Job Sharing Through Part Time Contracts. A Consideration in the Context of Declining School Enrolments in Ontario.

Two questionnaires were sent to all school boards and a sample of teachers in Ontario to assess how receptive boards and teachers are to job sharing as an alternative work pattern in schools affected by declining enrollment. The report gives the background of the concept of job sharing and an analysis of the benefits, work situations, and problems relating to implementation of such a work pattern. The data collected indicate that most respondents are not enthusiastic about job sharing. The authors therefore recommend that job sharing be initially tested in limited and carefully supervised situations, as in special, low enrollment programs, and that part-time teaching and off-work periods be offered to those who would prefer such an arrangement. (Author/WD)