The president of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union is pleased with the new school code of conduct, but says questions still remain on how it will be implemented.

Peter Day tells our newsroom the document speaks to the concerns that are at the forefront, but what resources are they going to need?

“What training is going to be offered, what professional learning opportunities…and that’s what we’re waiting for now. How is this going to be put in place,” says Day.

“So that teachers understand what their role is and that all our educators and our students and all our members of the school community have a clear understanding of what this entails.”

Day adds, all throughout the document there are references to supports but they are waiting to see what those are and how they will be utilized.

Long time coming

The new code of conduct has been a long time coming with concerns from teachers growing louder in recent years with cases of violence, rising.

It was delayed several times as the province worked on it until it was revealed last month.

Education Minister Brendan Maguire says they wanted to get it right before releasing it, picking up from where former Minister of Education Becky Druhan, left off.

Day says the NSTU was consulted “significantly” on it and their recommendations are clear throughout.

“To put out a document and the supporting documents that go with it, you want to make sure that is done properly and that takes time,” adds Day.

What is included

According to a report from the province’s auditor general, the old code lacked a clear guideline on how to handle school violence.

What is included in the new code of conduct is a standardized set of rules with consequences and next steps.

It also comes with a new way to report incidents.

Educators are expected to have training opportunities on the new code of conduct before it takes effect in September.

-with files from Jacob Moore