We may just be weeks into the new school, but the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) is already raising concerns about how the needs of students will be met.

Samantha Becotte, the President of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, said there call comes after the provincial budget did not provide enough funding to support existing resources in education and school divisions were forced to make cuts.

“Parents want what’s best for their children, and so do teachers. I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids be successful. Lack of funding means fewer students are having those breakthrough moments,” she said. “Teachers are doing a remarkable job with the resources they have, but lack of funding means kids aren’t getting the support they need. This means not being able to get help with their speech or mental health support. It means fewer teachers in classrooms, less one-on-one time and that those who need an extra challenge won’t have the opportunity.”

With a ‘lack of funding’ leading to more challenges in the classroom, a new campaign released by STF highlights the different needs and strengths students bring to school with them each day.

The campaign is asking the Government of Saskatchewan to work with parents and teachers to fund education so all students can thrive and be successful.

“We are launching this campaign to help move the conversations we are having at work, in our homes and at the rink to a more public conversation,” said Becotte. “Our schools are great places for students to learn. But the reality is, fewer students are going to have those experiences if there isn’t enough funding. Teachers understand that all of the challenges can’t be fixed right away.”

She added that providing enough funding to school divisions means that more students aren’t being left behind.