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The Nova Scotia Teachers Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know

The Nova Scotia Teachers Collective Agreement is an important document that governs the relationship between the province`s teachers and the government. It outlines the terms and conditions of employment, including salaries, benefits, and working conditions. If you`re a teacher or interested in education in Nova Scotia, it`s important to understand the key provisions of this agreement.

Salaries

One of the most important provisions of the collective agreement is the salary scale for teachers. The salary scale is based on a combination of experience and education, with higher levels of education and more years of experience leading to higher salaries. The current salary scale for Nova Scotia teachers ranges from around $44,000 for entry-level teachers to over $97,000 for teachers with more than 25 years of experience and a master`s degree.

Benefits

In addition to salaries, the collective agreement also outlines the benefits that Nova Scotia teachers are entitled to. These benefits include extended health care, dental care, and life insurance. Teachers are also entitled to a pension plan, which is managed by the Nova Scotia Teachers` Pension Plan Corporation. The pension plan is a defined benefit plan, which means that the amount of retirement income that a teacher is entitled to is based on a formula that takes into account years of service and salary.

Working Conditions

The collective agreement also outlines the working conditions for Nova Scotia teachers. This includes the number of hours of work per day and week, as well as the number of instructional hours that teachers are expected to provide. The agreement also includes provisions for professional development, which encourages teachers to continue learning and improving their skills.

Class Sizes

One of the issues that has been contentious in recent years is class sizes. The collective agreement sets out guidelines for class size, which vary depending on the grade level and subject area. For example, the maximum class size for elementary school classes is 25 students, while the maximum for secondary school classes is 30 students. The agreement also includes provisions for class composition, which ensures that classes are balanced in terms of student needs and abilities.

The collective agreement is an important document that ensures that the rights and interests of Nova Scotia teachers are protected. As a teacher or someone interested in education, it`s important to understand the key provisions of this agreement. By doing so, you can advocate for yourself and others and ensure that education in Nova Scotia continues to be of the highest quality.