EPISODE · Mar 5, 2026 · 42 MIN
Do You Really Want to Know? The Struggles of Support Staff In Schools #317
from You’re Probably Right · host Michael C Murray
What does appreciation really look like in schools?Behind every classroom, gym, and hallway is a network of people who keep schools running every day. Teachers, educational assistants, child and youth workers, custodians, lunch supervisors, coaches, and other support staff carry responsibilities that go far beyond the job description. Many entered education not simply for a paycheck, but because someone once made a difference in their own lives.In this episode of You’re Probably Right, we take a closer look at the reality facing support staff and educators across Canada. From financial pressure to emotional labour, from seasonal employment gaps to the expectations placed on those who care for students every day, this discussion explores the unseen side of school work.Many people working in education come from deeply personal experiences. Some were inspired by a teacher who believed in them. Some grew up without strong support systems and chose education as a way to become the adult they once needed. Others experienced hardship or trauma in school environments and made a commitment to help future students have a better experience.There is a common saying that hurt people hurt people, but in schools the opposite is often true. Many hurt people choose to help people. Many who were taught well want to pass that knowledge forward. And many who struggled through education themselves worked hard to gain the qualifications, skills, and understanding needed to guide the next generation.This episode also raises an important question for those who lead education systems. If appreciation is meant to recognize the people who support students every day, what should that recognition actually look like?Is a plaque enough?Is a photo enough?Or should appreciation reflect the real pressures that education workers face?Through a simple example of collective contribution, the episode explores how small actions from many people can create meaningful recognition for the individuals who support schools every day.Whether you are a teacher, coach, educational assistant, child and youth worker, school administrator, or someone who simply cares about education, this conversation asks a direct question.Do we truly understand what the people supporting our schools are carrying?And if we do want to know, are we prepared to listen.
What this episode covers
What does appreciation really look like in schools?Behind every classroom, gym, and hallway is a network of people who keep schools running every day. Teachers, educational assistants, child and youth workers, custodians, lunch supervisors, coaches, and other support staff carry responsibilities that go far beyond the job description. Many entered education not simply for a paycheck, but because someone once made a difference in their own lives.In this episode of You’re Probably Right, we take a closer look at the reality facing support staff and educators across Canada. From financial pressure to emotional labour, from seasonal employment gaps to the expectations placed on those who care for students every day, this discussion explores the unseen side of school work.Many people working in education come from deeply personal experiences. Some were inspired by a teacher who believed in them. Some grew up without strong support systems and chose education as a way to become the adult they once needed. Others experienced hardship or trauma in school environments and made a commitment to help future students have a better experience.There is a common saying that hurt people hurt people, but in schools the opposite is often true. Many hurt people choose to help people. Many who were taught well want to pass that knowledge forward. And many who struggled through education themselves worked hard to gain the qualifications, skills, and understanding needed to guide the next generation.This episode also raises an important question for those who lead education systems. If appreciation is meant to recognize the people who support students every day, what should that recognition actually look like?Is a plaque enough?Is a photo enough?Or should appreciation reflect the real pressures that education workers face?Through a simple example of collective contribution, the episode explores how small actions from many people can create meaningful recognition for the individuals who support schools every day.Whether you are a teacher, coach, educational assistant, child and youth worker, school administrator, or someone who simply cares about education, this conversation asks a direct question.Do we truly understand what the people supporting our schools are carrying?And if we do want to know, are we prepared to listen.
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Do You Really Want to Know? The Struggles of Support Staff In Schools #317
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