group leader

HRCE

What is the best part of working at the company?
Teaching is and will always be a passion for me. I adored working with youth and fostering growth, learning, and the exploration of one's self. I deeply valued the inclusivity and safe space policies put forward by NS Ed and the HRCE, though implementation, resources, and systemic supports in those areas are underfunded and flimsy. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I taught in Alberta and Nova Scotia, and was hopeful that the HRCE was going to be more progressive and further along in implementing inclusive, diversified curriculum in tandem with up-to-date pedological practices. In my experience in the HRCE, I felt I was underpaid, lacked resources and had limited access to funding. While NS Ed and the HRCE tote inclusivity and anti-racism, the current model of practice is a shell- it looks good on paper but the ability for classroom teachers, and schools as a whole, to uphold these policies in a meaningful way is limited. As a classroom educator I quickly found that there was no help available from those in leaderships positions, whether that be via school administrators, or heads and specialists at the school board. It felt apparent that the roles of leaders in the HRCE are most catered to upholding the current education system and managing the public optics of schools within the HRCE. My experience in the HRCE was highly disappointing - and it had nothing to do with students' needs or behaviours.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Highly stressful and demanding. Class sizes are large and needs of students are vast. With limited resources or supports, much of this work falls on classroom teachers and it is unsustainable and unrealistic to accomplish what the job requires within the confides of working hours. I found many of my colleagues were also instates of burnout and exhaustion. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day of classroom teaching in the HRCE is a whirlwind. For secondary educators, you often teach 100+ students in the run of the day. Student needs and abilities vary and there is an expectation that all learning is accessible to all; while this is a valid expectation, it becomes unrealistic when a class may have 5-10 IPP student, new English Language learners, students who struggle with emotional or behavioural regulation, frequent absenteeism, and general apathy. No matter how hard I tried or how well I prepped, I always felt that there were students falling through the cracks. Generally, I would work through lunch and then spend 2-4 hours outside of the school day prepping, marking, and planning.

What is the best part of working at the company?
My co-workers who work very hard…each and every day.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
It can be very difficult mentally. Working with children with special needs.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Work environment is stressful and offers very little support.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Working with multiple children with special needs which also includes behaviours. Can be violent at times and mentally taxing.

Working for HRCE is rewarding through helping kids reach their educational goals and the bond you build with the students along the way. I absolutely love the job. Work availability would be the main issue for the LSS position. After the first year, many new librarians got "bumped" from their assignments and moved to the substitute list. Your salary expectations should be low, despite the education they expect a qualified individual to possess.

Excel wages are not enough to pay the bills .. there are no perks no health benefits. Get layed off Christmas , March break and Summer  have to go on EI ..Not much chance to be promoted. Great if you love being over worked and under paid! 
Get pay raise of 20 - 40 cents!! Insulting for the amount of work we do !! 

- no health benefits, the pay is low under $20/h, no union
- only 2-3 days of paid holiday in a whole year
- afternoon shifts end at 6 or 6:30 pm, even later
- online trainings from email aren't paid
- nice school environments, leads and colleagues are friendly and polite
- I love working with children, bringing positive vibe

Teachers are nice and student are fun to be with. Salary is too poor for EPA position but there are benefits if you are a term or permanent staff. A good start if you like to work with kids/Youths.  

A great way to gain experience working with children! Wonderful opportunity for parents who want to work within their children’s school, and the program is free for children of staff. Very organized program and workplace.

Amazing work experience! Love working in the office at my children’s elementary school. The staff are fantastic and admin staff of friendly and patient.

Worth it!
Summer and breaks off.
Unionized.
Fun people to work with, a lot to learn and offering.
Plus school environment is very fun and entertaining, has the ups and downs but it’s worth it! I really enjoyed!


Educational Program Assistants at HRCE are some of the lowest paid EAs across the country. We do not make a living wage. Most of us have to work two and sometimes three jobs to just get by. 


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