YELLOWKNIFE (October 2, 2014) – Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty spoke to delegates at the Northwest Territories’ Teachers’ Association conference this week about the importance of renewing the approach to education in the Northwest Territories to ensure student achievement is improved and teachers are supported to do their jobs.

Minister Lafferty spoke about the importance of all people in the education system working together to improve outcomes for students. He also addressed the need for teachers to have a safe and appropriate working environment. The Minister talked about the work around the 10-year Education Renewal initiative, to which many of the assembled delegates contributed.

Some key components of Education Renewal centre around the school-community relationship and both student and teacher wellness in order to get to improved student achievement. Minister Lafferty stressed to delegates how critical it is to ensure that teachers have the work conditions needed for teaching excellence. He also said it is time for a new approach to education delivery where we have the courage to re-imagine the very structures of our system and to better reflect our northern students, families and teaching force.

“When I say teacher wellness I want you to understand that I know you are required to be all things to all people,” said Minister Lafferty. “Not only do you teach the children; you are often nurse, counselor and coach. You feed them and nurture them. So when I say we are going to do things differently, one of the things I mean is that we are going to clear some space for you to do your actual job – teaching. Many of the issues that compel you to fill other voids are the responsibility of others. Part of our new way of thinking is to work with other departments and agencies to enable them to fulfill their roles so that you can better fulfill yours, in a supported way.”

The Minister urged teachers to become part of the future they want and to stay focused. He said that embracing new thinking does not mean doing more, but doing things differently.

The Northwest Territories’ Teachers’ Association conference wraps up on Wednesday, October 1. It is an opportunity for teachers to learn about new practices and network with each other. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is a sponsor of the conference.

Media Inquiries:

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca