Prince George, B.C. – “Coming soon to a classroom near you.”

Tina Cousins – photo courtesy PGDTA

The words of Tina Cousins, who has opted for a return to the classroom after two years as president and another two as vice-president, of the Prince George & District Teachers Association.

“I miss the joy of children, and although my job at the PGDTA is a very important job, I would rather work with kids for a while,” says Cousins, who doesn’t rule out a future return. “I do see in the future that I will be back to lead the membership again but for right now I think it’s more authentic if I come from the classroom and know the realities. I’ve been out four years and I know things have changed.”

She says one of the highlights has been meeting some “incredible teachers.”

“I’ve met probably 99% of our teaching population in Prince George, Mackenzie, Valemount, McBride, and I’ve met some absolutely fabulous people,” says Cousins. “And I’ve been able to help them and whether that be in the sense of someone who needs information about bereavement or someone’s having a difficult time and needs information that’s a very rewarding part of my job.”

She notes last year’s strike was easily the toughest.

“The amount of angst was unbelievable, throw in the strike lasted 23 days and I don’t think any of us saw that coming,” says Cousins. “I don’t think any of us knew the level of disrespect that we would be dealing with from our provincial government and I think that was the toughest pill to swallow. When they rolled back our wages last year, that was unbelievable.”

Cousins successor will be chosen at the PGDTA’s Annual General Meeting tonight at the Van Bien Training Centre.

She officially steps down as president June 30.