Scenarios

There are 35 certified teachers-on-call in School District Z, a district in northern British Columbia. There are approximately 260 teachers in the school district. Whenever a professional development opportunity comes up, a limited number of teachers are able to attend because of the lack of TOCs. If a teacher is sick, teachers registered for a workshop must give up their pro-d opportunity if a sick teaching colleague needs a TOC. In times of flu season, cold season or other illnesses, the pressure to work increases on some teachers, as on some days, a TOC may not be available:
“Without enough TOCs, I simply work whether I’m sick or not.”
“It is so hard to get ready for a TOC, and then pick up the slack, that I go to school when I am sick.”
“If I get sick I just keep going because we lack enough TOCs.”

What could be causing stress in this situation?
How is this situation unique to a northern B.C. community?





Pat lives in a small community in northern British Columbia. The school district has a total of 12 schools: 10 elementary and 2 secondary. Most elementary schools have less than 300 students and a maximum of 12 teachers. Pat works in a rural elementary school with 98 students. There are five teachers on staff. Due to the small staff, teachers at this school must take on the same responsibilities as a staff of a school twice the size. Pat enjoys athletics and volunteers to coach basketball, volleyball, cross-country and track teams, is the school union rep, intermediate school-based team rep and the intermediate literacy rep. Pat is at the school until 4:30 pm on most days, 5:30 pm on days that coaching is involved. This doesn't include the marking and prep required. After seven years of teaching at this rural school, Pat is showing signs of stress.

What could be causing stress in this situation?
How is this situation unique to a northern B.C. community?


Jennifer’s school is in a small town in central BC. The largest industry is forestry and many of the school’s families work in that area. Two years ago the school calendar was changed due to pressure from parents and the community to bring students’ time off in line with "break up". Students now attend school year round, with a four week break in March, a four week break in July and three weeks at Christmas. A new class starts every August. The school administration has determined the new calendar a success – parents are happy, students are retaining more, heating costs are down! Jennifer and other staff members aren’t so sure.....

Becky’s school is located in northern BC, 45 minutes from the nearest town. There is snow in the area for 6-7 months of the year, and the road leading to the school is difficult to drive during the long winter months. To save on bussing and heating costs the school board and school community decided that a four- day week was the best solution. After a year of working in the extended day system, Becky’s not happy with her work life. She feels the day is too long for her and her young students.

What could be causing stress in this situation?
How is this situation unique to a northern B.C. community?