The Manitoba government introduced legislation which would improve the process by which the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) investigates complaints, conducts internal disciplinary procedures and recuperates costs in cases of proven unprofessional conduct by a teacher.
“We are committed to working with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society to continue to ensure all teachers adhere to the highest professional standards,” Allan said. “This will help ensure our students receive the quality education they need to succeed.”
The amendments come following the last MTS annual general meeting. The society requested an increase in the range of penalties for members found to have engaged in unprofessional conduct or conduct unbecoming a teacher. Following an MTS internal disciplinary review panel hearing, the society would be able to suspend or terminate a teacher’s membership in the society or impose a fine to help offset the costs of hearings related to investigations.
“Any profession worthy of the name is one that holds itself to the highest possible standards of conduct. Teachers recognize the need to work together professionally and effectively, and never forget our duty to remain worthy of the public’s trust. This legislative change is intended to provide our Professional Conduct and Review Committees with a greater and more nuanced ability to uphold those standards in those rare cases when infractions occur,” said Paul Olson, president, MTS.
“Along with initiatives, like the standardized report card and class size reductions for kindergarten to Grade 3, this legislation is part of a broader framework to work with teachers and parents to improve the overall quality of the education system in Manitoba and move the province to the top tier of educational achievement in Canada,” said Allan.
