Why Can't Teachers Speak Out?

Teachers in New Brunswick School District 2 are fearful of speaking their minds on any general topic related to education.  This seems peculiar.  If anyone should have an interesting perspective on education, it must be those who work at it day in and day out.  I discussed this with a representative of the New Brunswick Teachers' Union (NBTA) and he seemed to be supportive of the restrictive view the Department of Education and District officials take of the issue.  I have requested more information to gain a better understanding of their respective positions on the matter.


On 02/03/2011 5:22 PM, Peter Dauphinee wrote:

Hello Blake,

Thank you for taking time to discuss this issue with me last week.  The limitation on  an employee's right to criticize his/her employer is a relatively simple concept in principle.  The example you used, I believe, was that a MacDonald's employee cannot stand in the parking lot of a MacDonald's restaurant telling customers that the hamburgers there are bad.

I can perceive that there would be many situations where the application of the principle would be less straightforward.  I am wondering if you have a document that you could share with me that sets out the boundaries that a teacher should not cross?  Is there something that is provided to New Brunswick teachers on this question?  Perhaps also you may be aware of internet resources where this issue is explained in more detail?

I would much appreciate any assistance you can provide in understanding the application of this principle.

Regards,
--

Peter Dauphinee

On 02/03/2011 5:26 PM, Peter Dauphinee wrote:

Hello Jody,

I am still trying to get to the bottom of the reason that teachers are not at liberty to speak out on issues related to their jobs.  Last week I did have a conversation with Blake Robichaud of the NBTA, and I have just sent him the following email:

Thank you for taking time to discuss this issue with me last week.  The limitation on  an employee's right to criticize his/her employer is a relatively simple concept in principle.  The example you used, I believe, was that a MacDonald's employee cannot stand in the parking lot of a MacDonald's restaurant telling customers that the hamburgers there are bad.

I can perceive that there would be many situations where the application of the principle would be less straightforward.  I am wondering if you have a document that you could share with me that sets out the boundaries that a teacher should not cross?  Is there something that is provided to New Brunswick teachers on this question?  Perhaps also you may be aware of internet resources where this issue is explained in more detail?

I would much appreciate any assistance you can provide in understanding the application of this principle.

I would likewise appreciate if you could direct me to someone in the Department of Education who can give me the employer's perspective on this and any information that may be available to better understand the issue.

Thank you.
--

Peter Dauphinee

I will be posting information on this as it becomes available.