Your Member News
September 9, 2021
Message from the President: Together We Will Protect Public Education in Ontario 
Our work is for students and their families. Together we will rise to make public education better than it has ever been. We must not waver in our resolve. We must continue to fight against permanent virtual learning and the hybrid, fractured model of teaching. Together, we must mobilize for the Ontario provincial election in 2022. 
 
Click on the button to hear a message from your President. 
Back-To-School Webcasts 
To assist members returning to schools this fall, four webcasts have been uploaded to the ETFO website with three accompanying lessons plans for each. The topics of the webcasts include: 
 
  • Virtual Learning 101 for Occasional Teachers 
  • Mindfulness 
  • Community Building – Early Years/Primary 
  • Community Building – Junior/Intermediate 
 
Click here for these resources.
ETFO Standing Committees 
ETFO is currently accepting applications for vacancies on the following Standing Committees for the 2021-2023 term: 

  • Collective Bargaining Committee (teacher member) – one vacancy 
  • Disability Issues Committee – one vacancy 
  • Teacher Education/Faculty Liaison Committee (Brock University, University of Windsor and Laurentian University) – three vacancies  
   
Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2021.

Interested members can apply here.
Federal Election – Advance Polls Starting This Friday 
There are only two weeks left of the federal election campaign. You can vote early at the advanced polls being held from Friday, September 10 to Monday, September 13. Click here to find your polling location based on your postal code. 

In addition to the advanced polls, you can vote by mail by requesting a mail-in ballot before Tuesday, September 14. Click here for more information or to register to vote by mail. 

Federal party leaders will participate in an English-language debate on Thursday, September 9, at 9:00 p.m. (EDT). Election day will be Monday, September 20. 

Professional Learning Events
Leaders for Tomorrow 2021-2022... 
Leaders for Tomorrow is an intensive, year-long leadership development opportunity. The program includes a variety of workshops and experiences related to leadership roles within ETFO, both locally and provincially. The course is designed to enhance leadership skills within an inclusive and anti-racist/anti-oppression framework. 
 
Open to 20 women ETFO members who self-identify as First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI), racialized, person with a disability and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Attendance at all four sessions is mandatory. 
 
Application deadline is September 20, 2021.

Download the flyer here. 
ETFO AQ Has You Covered Every Step of the Way!
Registration closes September 13, at 5:00 p.m. EDT  
ETFO AQ supports occasional teachers with resources, instructional strategies, tools, classroom activities, and long-range plans to help step into any classroom. ETFO AQs provide community, connection, and compassion.  
 
Enrol in our Occasional Teaching AQ course or become a specialized educator by taking one of the many other AQ courses that are offered.  

Fall 2021 registration closes September 13, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.  
 
Register for courses at etfo-aq.ca and follow us on Twitter @ETFOAQ. 
Call for Writers 
We are looking for teachers to contribute bi-weekly to our Heart and Art Blog until June 2022.

The Heart and Art of Teaching and Learning site is designed to support new teachers as they progress through the school year. Posts touch on relevant issues in teaching and learning.

Those applying should demonstrate a commitment to equity, passion about sharing their effective teaching practices and strong writing skills. 

Apply today! Download the application and submit by Thursday, September 23, 2021. 

For further information, click here. 
Member Services
OTIP Has Your Back with Insurance Coverage, Helpful Tips and Exclusive Offers, Designed Just for You!   
You may be most familiar with OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan), as the provider of your group health and dental benefits. Did you know that we also offer personal insurance coverage? As members of the Ontario education community, you are eligible for exclusive rates on home and auto insurance. Plus, we offer the added convenience of in-house claims services. If you are retiring soon, OTIP offers three retiree health, dental and travel insurance plans to choose from. 
 
As members of the Ontario education community, you also have access to exclusive contests, promotions and special offers, including Edvantage--your exclusive savings program. Get access to discounts on household brands, travel, financial services and more! 

Read on to learn more about what OTIP has to offer you. 
Vaccination Attestations 
As we enter a new school year amidst a brewing fourth wave, many of our members have questions about vaccination protocols in school boards. ETFO has prepared this Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet to help answer your questions about the Ministry’s plans and ETFO’s position. As always, please reach out to your local or to the provincial office if you require support or accommodation. 
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The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents more than 83,000 teachers and education professionals.