SASKATOON – It’s all about the safety of students and transparency, according to the Saskatchewan government.
Education Minister Russ Marchuk has appointed Dr. Dennis Kendel to conduct consultations and provide recommendations to address concerns about teacher certification and disciplinary authority.
Kendel has an extensive resume in public health policy, which includes the development of licensing requirements for Canadian physicians.
Some suggest it’s in response to recent allegations of professional misconduct and incompetence.
“The majority of provinces’ teachers are regulated directly by the government,” said Kendel.
“Saskatchewan is a little bit unique, in that, the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation has carried both the regulatory and the advocacy functions for teachers,” he explained.
Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Gwen Dueck is pleased with the announcement.
“Teachers recognize the importance and responsibility of the public trust they are granted. We welcome the opportunity to share information with Dr. Dennis Kendel and the public regarding disciplinary processes,” she said.
“I don’t think it ever hurts to look at our old practices and models that we have in place, there’s always room for improvement,” said Janet Foord, Saskatchewan School Boards Association President.
Consultations will take place over the coming weeks. Kendel will also review how misconduct allegations are handled in other provinces and provide a report that will help inform new legislation, expected to be introduced in late fall.
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