With students still home, Quebec high school teachers question decision to be sent back to class

High school teachers are questioning why they are expected to return to their schools next week, despite classes being cancelled for the rest of the year.

The Legault government announced this week elementary schools would resume May 11 in most of Quebec, and on May 19 in the Montreal area. High school students, however, are expected to learn from home. 

A notice from the Education Ministry to school administrators said teachers are required to return May 4, but that there should be "flexibility" going forward.

Pamela Gomez, a high school teacher in Montreal, said she doesn't understand why she's being asked to show up for work next Monday, in front of an empty classroom.

She is also worried about her two teenagers, who will now be home alone.

"It's one thing to spend a day at home on your own, and it's another thing to expect them to, for the remainder of the school year, manage their basic needs, their own mental health and their own distance learning," she said.

Other teachers have also expressed concerns to CBC News. 

They say it's irresponsible to send hundreds of high school teachers out in the public, where they may catch or transmit COVID-19, when they could easily work from home. 

According to the Education Ministry, high school students are more independent and thus are in a better position to finish their school year through distance learning.

EMSB says teachers can work from home

Mike Cohen, spokesperson for the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), said there will be plenty for teachers to do, such as tutorials for online learning should they come in to work.

However, the director general of the EMSB, Ann Marie Matheson, announced late Thursday that high school teachers will be able to continue working from home, offering virtual support to their students.

But principals will be able to request the presence of one staff member from any of the employee groups to assist with tasks such as registration, staffing, programming, planning and meetings, she said.