Students returned to schools after the recent teachers' strike, but it seems to be a difficult return, as not all teachers have returned to classrooms.

According to parents and students at High School Jeanne-Mance in Montreal, two teachers, one teaching ethics and the other teaching math, science, geography, and history, decided not to return to work.

Mae Lapointe, a fifth-year high school student, said, "The teachers have no energy, and they really seem very exhausted."

Parents say they do not understand why one teacher supervises many subjects.

For his part, one parent, Murad Kibbali, explained that it is a bit critical for the child because the teacher will not be able to teach everything. "I recommend specialization; a math teacher should be specialized in the subject."

Kathleena Legault, president of the Montreal School Directions Association (AMDES), says the problem is more prominent in high school.

She said: “People without seniority do not reach the desired positions, where they teach one class and one subject.”

Following last year's mass strike, which saw thousands of teachers walk out during stalled collective agreement negotiations, Legault says she is concerned about the possibility of a wave of resignations.

She added: “If they look at the agreement and say that it is not good enough, we may witness more resignations, and this worries us.”

On Tuesday, the Quebec government unveiled a compensation plan worth 300 million dollars to help students catch up after the strikes.

Education Minister Bernard Drainville said, “We are taking every possible measure to help our students overcome the difficulties created by the strikes and try to achieve success for as many of these students as possible.”

The minister estimates that half a million children will need extra help, adding that in the next two weeks, it will be up to teachers to assess their students and provide recommendations to their parents.

The ministry says it will provide free after-hours lessons, additional language lessons for immigrant students, and a free summer school for high school students at risk of dropping out, and funds will be provided to community groups.

He added that the funds will be allocated based on needs.