New Brunswick launches strategy to retain, recruit teachers

New Brunswick has a new plan to attract more teachers and school staff.

The New Brunswick government has launched a strategy to try and retain and recruit teachers and other school professionals.

It comes after consultations with teachers, school districts and post-secondary establishments from both the Anglophone and Francophone sectors.

The first part of the plan is focused on retaining current staff, through “empowerment, recognition and support.”

“We’ve got to take care of the people in our system now,” said Education Minister Claire Johnson. “When we do that well, then we have people talking about how great New Brunswick is.”

That will include an “entrance, exit and stay interview program” to understand more of what’s going on when a teacher decides to come or leave. It will also include an annual employee experience survey across all school districts.

There is also an acknowledgment to better support teachers who are mid-career, with mentorship or administrative opportunities.

The second part is aimed at attracting new teachers and allied health professionals like speech language pathologists, social workers and psychologists.

That will include a marketing campaign and more financial incentives for students considering the career.

The plan also mentions standardizing job descriptions and reviewing and updating the Bachelor of Education program content.

Each commitment is categorized by short, medium and long-term timelines. Johnson wasn’t clear how long the plan could take to fully implement.

In October, the N.B. Teachers Association said over the next five years about 1,300 Anglophone sector teachers, and another 157 school principals and vice-principals will be eligible for retirement.

The association also said there are currently over 180 classrooms provincewide that are being led by community members, not certified teachers who require supports and pathways into the profession.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.