Retired teachers called on to return to classrooms as pandemic worsens shortage

By Canadian Press

The agency that oversees teachers in Ontario is calling on retirees to return to the classroom.

The Ontario College of Teachers sent a letter this week to retired teachers and those whose licences have been suspended due to non-payment, urging them to get reinstated.

The letter says the province is facing a shortage of certified teachers that's been “magnified” by measures aimed at fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, such as smaller class sizes and online learning.

A spokeswoman for the college says it also reached out to newly licensed teachers and others without current jobs, encouraging them to apply.

Gabrielle Barkany says it's an opportunity for qualified teachers to provide “critical support to elementary and secondary students in Ontario at this critical time.”

Earlier today, the president of Ontario's English Catholic Teachers Assocition's Ottawa chapter also revealed its trouble to acquire more occasional teachers during the pandemic. 

Michele Pierce explains, there was already a shortage of occasional teachers before COVID-19 arrived. Now, many are choosing not to work, as they feel they would be more at risk for close contact exposure to COVID-19, since they move from school-to-school and class-to-class. 

– With files from Mike Vlasveld, OttawaMatters.com

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