Your Member News
February 9, 2022
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Combatting Hate with Allyship
It’s February and while we look forward to spring and celebrate Black History Month, recent actions in our communities give us pause for concern.
As the “Freedom Convoy” spreads across the country, ETFO issued a call to action and President Karen Brown released an open letter to Ontario’s premier. We are deeply concerned about the exposure of children to racist and violent images. Federal and provincial governments and other authorities must take immediate action to alleviate and end this situation peacefully.
Our union is a proud participant in activism because we know that peaceful protest is a hallmark of democracy. While we must work to uphold freedom of speech, we must be clear that words and symbols that promote hate and instil fear require a clear and unequivocal response from the government.
Speak up, speak out and help send a clear message that hate and white supremacy are not welcomed in our communities or our schools. Let’s make a difference!
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Bill 115 Remedy for Members
On February 2, 2022, a legal biding decision was issued by an Ontario Justice on the remedy for the Charter violations that members experienced, which stemmed from the Liberal government’s imposition of Bill 115, the Putting Students First Act in 2012. This is the end of a long road for members, as we have been fighting, and waiting a long time for a fair remedy.
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Delays in Services are of Serious Concern
ETFO members continue to be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in countless ways in their personal and professional lives. ETFO has expressed serious concern over the numerous service delays within the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Membership Services for OCT certified members. As outlined on OCT's website, these service delays include:
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responding to phone calls and emails;
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requests for personal information;
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adding Additional Qualifications (AQs);
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requests for Statements of Professional Standing;
- adding credentials to member files; and
- processing applications for certification.
In a letter to the College in January, ETFO President Karen Brown expressed:
“The province has recognized that there is an urgent need for school boards to be able to fill positions and hire qualified teachers, and yet this urgent need is being significantly delayed by the College’s inability to update qualifications, provide Statements of Professional Standing, and certify teachers in a timely way.
The solution to resolving multiple issues during the current public health crisis should not place the burden on our members through these excruciating delays.”
ETFO will continue to advocate that the OCT promptly address these concerns. Members are encouraged to visit the OCT website for updates and methods to reach the College.
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ETFO Reaffirms International Decade for People of African Descent Endorsement
In solidarity with the United Nations (UN), ETFO continues to demand that the human rights of people of African descent be protected. On the first day of Black History Month 2022, ETFO reaffirmed its endorsement of the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024 in 2018 and issued a call for a plan to address the lack of representation of Black educators in Ontario.
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Member Virtual Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, February 16
Get involved in effecting positive change in the next provincial election!
Join ETFO’s What’s At Stake? Member Virtual Town Hall Meeting on the evening of Wednesday, February 16, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET. It’s time to get involved and encourage others to join in a collective effort to elect a government that cares about high-quality public education. Let’s talk and strategize together!
This event for ETFO members will be held online, on the Zoom meeting platform. To participate in this member virtual town hall meeting, you must register by noon on February 14.
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RED FOR ED
As educators, ETFO members are working through one of the most challenging times in our history!
ETFO, along with other frontline education workers, have been fighting hard to ensure safe working and learning conditions during this pandemic and to demand fairness and justice for all workers. Show your solidarity with others when you wear RED FOR ED each and every Friday beginning on February 11!
Take pictures of yourself and colleagues wearing red and share them on social media using the hashtag #RedforEd
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ETFO Tip Sheet: Canvassing for Candidates that Support Strong Public Education
This tip sheet provides information to members on how to become active in the upcoming provincial election. Canvassing in a member’s community can be an effective tool in getting out the vote and electing a government that supports public education.
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Ontario Federation of Labour Activist Training
February 12, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET
The provincial election is just 16 weeks away. The time to organize is now!
Join @OFLabour’s event this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. ET. This training for labour activists will kick-off the OFL’s provincial election campaign.
WHAT: Getting Organized for a Workers-First Agenda
WHEN: Saturday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
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ETFO AQ Goes Social
We invite ETFO AQ candidates to share one highlight, one new learning, or one resource. Let's do this together.
Check with your board to inquire about what subsidies might be available to you for general Additional Qualification courses, such as: Mathematics, Environmental Education, Teaching Students with Communication Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorder), or courses related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit knowledge to support Teachers as they learn to integrate Indigenous knowledge across various curricula.
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CCPA Report Calls for Investments in Ontario’s Public Schools
Last week the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) released a report titled Catching Up Together. A Plan for Ontario’s Schools. The report calls for investments in public education and provides a path for the Ontario government to pay for those investments. The CCPA report echoes many of ETFO’s recommendations including smaller classes, more support for students and ending hybrid learning.
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Professional Learning Events
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Women In Politics: Creating Change and Making Space
March 25 (evening) and March 26 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET)
ETFO is looking for a diverse group of self-identified women members who are interested in learning more about political campaigns, electoral politics and how to hone their voice to advocate and create political change. Join us to be inspired by current and former women politicians, trustees, and candidates.
Register by February 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET
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Safe and Fair
March 25 – 26
This conference is a learning opportunity to combine practical advice on helping students who struggle so that teachers stay safe while turning a critical eye to funding issues and systemic inequities.
The program includes a panel on equity in Special Education, workshops on workplace violence, safety plans and more.
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Breaking Barriers - Empowering and Engaging Girls in STEAM Learning
March 31 and April 28
This two-day institute for women members will explore what research says about the importance of engaging girls (grades 4 - 8) in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields, network with colleagues, and experience practical STEAM activities that they can take back and immediately use with girls in their schools.
Register by February 24, at 9:00 a.m. ET
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Conscious Classrooms Responding to GBV
April 7 – 8
This Regional Conference is open to members who self-identify as women from Algoma, Near North, Ontario North East, and Rainbow locals.
ETFO has partnered with the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape and White Ribbon to develop this program to enhance an understanding of gender-based violence (GBV) within schools and support students.
Register by February 23, at 5:00 p.m. ET
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Violence in Schools? Report it!
Violence in schools continues to be a concern for ETFO members. When you experience violence at work – a threat, an attempt, or actual workplace violence – you are required to report it.
Many experience “reporting fatigue,” and some have been discouraged from making reports. Remember that when you report, you are providing the information your Joint Health and Safety Committee needs to advocate for a safer workplace for all.
To help understand what the reporting requirements are for an incident, use this flowchart.
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Lock it up!
Safety features are an important part of every home. Locks, specifically, are the best way to keep your home safe and secure from unwanted “guests”. Different doors require different types of locks. Let’s review some basic and high-tech models to help you decide what kind of locks fit your needs the best.
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The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents more than 83,000 teachers and education workers.
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