"Right now we're having a hard time finding also supply teachers to replace these teachers who should be at school." "It is apparent that some teacher absences remain unfilled each day because our occasional teachers are currently not selecting these assignments," Hunter wrote. "This year, the shortage of teachers is greater than usual," wrote Camille Williams-Taylor, director of education for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). The problem does not stem from a shortage in the number of supply teachers, according to David Wildman, who represents around 1,400 occasional teachers in the OCDSB as president of the Ottawa Carleton Elementary Occasional Teachers' Association. "The occasional teachers are balancing their need to make a living and pay their bills with where they go," Wildman said.

Source: CBC News October 01, 2020 14:48 UTC