Teachers’ top ask is class size, not money, local union president says
Posted Aug 19, 2025 04:24:40 PM.
Last Updated Aug 19, 2025 04:24:48 PM.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is making class size a major priority in the next round of central bargaining with the province.
In a statement released Aug.11, the ETFO said, “Class size emerged as a unifying issue for members across the province, validating the issue as a focus during the next round of bargaining.”
Education experts have long called for caps on the number of students in each classroom because the data overwhelmingly shows better education outcomes for students and teachers alike.
ETFO Waterloo Region, president, Jeff Pelich was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show and said there are some classes in excess of 35 students.
“That is just far too many students for one teacher to be able to tailor individualized programs and individualized instruction to that group.”
He went on to say there has been increased pressure through education initiatives that are being hampered by class size.
“There’s been a lot of push in the last few years, particularly because the Right to Read report and changes to literacy instruction that really require small group instruction. That’s just not possible when you have so many children in front of you and you really have to focus on classroom management rather than instruction.”
There are currently no caps on class sizes for Grades 4 to 8. The ETFO would like to see kindergarten classes capped at 26 students, while Grades 4 to 8 are capped at 24 students.
Pelich said it’s the number one issue with educators.
“Time and again, it’s not wages per se, it’s class sizes. It’s more time for those students and more support for the students who might be struggling the most and our most vulnerable learners. That is what elementary teachers care about, and that’s what we will be pushing in our next round of bargaining.”
Pelich said he recognizes this may lead to a labour dispute, but the fight is worth it.
“Elementary teachers in our region and across Ontario are really doing it for the students. To try to get more supports and improve our education system. That’s really our major goal.”
