There's more to this than just retirees double-dipping. Class sizes are geeting bigger (and much bigger than they report). I have 36 kids in my class - Grade 8. A friend of mine has 38 - Grade 6. Next year we're looking at class sizes in Grade 7 of 36 minimum (and 40 or more if we get new students (which we always do). While the government is keeping the numbers down in the primary grades, the upper grades are getting slammed.
However, they're already leaning towards larger numbers in the primary grades. They've pretty much indicated the only way they can cover full-day kindergarten in all schools is by raising the numbers in the primary grades.
The writing on the wall started 5 years ago. A few tribers then contacted me asking what the best way to get in was. At that time spec.ed and French were it. This is not true anymore. I'm not saying it couldn't help and may cut the wait, but it isn't the automatic in that it used to be. Too many other graduates are trying the same route.
The old days of occasional teaching and volunteering to make your name known is gone. Bill 247 killed that (Part of Bill 115 brought in this past fall). Now it's all about seniority. I don't necessarily disagree with that (I know a few supply teachers who tried to get permanent positions but couldn't because a principal chose a favourite), but it does negate any opportunity for a graduate to get a permanent position just out of university.
Even on the occasional list you are looking at a 5 year wait (approx), unless you luck out. I have many friends of friends coming up and asking me about positions (Their daughter, son, niece, nephew), and all I can say is.. they need to find a position outside of Ontario (or Northern Ontario). The Boards here are full.
I was thinking of moving to Milton, and talked to a principal about job opportunites (I've been teaching for almost 20 years, and I teach French). She told me to not even bother trying. Even French Immersion is full.
Yes, I agree the universities need to make their students aware of this. One of my former students is the Student President of the University of Toronto. He recently asked me what issues needed to be brought before the Board in regards to employment (as he was having a meeting the next day). One of my recommendations was that students need to be informed of job opportunities in the area they are studying. There is no point in someone spending a fortune in education, only to find no career in the end.
As for friends not being called back as occasionals (someone mentioned that), It's usually because the occasional teacher didn't do a good job. If an occasional teacher does a good job any school will pounce on that person. No offence to your friends, but a good occasional teacher is GOLD. They'd be fending us off. However, occasional teaching is down. With less sick days, most teachers are trying to trudge through. I have 3 very important doctor appointments I scheduled for July (My doctor was not happy). Yes, I know he wants those tests (And they are important, but they can't accommodate me after 4 pm), but with 36 kids.. I know I will need those sick days for when I am sick. Just hoping it will all be ok and I won't regret it.
So, my short answer KickIT, is that your wife needs to look at Community College. That is her best option.
