From class size and composition to recruitment and retention, the BCTF works to ensure that every student has access to qualified educators—and that teachers have the support they need to teach with care and integrity. Their current campaign, Hire More Teachers, calls for a fully funded workforce strategy to address the growing teacher shortage and protect students’ learning conditions.
Vision
A province where every student learns in a fully inclusive, well-resourced public education system—and every teacher is empowered, respected, and supported in their work.
Mission
The BCTF works to advance the rights and interests of BC’s public school teachers and to promote a fully funded, inclusive education system grounded in social justice, Indigenous rights, and equitable access for all learners.
Core Activities
- Advocacy and public policy: Leads province-wide campaigns on issues such as teacher shortages, class size and composition, inclusion, climate justice, and curriculum reform.
- Collective bargaining and legal defence: Represents teachers in collective agreement negotiations, employment disputes, and legal matters, including landmark victories such as the 2016 Supreme Court of Canada ruling on class size.
- Professional development and research: Offers extensive in-service training, curriculum support, anti-oppression workshops, and classroom resources aligned with teachers’ professional autonomy.
- Social justice and equity: Supports initiatives related to anti-racism, gender inclusion, Indigenous education, and the rights of students with disabilities, both in schools and within the union.
- Public campaigns: Engages the public through strategic advertising, media relations, and coalition work—such as the 2024 Hire More Teachers campaign to address the worsening teacher shortage.
Representation and services
The BCTF represents public school teachers through:
- Local union representation across 60 school districts
- Grievance support and legal advocacy for members
- Professional development events and conferences
- Support for new and early-career teachers
- Research and policy submissions to government and media
Governance and structure
The BCTF is governed by an Executive Committee and Representative Assembly, with additional advisory bodies such as the Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee and Committee for Action on Social Justice. Its democratic structure includes annual general meetings, policy votes, and elected positions representing teachers across diverse roles, locations, and identities.
Impact and reach
As one of the most influential education unions in Canada, the BCTF has played a central role in shaping BC’s public education system—both in the courtroom and the classroom. Its advocacy has protected collective bargaining rights, elevated issues of equity and inclusion, and made the connection clear: when teachers are supported, students thrive.
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