The New Brunswick Teachers’ Association is welcoming increased education investments in this year’s budget.
The province said it plans to spend $16 million to hire more teachers and $4 million to boost teacher recruitment and retention.
President Peter Lagacy says the funding is a step in the right direction and shows their concerns are being heard.
However, he adds that urgent and targeted action is needed to create lasting improvements in the education system.
“As more details on spending plans emerge, I will continue working with decision-makers to advocate on your behalf,” Lagacy said in a letter to association members.
The association has been raising the alarm over recruitment and retention concerns for several years.
Nearly 1,000 teachers are expected to retire from anglophone classrooms within the next three years.
Meanwhile, the number of uncertified individuals filling teaching roles increased from 132 in the fall to 192 in January.