Lawyer finds his true vocation in the classroom and the union

Name: Sarbrinder Singh Lalli

Occupation: Teacher

Union: BC Teachers’ Federation

The eldest son of Sikh immigrants from India, Sarbrinder Singh Lalli had a happy childhood growing up in Merritt, where his dad worked in the local saw mill.

An excellent student, young Sarb was at the top of the class in every grade. His consistent academic excellence encouraged him to aim for a career in law, but ultimately he found his vocation in the classroom.

“Elementary school was the most fun. I really enjoyed it as a child and that’s why I wanted to go into elementary teaching,” he said.

In high school, his favourite teacher was Mr. Scheitel, who taught Social Studies and Physical Education. “He was strict but fair,” Sarb recalls. “Later when I became involved in the BC Teachers’ Federation, he was president of the Nicola Valley Teachers’ Union.”

Moving on to the University of BC, Sarb completed a BA in political science and then a Bachelor of Law degree.

“The social justice aspect really attracted me to law,” Sarb said. He was called to the bar in 1996, but then went into Education to do what he really wanted to do–work with kids.

Sarb’s first teaching job was in Surrey, and he has stayed there ever since. At present he teaches Grade 7 at Beaver Creek Elementary. Sarb’s wife, Harbinder, is also a teacher. They have three children, aged 11, 3 and 1.

Sarb became involved in the Surrey Teachers’ Association early in his career. With his legal training, he helped members with grievances and asserting their rights in the workplace. Currently he serves on the executive committee of the Surrey Teachers’ Association and on the BCTF Representative Assembly.

Sarb says that making a positive difference in social policy is the greatest satisfaction he gets from being involved in the union. Banning junk food from schools and eliminating the use of pesticides on playgrounds and fields are two examples of ways the union has made a positive impact.

Since the beginning of this school year, Sarb and his fellow teachers across BC have been on limited job action in an effort to place pressure on the government to negotiate a fair collective agreement that makes improvements in classroom conditions, as well as teachers’ salaries and benefits.

“The challenges are immense,” Sarb said. “But if we all stand together we will be successful in this round of collective bargaining.”