The writing may be on the whiteboard for new teachers looking to get into classrooms next fall, but education students are staying the course.

The Calgary Board of Education has projected it will lose about 200 school-based staff positions and 172 central support positions next school year.

Layoffs could be avoided as the CBE projects about 200 retirements or relocations.

Jaclyn Fedorus is hoping her math degree from the University of Alberta will give her a better shot at a teaching spot when she completes her second degree in education.

“I am confident with my background I can find something ‘ even if it means going up north for a while,” Fedorus said.

Kristina Tsoukalas is nearly done her U of A education degree and said she will take substitute gigs to get her foot in the door.

“But I have heard that is not the best way, because then they just see you as a sub,” she said, adding she hopes for a full-time elementary/special-education job eventually.

CBE board chair Pat Cochrane told Metro last month that while turning teachers away is a big concern, with a nearly $62-million deficit provincially there is no other choice.
“I’m sorry to be bringing that message … but when you start with us, you are on a temporary or probationary contract. We have no commitment to you, you can go.”