Yukon Schools Open Amid Urgent Teacher Shortage—8 Vacancies Remain

URGENT UPDATE: Yukon students have returned to class this week, but a significant teacher shortage looms as the First Nation School Board (FNSB) and the Department of Education scramble to fill vacancies. With eight teacher positions still unfilled at the FNSB and an additional 11 teachers needed across the territory, officials are racing against time to ensure quality education for all students.

On August 1, 2023, the Yukon’s French language school board reported full staffing, yet the FNSB faces ongoing challenges. FNSB chair Dana Tizya-Tramm highlighted the urgency, stating, “We’re measuring from what are the actual educational needs, which produces the requirement for more staff above and beyond Yukon models.”

Both the FNSB and the Yukon government report fewer vacancies than last year, yet the demand for teachers persists. Tizya-Tramm revealed that the board has filled all allocated positions but still requires more educators to address the needs of every student.

In a bid to tackle this issue, the education department has ramped up recruitment efforts, including targeted outreach and career fairs for potential teachers. Superintendent Christine Franes emphasized the importance of support from the community, noting that while they can deploy non-enrolling teachers temporarily, this solution may not adequately support students who need it most.

The FNSB currently boasts 29 teachers on call, a record number since its establishment, while the Yukon government maintains over 200 teachers on call. However, the impact of vacancies extends beyond numbers. Ted Hupé, president of the Yukon Association of Education Professionals, stressed the broader implications, stating, “When you have one teacher vacancy that affects 20 to 25 kids.”

Tizya-Tramm pointed out that housing remains a critical barrier in recruiting teachers, especially in remote communities. He urged the Yukon Housing Corporation to prioritize housing for educators, citing a lack of infrastructure that has persisted for years. “We require new housing to support our students in their schooling,” he added.

In response, the Yukon Housing Corporation has begun initiatives to support recruitment, including staff housing allocations for teachers. Recently, they opened a 10-plex in Old Crow and initiated construction on a staff housing duplex in Burwash Landing to address these pressing needs.

The FNSB has also filled nine of its eleven language teacher positions, indicating progress but underscoring the ongoing struggle for sufficient staffing. Tizya-Tramm called for more funding from the Yukon government to support educational initiatives. “We have not seen a funding formula since the board was formed,” he stated.

As the school year progresses, the urgency to fill these vacancies remains paramount. Educators and officials alike are watching closely, as the implications of this shortage could significantly affect Yukon students’ educational experiences.

For now, both the FNSB and the Yukon government are committed to addressing these issues, but how swiftly they can resolve the teacher shortage will be crucial for the territory’s educational future. Stay tuned for the latest developments as this story unfolds.