Down the Up Staircase

 

My sister, who is a qualified teacher, but who has never taught, and who is retired, recently received a letter from the Ontario College of Teachers. They are apparently scouring their rolls for lapsed members—she has not paid her dues for 13 years—who might be coaxed back into the classroom.

Last summer, I was working alongside three recent Ed School grads. They were lamenting the fact that it took on average seven years from graduation before you landed your first teaching job.

It looks as though a lot of teachers are simply refusing to return to class in the face of COVID-19. I wonder if they are legally able to take a sabbatical and retain their jobs and seniority, or if they are taking early retirement?