Your Member News
November 18, 2021
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EQAO is Moving Online
ETFO is strongly opposed to EQAO in any format and has specifically shared its concerns with the Ministry of Education regarding its plans to resume the Grade 3 and Grade 6 assessments, especially during the pandemic, while at the same time moving it to a digital format for this school year.
The administration of this will occur from May 4 to June 24, 2022. Resources and sample tests will be available on the EQAO website at the end of January.
Despite ETFO’s persistent requests to provide adequate funding and support for learning recovery strategies in the classroom, the Ford government continues to make drastic cuts to public education, causing unnecessary, additional stress for members and students.
Your Federation will continue to share updates regarding EQAO as more information becomes available. For resources, background information on EQAO, and our position on standardized testing visit the EQAO testing page on etfo.ca.
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OCT’s Mandatory Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
The most recent encroachment and actions of the Ontario College of Teachers go above and beyond the scope of the College and set a precedent.
In September 2021, the College quietly announced a new Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP). This one-time mandatory online program, legislated by the Government of Ontario, includes an assessment component and teachers who are unsuccessful can retake the assessment until they are successful.
ETFO firmly believes in the importance of protecting all children, and supports prevention training programs; in fact, the Federation has a long history of offering courses and professional learning to members on this topic. There are, however, issues with the new online SAPP course that is of great concern:
- The SAPP has been mandated by the Ford government as a mandatory requirement for certification;
- Input from the Affiliates on this issue has been disregarded;
- The training is offered by the College and goes beyond the scope and role of the College;
- It is a required work component to be done outside of work hours and without pay; and
- This is another requirement that has been introduced during an ongoing pandemic without funding supports, resources or additional hires to address members’ ongoing mental health concerns.
ETFO will continue to advocate and express our concerns about the implementation, communication, and delivery of this new program. Members will be advised of any developments or outcomes of raising these concerns on your behalf.
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Underfunding Public Education
In case you needed another reminder about the failures of the Ford government and its ideological approach to public services, the recent economic update revealed that the government cut education-based funding for this year from its own initial 2021 budget. The amount cut is a shocking half-billion or $460 million to be exact.
President Karen Brown stated that this was another reminder that, “Ontario’s current government cannot be trusted to preserve a world-class education system, nor can they be trusted to protect students, ETFO members and other education workers.”
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Hitting the Airwaves
This week, our television commercial “Question and Answer” began playing on networks across Ontario. This ad is part of our first round of issue-based advertising and is accompanied by a robust social media campaign that starts next week.
“Question and Answer” reflects ETFO’s values and some of the things we’re fighting for to ensure our school communities get out of the pandemic and recover.
There are better days ahead, but we will all need to work together to get the resources that students deserve.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
Each year, ETFO recognizes the International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). It is a day to remember transgender people, gender non-conforming individuals and those perceived to be transgender who have been murdered because of hate.
Download this year’s poster here to mark this important day.
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Solidarity Shout Out
The President of the Canadian Labour Congress sent a united message last week to public sector workers in New Brunswick who were on strike. It was a pointed message to respond to the backward agenda from the Conservative government to say that instead of lockouts, back-to-work laws and intimidation tactics, governments must bargain in good faith with public sector workers. Read it here.
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AQ Course Subsidies
ETFO AQ courses continue to offer high-quality professional learning for all.
Check with your board to inquire about what AQ course subsidies might be available to you for Mathematics, Teaching Students with Communication Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and courses related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit knowledge.
Winter registration is now open and closes on January 4 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Courses begin on January 10. For more information and to view the course calendar, visit etfo-aq.ca.
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Events Update
ETFO is returning to in-person events in 2022!
We look forward to furthering your professional learning journey; visit events.etfo.org for upcoming events and to register.
And don't forget, we are here to help. If you have registration questions, want to know about release time, dependent care or reimbursements, call us at 416-962-3836 ext. 3827.
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Professional Learning Events
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Information Communication Technology Conference for Women
January 26 and 27
Women members interested in exploring innovative technologies to enhance student learning are invited to register for this two-day conference, held at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in downtown Toronto.
The safety and health of presenters and members is our top priority. ETFO will have safety measures in place for all in-person events as per Ontario Public Health guidelines. Details on the event can be found here.
Registration closes Wednesday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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An Ounce of
Prevention:
Building and Strengthening Partnerships in Kindergarten
January 21 and 22
This Professional Relations Services Conference provides information about the rights and responsibilities associated with the Kindergarten program and working as part of the Kindergarten team.
Practical examples and strategies will be shared with participants that will build and enhance professional relationships.
View this flyer for more information.
Registration closes Wednesday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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CODE BLACK
ETFO is excited to offer CODE BLACK, our first leadership program for Black members. This three-session program is part of ETFO's multi-year strategy on addressing anti-Black racism. Each module of the program offers skills, support, and opportunities to learn about our union and the labour movement. Read this for more info.
Registration closes Friday, December 3.
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Women’s Health and Safety Conference
January 24 and 25
This conference supports the leadership of women members to gain insights, skills and confidence dealing with health and safety issues in the context of sex and gender.
More info is on this flyer.
Registration closes Wednesday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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Conscious Classrooms Responding to Gender-Based Violence
*Regional Event
January 12 and 13
For members who self-identify as women and are in the Grand Erie, Halton, Hamilton-Wentworth, Niagara, Upper Grand and Waterloo local.
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 within schools and support students. More here.
Registration closes Wednesday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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Women Addressing Gender-Based Workplace Violence Conference
December 9
*Registration deadline extended
This conference will support the leadership development of women members as they build their knowledge and advocacy for examining violence in the workplace and participating in a discussion of how to address it.
Registration closes Monday, November 22.
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NEW Climate Action Resource
A group of members worked to create a series of lesson plans to support the union’s priority to care for and protect the environment and to address climate change.
One of the resources, Creating Environmentally and Socially Active Communities seeks to empower students to view themselves as leaders of social and environmental justice. By giving students the opportunity to feel their own power and act, we can reduce feelings of hopelessness and despair commonly associated with inaction on climate change.
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Turning Off Oil Taps Begins in Classrooms
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) has numerous commitments, set by its membership, regarding climate change. As educators, we recognize the value of teaching K-12 students about the negative impacts of climate change and the best way to mitigate them.
With COP24 resulting in very few concrete actions, this English and French op-ed serve to remind us about educators' role in creating social change.
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Educator Blogs and In the News |
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In Ants and Hot Coffee, Will Gourley shares thoughts on the dissonant state of learning right now.
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Accessibility and Rights in Schools
The Ontario Human Rights Commission recently made a submission about the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee on its 2021 initial recommendations report.
Recent research by the OHRC revealed that protection from discrimination under Ontario’s Human Rights Code is often not a lived reality for many students with disabilities and their families. Change is needed to ensure the publicly funded K-12 education system is significantly more accessible, equitable, inclusive and learner-centred. Learn more.
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Updating Your Member Account |
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To help your union stay connected please keep your Member Account Information up to date! Important member information includes your membership local, school board/school name, personal mailing address, phone and email. If you have new contact information please let us know.
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Serve on the Humanity Fund Board |
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We are looking for one member to serve on the board as a member-director.
If you are interested in international development and the work of the Humanity Fund, consider joining us to share member resources with children, educators and their communities around the world. Information can be found at etfohumanityfund.ca.
All active members are eligible. The application deadline is February 1, 2022.
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OTIP TIP: How to Maintain Your Vehicle |
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From decreasing your commute to putting your car in storage for the season, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t let it sit collecting dust — follow these steps to maintain your car and keep it ready to hit the road!
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Get social and follow your union online! |
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The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents more than 83,000 teachers and education workers.
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