The NLTA is looking forward to working with the newly-minted Minister of Education, Krista Lynn Howell.

Association President Trent Langdon says there are some “very real concerns” facing teachers every day, not the least of which are about recruitment and retention.

Langdon says they always seek qualified educators on the front lines, but substitute teacher shortages and existing vacancies have resulted in a reliance on retired teachers filling the gap.

In some cases they’ve had to rely on emergency supply teachers of which a Grade 12 diploma is all that’s needed. “That’s worrisome,” says Langdon.