The first week of school is in full swing and the B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) says the province is still nearly 300 teachers short.
BCTF President Glen Hansman says they’re currently pulling ESL (English Second Language) teachers and principals away from their duties to teach classes.
Hansman says it has a lot to do with price of living.
“British Columbia, because of affordability because of really poor starting salaries and some other issues, has a hard time either attracting enough people to British Columbia or keeping the ones we have.”
Hansman adds we aren’t the only province facing this problem.
Last year, the Ministry of Education recommended a recruitment and retention fund for B.C.’s teachers.
The recommendation has yet to be acted on.