Teacher Appreciation Week: Honouring Educators Amidst Challenges
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to
the incredible educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the future. Teaching has
always been a profession of passion, commitment, and resilience, but today, more than
ever, our teachers are facing unprecedented challenges.
Across the country, we are witnessing a growing teacher shortage, leaving classrooms
understaffed and increasing the burden on those who remain. Despite this, our
educators continue to show up every day, ensuring that students receive the
knowledge, guidance, and inspiration they need to succeed.
At the same time, incivility in the workplace is on the rise, adding unnecessary stress
to an already demanding profession. QPAT recently surveyed its members to obtain a
snapshot of teachers’ opinions on the impact of recurrent situations of incivility in
schools and centres. Teachers should be celebrated, not disrespected. They deserve a
culture of support, collaboration, and appreciation—not hostility or criticism.
And through it all, teachers are evaluated not just on their expertise and commitment,
but often on student performance measures that don’t always reflect the full scope
of their work.
Further complicating matters are government cutbacks that have stripped essential
resources from schools, leaving teachers with fewer tools to do their jobs effectively.
Investing in education should never be an afterthought—our future depends on it.
Despite these obstacles, our educators remain unwavering in their mission. Their
dedication is the backbone of our communities, and their influence extends far beyond
the walls of a classroom.
So, to every teacher: We see you. We appreciate you. We will stand with you. Thank
you for your patience, your sacrifices, and your unwavering belief in the power of
education. You deserve more than just a week of appreciation: you deserve lasting
respect, support, and change.
#ThankATeacher #TeacherAppreciationWeek #SupportOurTeacher
Steven Le Sueur
President, QPAT
Season’s Greetings!
As we celebrate the holiday season, we want to take a moment to reflect on the strength and
solidarity of our Association’s community. This year, we’ve faced challenges together and
continued to build a brighter future for all.
Your dedication, hard work and commitment to standing united make a difference every day.
Together, we’ve shown the power of collective action and the spirit of collaboration.
May this holiday season bring you and your loved ones joy, peace and rest. As we look forward
to a new year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for fairness, equity and
respect for every member.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a hopeful and prosperous year ahead!
In solidarity and gratitude,
Steven Le Sueur
QPAT President
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the heartbeat of public education—teachers. In Quebec, across Canada and around the world, you play an irreplaceable role in shaping the future of society. You inspire, educate and empower the next generation; your dedication is crucial, now more than ever, especially as we navigate the ongoing teacher shortage.
This shortage serves as a reminder of the value and importance of the teaching profession. We must recognize and actively support your work. We thank you and support your unwavering commitment and the vital role you play in our communities. Moreover, we must work together to make this noble profession more attractive, ensuring that future generations are inspired to join the ranks of educators.
Thank you for your tireless efforts, your passion and your resilience. Your work is the cornerstone of a brighter future for all. Let’s continue to advocate for the respect, support and resources that you deserve.
Happy World Teachers’ Day!
Steven Le Sueur
QPAT President
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, 2024
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as educators, we take time to reflect on the deep and painful legacy of residential schools and the lasting impact they have had on Indigenous communities across Canada. This day is a solemn reminder of the thousands of children who never returned home, and of the survivors, their families and their communities who continue to carry this burden.
As teachers, we have a vital role in fostering understanding, empathy and respect for the truths of our shared history. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the past—we must commit to educating ourselves and our students about the ongoing effects of colonization, the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the importance of reconciliation in shaping a more just future.
We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in honouring the memory of those lost and by recognizing the strength of those who have endured. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to the Calls to Action laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, particularly those related to education.
Let us use our classrooms as spaces for meaningful dialogue, where we can cultivate understanding and foster the next generation of advocates for Indigenous rights and reconciliation.
In solidarity,
Steven Le Sueur
QPAT President
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed a well-deserved summer break and took the time to recharge after what was a challenging and hard-fought negotiation year.
I am proud to say that, thanks to your unwavering commitment and solidarity, we secured significant victories for our profession and our students. However, our work is not done. We still have important issues to address, particularly around workload and class composition. These challenges remain at the forefront of our efforts, and together, we will continue to push for the changes needed to support the quality of education we strive to provide.
As we enter this new academic year, let’s keep the momentum going, stay united, and remember that our collective strength is what drives progress. Your dedication to your students and to each other is truly inspiring.
Here’s to a successful year ahead, filled with continued advocacy, growth, and the pursuit of a better future for all.
In solidarity,
Steven Lesueur, QPAT President
Teacher Appreciation Week / Semaine des enseignantes et enseignants 2024
December 19 Update on Negotiations / Mise à jour du 19 décembre 2023 sur les négos
December 13 Update on Negotiations / Mise à jour du 13 décembre 2023 sur les négos
December 8 Update on Negotiations / Mise à jour du 8 décembre 2023 sur les négos
December 6 Update on Negotiations / Mise à jour du 6 décembre 2023 sur les négos
Update on Negotiations December 5 / Le point sur les négos du 5 décembre
Your unprecedented mobilization sends a strong message to this government that teachers and public sector workers are more determined than ever to achieve significant improvements in this current round of negotiations.
A Final Message From QPAT President Heidi Yetman (June 2023)
Bill 23/June 10 Demo Message From QPAT President Heidi Yetman May, 2023 /