Education
Student-less N.S. teachers take over social media
Teachers share photos of empty classrooms as schools shut down Monday
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Public school teachers across Nova Scotia are flooding social media with pictures of empty classrooms and messages to their students in light of Monday’s closures.
On Saturday, Education Minister Karen Casey announced they were closing schools in response to the Nova Scotia Teachers Union’s (NSTU) work-to-rule action. Students were told to stay home, but Casey told teachers to show up.
I am #ReadyToTeach but my Students have been locked out by NS Gov. #ACT4Ed #NSTUnited pic.twitter.com/3w9PtV7B3i
— Mr.Baskwill (@MrBaskwill) December 5, 2016
#Readytoteach but an empty classroom. #NSTUnited pic.twitter.com/Z1km1wfsUI
— Carolyn Power (@mllepower) December 5, 2016
Teachers and faculty are using the hashtags #readytoteach, #nspoli, #NSTUnited and #act4ed to accompany photos of their empty classrooms.
On Sunday, math teacher Aaron Peck tweeted the impact of the impending school closures.
Tomorrow 60,000 kids in @novascotia will be locked out of their schools by the @NSLiberal while teachers are at school #readyToTeach pic.twitter.com/lKwFBbOzXt
— Aaron Peck (@aaronpeck_peck) December 5, 2016
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development states the work-to-rule action is unsafe for students because teachers wouldn’t be supervising breaks and that could leave some students “stranded in schoolyards.”
Halifax teacher Julie Smith tweeted a photo of her empty classroom with a message of sadness.
I’m #ReadyToTeach . Students should be in our schools. I’m hoping my students are staying safe today. #NSTUnited pic.twitter.com/M3S82Heqc2
— Julie Smith (@smithjulie_) December 5, 2016
Teachers aren’t just posting pictures of empty classrooms; playgrounds, hallways and gymnasiums are all vacant.
#ReadyToTeach PE. Normally 40+ kids being active. Today there is 0. pic.twitter.com/jyzgbFK1My
— Adam Hallett (@adamjhallett) December 5, 2016
Quiet day on hall duty. Makes me very sad. #ReadyToTeach #Act4Ed pic.twitter.com/UVtraVLW1B
— Sara Bonin (@mrs_bonin) December 5, 2016
The recess bell just rang. The silence is heartbreaking. #ReadyToTeach #Act4Ed #NSTUnited pic.twitter.com/FJpjZL40oS
— Maureen (@macheriearmour) December 5, 2016
However, at some schools, like Leslie Thomas Junior High, parents and students gathered on the steps Monday morning to show their support.
Arriving at LT much love. Made me feel special. ?😓? Thankyou all. #morningpickmeup #ReadyToTeach pic.twitter.com/AkoFriomFo
— Mr. Mac (@Rob_Mac_3) December 5, 2016
The NSTU is also using the hashtags.
The floor of @nsleg is empty right now, just like our classrooms #ReadyToTeach #NSTUnited #Nspoli
— NS Teachers Union (@NSTeachersUnion) December 5, 2016
Nothing more has been said about how long these closures will last and when students will be able to return to school.
