Speak freely, Williams tells teachers

Premier Danny Williams is urging teachers to speak out about stress and problems in their schools, in the wake of a dispute that pitted teachers in the St. John's area against their board.

Williams said teachers need to be free to voice concerns about the education system.

Attending an assembly at St. Andrew's Elementary School Friday, Williams surprised students and staff with his comments.

"The fact that there's been a situation lately where teachers aren't allowed to speak out now, I can't accept that," Williams said.

Williams urged teachers to speak out, despite the chill many feel after teachers Mario Simon and Jim Dinn were suspended for criticizing the school system.

• FROM JAN. 16, 2006: Teachers' suspensions lifted

The St. John's teachers were each about to be suspended without pay for one week because of comments they made about workload issues at a November forum.

The Eastern School District rescinded the suspensions after a transcript of the remarks was produced.

Williams said the suspensions were a bad idea.

"We're not in China we're living in Canada. We're living in Newfoundland Labrador," he said.

"People have the right to express their opinions and their feelings."

Kevin Foley, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association, was in the crowd as Williams spoke.

He said the premier's comments give teachers a degree of protection.

"Of course I'm more than pleased and more than delighted with his comments," Foley said.

"I think that, you know, he's suggesting that forums be set up of some sort where teachers have the opportunity to go."

Foley believes board officials have learned their lesson about cracking down on teachers who raise legitimate concerns.