The North Vancouver Teachers Association (NVTA) recently signed a new collective agreement with the North Vancouver School District (NVSD) after months of negotiations. The agreement comes as a relief to teachers who have been working without a contract for over a year.
One of the primary concerns for teachers during the negotiations was class size and composition. The new agreement includes provisions for additional support for students with special needs and ensures that class sizes remain at manageable levels. This is a win for both teachers and students, as smaller class sizes have been shown to improve academic performance and student behavior.
Another key aspect of the new collective agreement is increased compensation for teachers. The NVTA fought for a fair wage increase that reflects the cost of living in North Vancouver. The agreement includes a 2% wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2019, and a 2.5% increase starting July 1, 2020. This will help attract and retain high-quality teachers in the district and ensure that students have access to the best possible education.
The NVTA also negotiated improvements to teacher workload, including more planning time and increased flexibility in scheduling. This will allow teachers to better meet the needs of their students and ensure that they have the necessary time to prepare engaging lessons and provide support to struggling students.
Overall, the new collective agreement between the NVTA and NVSD is a positive step forward for teachers, students, and the North Vancouver community. With provisions for smaller class sizes, improved support for students with special needs, and increased compensation and workload benefits for teachers, this agreement will help ensure that North Vancouver schools remain among the best in the province.