Charlottetown, P.E.I., February 12, 2010 - As Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week commences, all Islanders are encouraged to thank teachers and school staff for their ongoing commitment to students, says Prince Edward Island Teachers’ Federation President, Carrie St. Jean.

"This week we publically recognize the significant contributions that teachers and school staff members make to the lives of children" stated St. Jean. "In my visits to schools I have witnessed the energy, expertise and countless hours our teachers and administrators devote to students. Teachers play a critical role in the lives of our children. They are the most important people outside the home in helping children learn and grow as individuals. We also recognize the invaluable services performed by administrative assistants, educational assistants, youth workers, bus drivers, custodial and maintenance workers and volunteers." St. Jean emphasized " It takes the combined efforts of all these people to make our school communities strong and effective."

This will also be a special week for all 27 Members of the Legislative Assembly in Prince Edward Island.

Island teachers are taking all MLA’s to school. The Prince Edward Island Teachers’ Federation is giving legislators an opportunity to spend a day in school and witness first-hand the realities of today’s classrooms. On February 16, 2010 (February 17, 2010, storm date) MLA’s will take a seat alongside students and spend the day getting a bird’s eye view of school life.

President Carrie St. Jean commented: "The Teachers’ Federation welcomes the opportunity to share our classrooms with the decision makers in this province. Anyone who has not been in school recently will discover that there have been many changes. We want our elected officials to see the challenges and successes that our teachers face on a daily basis." St. Jean went on to say, "It is one thing to tell our story but it is quite another to experience it first-hand. Seeing is believing." All 27 MLA’s have accepted the invitation to visit a school in their riding. St. Jean continued "We are very happy with the MLA’s willingness to participate in this initiative that will highlight important educational issues".

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For Comment:
Ms. Carrie St. Jean
President
Prince Edward Island Teachers’ Federation
P. O. Box 6000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 8B4
Telephone: (902) 569-4157 (office)
Toll-Free: 1-800-903-4157

Charlottetown, P.E.I., February 8, 2010 - Island teachers are taking all MLA’s to school. The Prince Edward Island Teachers’ Federation (PEITF) is giving legislators an opportunity to spend a day in school and witness first-hand the realities of today’s classrooms. On February 16, 2010 (February 17, 2010, storm date) MLA’s will take a seat alongside students and spend the day getting a bird’s eye view of school life.

From the PEITF office in Stratford, President Carrie St. Jean commented: "The Teachers’ Federation welcomes the opportunity to share our classrooms with the decision makers in this province. Anyone who has not been in school recently will discover that there have been many changes. We want our elected officials to see the challenges and successes that our teachers face on a daily basis." St. Jean went on to say, "It is one thing to tell our story but it is quite another to experience it first-hand. Seeing is believing." All 27 MLA’s have accepted the invitation to visit a school in their riding. St. Jean continued "We are very happy with the MLA’s willingness to participate in this initiative that will highlight important educational issues".