The head of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation says the government should work to track how many uncertified teachers are working across the province.
It comes as thousands of students return to school for the 2023-24 academic year amid concerns of short-staffing and overcrowding.
The province says uncertified teachers are only hired in “unique circumstances” for less than 20 days in the absence of a qualified teacher.
Under the provincial School Act, school boards are allowed to hire teachers that they deem qualified, but do not have a teaching certificate, to fill short-term needs.
Teachers’ associations say several factors, including B.C.’s spiraling cost of housing and early retirements during the pandemic, have led to a continued shortfall in qualified teachers
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