VSTA Connect – 2026 Issue 4

We want to hear from you! The VSTA is collecting teacher stories to help the public understand what underfunding looks like in our schools. We have created a short survey that asks you to describe one real moment from your classroom this year that shows what teaching in a public school looks like today. One moment. One day. What happened, and who was involved? Click here to Share Your Story. (These stories are especially crucial to share during budget season so we hope you are able to take some time for this during the break)

As several teachers across the district and the province have had their teaching certification suspended pending a Criminal Record Check, the VSTA is urging EVERYONE to log in to the TRB website (teacherregulation.gov.bc.ca ) ASAP and verify that their contact information, including personal email address, is up to date.

Once logged in, follow the links to verify and update any contact information the TRB has for you. This will help ensure that future attempts by the TRB to contact you will be successful. (Most of the problems teachers are having involve old mailing or email addresses)

• To log in this might require the creation of a Basic BCeID.
• You will then need your Teaching Certificate number to attach it to your BCeID.
• On a regular basis, go through your SPAM/JUNK mailbox to find emails from the TRB. If you receive any email from the TRB, please do not ignore them.

If you don’t update your info and the TRB is unable to automatically complete the Criminal Record Check within the required time frame for some reason, your teaching license will be suspended, and you will not be able to work.  Just a reminder: It is each member’s individual responsibility to ensure that the TRB has up-to-date contact information.

If you are retiring this year, please keep in mind that the deadline to apply for the Early Retirement Incentive plan is March 31.  You must retire on June 30 to be eligible. Click here to view the Spring Transfer Timeline.

The VSTA has established a mentorship fund to support any teachers wishing to connect for mentorship purposes.  Each teacher can apply for up to 2 release days each to work together. Applications can be submitted here.

If you have not already registered, but would like to receive information about upcoming meetings please fill out the following forms below:

• 2SLGBTQIA+ Educators Committee – Registration Link
• BIPOC Educators Committee – Registration Link
• Indigenous Education Committee – Registration Link

Please ensure the VSTA has your current address, phone number, non-employer email address and your current school if you have changed schools since last year. Update here.

To gain access to important information and documents that may not be posted for the general public, sign up for MYVSTA here.

• March 10 – SEJ (Zoom)
• March 12 – Council (In Person)
• April 1 – Tech Committee (Zoom)
• April 2 – BIPOC Committee (Zoom)
• April 7 – 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee (Zoom)
• April 9 – EC (In Person)

In Solidarity,
Carmen, Carl, and John