Government vs. Kids

"Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future."   Maria Montessori

I still have tears in my eyes brought on by the 8:45 am assembly today where a whole bunch of elementary school kids received recognition awards.

Their teachers spoke so lovingly and knowledgeably about what each kid brings as gifts for herself and his classmates. The kids were so proud to be acknowledged.

It was both a very special and fairly normal slice of life at my kid's school.

I am disgusted by the ongoing non-negotiations between the BC government and the teachers. Yes, there are two sides. But one side is on the front lines, caring for our kids. And, in the case of my own children's schools, doing so with a lot of grace and professionalism during a very tough time.

The other side has let communication break down. This should not be an adversarial situation. It's the government's job to facilitate the conversation. 

Instead, their ongoing approach is cynical and calculated. They use pretty much the only tool the teachers have (labour action) against them by making the teachers look greedy and/or disruptive. 

It's a classic case of cynical political machinations at the expense of kids. 

I want my children's teachers to be paid well. I want class sizes to be manageable. I want kids with disabilities looked after compassionately. I want public education to be a priority of my democratic nation.

I am sickened by the actions of the BC government. The BC government, run by a woman who sends her only child to private school, should actually care what happens to the children of BC.