Toronto Zoo opens teacher appreciation event to EAs after backlash

Da Mao eats bamboo at the Toronto Zoo on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The Toronto Zoo has opened an upcoming teacher appreciation event to educational assistants after receiving complaints that the educators didn't qualify for the weekend discount.

The zoo planned a "Teachers' Day" for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, where pre-registered teachers can access the grounds for free. Education booths will be set up to provide teachers with more information on field trips and school programs.

In order to attend, the zoo said educators must pre-register online, and are allowed to bring one guest for free.

In a message posted on the zoo's website, organizers said that the event was open to teachers, early childhood educators currently working in full-day kindergarten classrooms and "graduated teacher candidates."

But one educational assistant took to social media to voice concerns that those in her profession were not considered educators by event organizers.

Educational assistants, or EAs, work alongside teachers in elementary, secondary and adult-education classrooms to support students. Duties include helping special needs students and assisting in classroom setup.

An email posted online said: "After reviewing your registration, unfortunately you do not meet the eligibility requirements for Teachers' Day. As each teacher is allowed to bring one gust for free, we encourage you to contact the teacher(s) you will be working with this school year to join them as their free guest."

EAs, teachers and other educators took to the zoo's Facebook page to protest the decision.

"Teachers, ECEs, TAs, (child and youth workers), social workers are all just as equal as each other! We are there for one reason ... the success of our students," one person wrote on the page.

"My son would never be able to be in school if there (weren't) EAs," another wrote. "They play a huge part in our education system."

On Sunday, the zoo announced on Facebook that EAs will now be included in the weekend-long event.

"Based on the feedback we received, it is evident that the opportunity to visit the zoo on Teachers' Day in April is important to all educators, including educational assistants," the zoo wrote.

"Further, we recognize the important role that Educational Assistants play in ensuring the success and wellbeing of the students they support."

The event has also been opened up to child and youth workers employed by a school board.

To attend one of the teacher appreciation days, those who qualify must pre-register online. Any questions or feedback can be emailed to [e-mail].