Elementary school teacher Déborah De Braekeleer was fired from her position after she took unauthorized time off to participate in the Quebec franchise of “Survivor”. De Braekeleer, 39, is one of 16 contestants left competing for the $100,000 grand prize on the show. Despite finding qualified replacements to cover her absence, the school board in St-Hyacinthe chose to dismiss her. Patrick Théroux, the local teachers union president, expressed disappointment in this decision, especially given Quebec’s teacher shortage and ongoing struggles with educator recruitment.
After firing De Braekeleer, the school board offered to rehire her to fill in as her own substitute teacher, but did not reinstate her to a permanent position. A petition calling for her reinstatement has gathered over 4,400 signatures, and Théroux is hopeful that the school board will reconsider their decision. De Braekeleer, unable to give media interviews while still on the show, is competing on “Survivor Québec” on the Noovo network, facing physical challenges and striving to avoid elimination by gaining favor with her fellow contestants.
The Centre de services scolaire de Saint-Hyacinthe, the school board that made the decision to fire De Braekeleer, has not commented on the situation. Théroux’s plea for her reinstatement highlights the importance of supporting teachers, especially in regions facing a shortage of educators. De Braekeleer’s case brings attention to the complexities surrounding teacher absences, the need for flexibility within school systems, and the balancing act that educators often face between personal pursuits and professional responsibilities.
The incident involving De Braekeleer sheds light on the challenges teachers may encounter when seeking opportunities outside of their regular teaching duties. The decision to terminate her employment despite her efforts to arrange for coverage reflects a lack of understanding or flexibility on the part of the school board. The petition calling for her reinstatement underscores the support she has from the community and the recognition of her dedication to her role as a teacher, even amidst her participation in a reality television show.
As the situation continues to unfold, it raises questions about the rights of teachers to pursue personal interests while fulfilling their teaching commitments. It also prompts reflection on the ways in which schools and school boards can support educators in balancing their professional responsibilities with their individual pursuits. The outcome of De Braekeleer’s case may have broader implications for how teacher absences are managed and the importance of valuing and retaining qualified educators in regions facing shortages of teaching staff.
