Hundreds of education students at universities across Nova Scotia are supposed to be starting their practicums this week — instead, they’re waiting for a resolution to the ongoing labour dispute between the government and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.
“I’m concerned because it’s interrupted the flow of their program. It’s not a situation where we can swap a field component with something else, and that’s why we have to be patient and respect the process that’s ongoing,” said Sal Badali, dean of education at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU).
Badali says there’s about 180 first and second year Bachelor of Education students at MSVU, who each have to complete a co-op where they help in a classroom and are mentored by a teacher.
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The practicum is an essential part of every education degree and is a requirement of the Department of Education to be certified to teach.
According to Nova Scotia teacher certification standards, each student must complete a minimum practicum of 15 weeks.
MSVU aims to set up 22-week practicums for their students, which is why Badali says they’re not panicking— yet.
“Right now there’s no imminent danger but it all depends on how long this goes and we’re hopeful it can be resolved as soon as possible,” he said.
Both the province and the union say they’re willing to go back to the bargaining table but no formal talks have been scheduled.
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There are five universities in Nova Scotia that offer education programs, and the majority of co-op students go into public schools.
Private schools are an option, however, and Sacred Heart School in Halifax says they receive a few student teachers each year. Headmistress Anne Wachter anticipates that might increase this year, if the practicum delays continue.
“We expect a little bit of an uptick and we’d be happy to do what we can to fill that need. There’s all kinds of reasons why independent schools should exist and this is one of them,” Watcher said.
Badali said he’s had discussions about practicum delays with all of the education students at MSVU and says he’s impressed with their professionalism considering no timeline is in place for when they’ll be able to start their co-ops.
NSTU says there’s no plans to modify their work-to-rule job action to include teacher aids at this point.
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