I learned a lot about Canadian history when I was an elementary school student. However, it had little to do with what happened during class. Rather, I came across an old Canadian history textbook in our school library and started …
Three Simple Things All Teachers Need to Know
It takes at least five years of training to become a teacher. In their university courses, prospective teachers learn a lot about the importance of diversity and the need for self-reflection. However, they learn precious little about effective instruction or …
Students Deserve a Normal School Year
The Manitoba government recently released its back-to-school plan. As with all COVID-related things, people are bitterly divided on the merits of this plan. Before jumping into this debate, I propose we accept two premises. First, everyone wants students to be …
Misinformation Should be Refuted, not Censored
More than 500 years ago, Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press revolutionized the world of letters. Instead of having to painstakingly copy books by hand, books could be printed by the thousands. The very first book that came off Gutenberg’s printing press …
Schools Need Diversity of Thought
If you visit the website of any Canadian teachers’ union, you might think that all teachers reside on the far left of the political spectrum. For example, the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) is not shy about taking left-leaning stands …
Choosing Mediocrity Promotes Neither Inclusion Nor Equity
The Vancouver School Board (VSB) strives for excellence in educating students. At least that’s what its vision statement says. However, the VSB’s recent decision to cancel all of its math and science honours programs calls this commitment into question. Instead of getting …
Taking Principals out of MTS Makes Sense
Principals and teachers should not be in the same union. That was a key recommendation of the K-12 Education Review Commission report. Clearly, the Manitoba government has taken this recommendation to heart. Bill 64, the Education Modernization Act, proposes to …
Think Again – United Airlines Causes Division
I’ve flown on a lot of planes over the years. Each one of them landed safely, thanks to the pilots in the cockpit. However, I don’t remember the name of a single one of those pilots. Nor do I recall …
Reopening Schools was the Right Decision
Think back to last August when Manitoba announced its back-to-school plan. Critics argued the plan to reopen schools would put students and teachers at risk of catching COVID-19. Not surprisingly, opposition politicians denounced the plan. Despite these criticisms, the province …