It is my honour to work for the teachers of Prairie Spirit
I began my teaching career as a substitute teacher in 2002. For three years I was a high school teacher at Chief Poundmaker School, for six years I worked at Hanley Composite in the role of K-12 Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT), and for five years I was a grade 7 teacher at Warman Community Middle School. My range of experience across different roles and schools has helped me represent Prairie Spirit teachers.
To understand the roles of STF and local associations, I became involved with the PSTA as a substitute teacher and attended Representative Assemblies. I was elected an STF Counsellor for the first time in 2009. I have witnessed many significant changes in education locally and provincially in my 15 years on the PSTA executive, including the changes to the provincial funding model, and the changes we’ve experienced through six different directors of education.
As a local association president, I represent the teachers of Prairie Spirit School Division and I take this responsibility seriously. There are times the job of president requires me to speak on behalf teachers and share our concerns when school or division-wide changes are proposed. One of my strengths is to the ability to approach these discussions logically and respectfully while also refusing to accept responses that are not consistent or reasonable.
Recently, when the school division decided to move teachers’ duty-free noon break to the end of the day due to STF members’ withdrawal of lunch supervision, I initiated a response with PSTA Councillors. Within 24 hours we sent out a member survey to gather data from teachers about the problems this decision would cause and teachers’ feelings about the decision. I facilitated an impromptu weekend meeting of the PSTA Executive to compose a formal letter to the Prairie Spirit Job Action Committee to highlight the concerns of our membership and to encourage the division to try to find a solution that meets the needs of both students and teachers.
As president, it my job to support teachers when a problem arises. Sometimes I am the person asking division senior leaders the questions teachers and administrators don’t feel comfortable asking. HR works for the school division and represents our employer; whereas I work for you and represent you and your needs. In every situation, I try to respond swiftly. I often consult with STF leaders along the way to ensure members have access to all necessary information to inform decision-making and problem-solving. With almost four years’ experience in this role, I have expanded my knowledge of division and STF policies. I feel confident and capable in this leadership role.
This year, I’ve made it my goal to visit each school for a full day at least once. In previous years, Covid restrictions prevented school visits. This year, many of you have seen me set up my office in your staff room to make myself available for your questions and collegial conversations.
As PSTA President, I pledge to continue to maintain the positive and open relationship the PSTA has developed with our board and division staff. At the same time, I will continue to advocate for the needs of teachers with a strong voice. My experience in a variety of K-12 classroom settings, as a special education teacher, and in small and large schools has allowed me to understand the different positions and perspectives of teachers across our division.
The work of the PSTA is incredibly important for the future of our profession and I thank you for putting your trust in me as your representative. I hope to have the opportunity to continue to represent you locally and provincially.
Please vote Scott for PSTA President on March 17th and 18th.
Video Responses from the Candidate:
- What do you think are some strengths of the PSTA? What do you think some areas of improvement for the PSTA are? How will you leverage strengths and plan for improvements, if you are elected president?
- Can you comment on a time when you led a group of colleagues to implement a change initiative?
- Maintaining and building trust with the board and the school division are a crucial part of the role as president, and so is advocating for Prairie Spirit teachers. How will you maintain relationships when our interests diverge?
- What parts of being President would you excel at and what parts might you struggle with?