The NLTA says class sizes, recruitment and a shortage of substitute teachers continue to weigh heavily on members as another school year gets underway.

Union President Dale Lambe says it’s an exciting time as students get back to class, but retention and recruitment remains a pressing concern for teachers as they work within the challenges of class sizes, complex classroom composition, and the increased incidence of violence.

Lambe says there is a serious shortage of substitute teachers and schools have to rely on retired teachers to fill those roles.

“Our supply force is decimated,” says Lambe, “we don’t have a lot of substitutes right now.”

He says French teachers, school psychologists, guidance counsellors and IRTs (Instructional Resource Teachers) are among the hardest positions to fill.

All of these areas throughout the province are very difficult to fill says Lambe.