Sunshine Coast Teachers at the BCTF AGM 2025: Advocating for a Stronger Future for Public Education

Spring Break (March 2025) five passionate teachers from the Sunshine Coast attended the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Vancouver, representing the Sunshine Coast Teachers' Association (SCTA). This event provided an invaluable platform for educators from across the province to gather, collaborate, and advocate for critical issues affecting the future of public education. For these dedicated teachers, it was an opportunity to raise their voices and work towards positive change in areas such as classroom conditions, diversity, support for students, teacher workload, and non-discrimination.

Advocating for Public Education

At the heart of the discussions during the AGM was the urgent need to protect and strengthen public education in British Columbia in the face of many changes currently happening in the world. Members passionately advocated for increased funding for schools, aiming to preserve classroom conditions in schools across the province. Teachers are increasingly faced with overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and a shortage of specialized support staff which negatively impacts the quality of education. Members advocated for smaller class sizes, better access to teaching resources, and more support staff to ensure that students, especially those with special learning needs, receive the attention and supports they deserve.

A Powerful Voice for Change

By attending the BCTF AGM, Sunshine Coast teachers not only represented the interests of their local community but also contributed to a broader provincial conversation about the future of public education. Their voices, along with those of their colleagues, helped shape the direction of important discussions that will impact the education system in the years to come. Their advocacy work emphasized the importance of standing up for public education and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, receives the education and support they need to succeed.