Samantha Becotte

Thanks to the advocacy of Canadian Teachers' Federation, the Government of Canada has expanded the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program to include teachers in rural areas.
More info here: www.canada.ca/en/services/...
Use the postal code search to see if you live in an eligible community.

I was honoured to be asked to join Manitoba Federation of Labour’s Empowering Workers Biannual Conference for a panel conversation. It was a great opportunity to share about the experiences of Saskatchewan Teachers’ last round of collective bargaining and to learn from the other panelists.

Last week, STF Executive and staff hosted a MLA reception at the SK Legislature. We discussed the current realities of SK teachers with MLAs from govt and opposition.
I also had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Education, visit the office of the speaker, and attend question period.

Attended the CTF/FCE Board meeting with Angela Banda, STF Exec Director, this week. At these meetings we discussed issues in public Ed, such as recruitment and retention, violence, and class complexity. Each context is unique, but we have much to learn from each other. Solidarity is our strength!

Sexual assault presentations reinforce (not replace) classroom instruction and provide students with important community connections. These connections are critical for students who may find themselves in dangerous situations or harmful relationships.

Ex- local car dealership employees presented to my class on purchasing/leasing vehicles. They went through the process from start to finish, sharing what to expect and possible red flags. I still taught a lesson, but it was an excellent opportunity for students to hear from experts on the topic.

Saskatchewan sexual assault centres fighting to get back into schools | Globalnews.ca Sexual assault prevention education has been banned in schools and organizations are trying to get the program back, as it showed success in helping kids understand sexual abuse.

Third party presentations provide valuable learning opportunities for students to hear from experts. Regardless of a teacher’s comfort on a subject, third party presentations are opportunities that help reinforce instruction and build community connections.

globalnews.ca/news/1151553...

The Charter of Rights is foundational to 🇨🇦's democracy & national vision of fairness & due process. Decades of cases have confirmed its value to labour rights. Danielle Smith takes a big step toward authoritarianism, tossing it aside for fiscal & political convenience. #canlab

A message of solidarity and support for our colleagues in Alberta.

www.stf.sk.ca/about-stf/ne...

Teachers and education workers, make sure to fill out the Parachute survey. Your voice strengthens our advocacy.

Solidarity with @cupwsttp.bsky.social ✊
Walked the line to support striking postal workers in Saskatoon. I encourage everyone to visit a picket location, speak with a postal worker to learn more and add your voice to their calls. Together we can protect workers' rights and our public services.

Teachers! Check out this great resource to support student learning for Truth and Reconciliation week.

Saskatchewan Teachers stand in solidarity with our colleagues to the west.

To find out more information about the realities in AB schools head to www.stoptheexcuses.ca

It is fuel good day at Co-op locations across Sask, so be sure to fill up those tanks... and also send a letter to your MLA to remind them that they could just properly fund education so that schools wouldn't have to rely on fundraisers and business donations.

As we celebrate the importance of music education, we do so knowing that not every SK school has the same access to band and music programs. Commitments need action - divisions require properly funding so all students receive a well rounded, high quality education.
Watch the event: bit.ly/4mgufjm

As a Math teacher, and as someone who benefitted from a robust band program in secondary school, I know the positive impacts that music education has all aspects of a child’s education - helping them gain critical thinking and problem solving skills.

It was a beautiful day to celebrate music education. Thanks Sask Music Educators’ Association for inviting me to join you in Wascana Park. During the event, government and business representatives shared the value and importance of music education and their own personal connections to music.

Call for Educator Student Loan Forgiveness Now - CTF-FCE The federal government is failing to uphold its commitment on student loan forgiveness for educators working in rural communities.

👋 Back to school also means the House of Commons is back!

Educators, welcome your MP back to the House by urging them to help address the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.

Learn more 👇
www.ctf-fce.ca/take-action/...

#cdnpoli

Show your support for Alberta teachers and public education by making the image below your profile picture.

I know that #educationworks to help children achieve their dreams, but schools and classrooms need more support and resources to address the growing populations and diverse challenges, and that starts with investing in Public Education.

New agreement causing teacher shortage in school divisions, SSBA says New to the collective contract is “Article 17,” which outlines how many additional teachers a school division must hire to address classroom complexity.

SSBA is pointing to the new PCBA as the cause for the teacher shortage in SK, but over the last decade more teachers have been leaving the profession because of the lack of support in schools and classrooms. It isn't a shortage of teachers, it's a shortage of safe and supported classrooms.

Happy first day of school!

Like parents, teachers have high hopes for their students' success. While the addition of 500 class complexity teachers is a step forward, it's just a start. The Sk Govt would need to invest another $385M this school year to restore funding to 2015/16 levels.

📚 50M teachers short.
We have the blueprint. 59 UN recommendations to fix this.
Let’s raise the status of teachers:
✅ Fair pay
✅ Respect
✅ Autonomy
✅ Development
Time to act.
#SDG4 #GoPublic #FundEducation

Last year, through teachers’ strong actions and public’s support, we took our first step in addressing class complexity. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts that an additional 500 teachers and the $20M class complexity fund will have on Saskatchewan schools in the year ahead.

Hi! I’m excited to join the conversation here and share updates on public education in SK! As the STF President since 2022, and as a mom of two, I care deeply about public ed. Prior to 2022, I taught high school math, and saw the impacts of increasing class complexity and chronic underfunding.