June 19, 2025
RED FM News Desk
British Columbia’s education system is currently in crisis due to a severe staff shortage, leading to temporary, stop-gap solutions in classrooms. The BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) claims that a province-wide scarcity of teachers and education assistants is making conditions worse for parents and students.
Clint Johnston, President of the BCTF, in an interview to a channel said that while he doesn’t have exact numbers for the open positions, he confirms the situation has reached a desperate, crisis level, impacting elementary, middle, and high schools.
“We hear it all the time,” Johnston stated. “And I’m sure parents can tell you as well that their children have uncertified teachers in classes. We know our members lose their prep time, and they get shuffled around the school so they can cover gaps. It’s a critical shortage for sure.”
The shortage isn’t limited to teachers; it also significantly impacts the availability of Education Assistants (EAs).
Johnston emphasized, “There are not enough fully certified teachers in every classroom. There are not enough EAs in every classroom, and that makes the work of both of those groups more difficult because we work together.”
He admitted that some districts are now relying on parents to help fill these critical staffing gaps.
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