The New Brunswick Teachers’ Association (NBTA) is calling on the provincial government to take action to address a growing teacher shortage and classroom instability.

“Retention and recruitment are our number one priority,” NBTA President Heidi Ryder said.

“Teachers are struggling to believe it is truly a priority for the government when we are still waiting. Every day that passes impacts student learning and the future of our education system.”

The NBTA said more than 1,300 Anglophone teachers and 157 school principals and vice-principals are eligible to retire within five years.

The association also says more than 180 classrooms are currently led by community members who are not certified teachers and need support and pathways into the profession.

Ryder said the situation is no longer theoretical and is playing out in classrooms across the province.

“The crisis is no longer abstract,” she said. “It is unfolding in real and urgent ways in our classrooms. We need to act quickly to ensure that teachers can envision a long and fulfilling career for themselves in education.”

The NBTA has submitted four key priorities to the government as part of its recommendations.

These include calls for more time and resources, support for certified professionals, respect for the profession, and better recognition of student needs.

Ryder said even small changes could help retain experienced teachers and prevent new graduates from leaving the province.

“So these are simple asks that can go a long way in retaining our most experienced teachers and preventing our education graduates and newest teachers from leaving New Brunswick or the profession altogether,” she said.

The NBTA said it hopes teacher voices will be reflected in the province’s upcoming education strategy.