to Island University. She spent more Building and maintaining a because of the nature of the tech - today’s children. Our professional than a decade as a secondary positive professional online profile nology, these two may well be responsibility is not only to own our teacher and was active in CUEBC, requires active work. If you allow The family photo book on a photo linked by someone at some point. professional online identity and the computer-users specialist yourself to be identified entirely by site that included a picture of him Hengstler argues that teachers reputation, but to understand association. She offered a workshop what others post, you have no swimming in the nude created a should develop a “professional tool enough that we can provide advice on managing digital footprints, control over your online identity. problem for a BC principal. Candid box” for the web. For example, and be an online model for our social media, and education policy While active participation will not shots of drinking or provocative Facebook now allows for the students. at the October 2010 CUEBC entirely erase the damage others behaviour can haunt you. Some creation of “groups” within it. A Julia Hengstler can be reached at conference. may do to you, you can develop a people now insist that when they group set up for a class could be a [email protected]. Larry Kuehn She suggests you check out your positive presence that will help to attend a party that no pictures be space for doing work on Facebook, can be reached at [email protected]. digital footprint. Do a Google search balance whatever else is out there. taken, fearing that something will without the teacher and students on your name—and don’t forget to Of course, when you are active get posted on the web that will have being “friends.” Social networking Larry Kuehn is director, BCTF search for images, video, and blogs, on the web, you can do a lot of a negative impact on them. tools like Ning allow the creation of Research and Technology Division. all possible on Google. Check for damage to yourself. Hengstler calls On Twitter, the people following intact groups, such as classes or an