Ontario Budget 2019

The PC government is currently working on its first provincial budget and has signaled its intention to cut funding for public services.

Today ETFO President Sam Hammond presented a submission to the Legislature’s pre-budget hearings making the case for investment in public education.

Contact your MPP and let them know that public education needs investment not cuts.

Join the Women's March in your community

Three years ago Donald Trump was inaugurated as the President of the United States and thousands marched worldwide to send an important message to say no to hate and yes to justice.

Now that Doug Ford and the conservatives have been elected and want to take equality backwards, women’s marches have been scheduled across Ontario this Saturday, January 19.

ETFO is joining with the Ontario Federation of Labour to mobilize and tell the Premier: "No--we are not going back!"

To find a march in your area visit the OFL website. Bring your ETFO flag or toque and be sure to share your experience via Twitter using these hash tags: #ETFO #WhyIMarch.

It's flu season!

The Public Health Agency of Canada says that overall, influenza activity remains high this year with the virus hitting children and healthy adults harder.

According to the Canadian Center for Vaccinology this year’s vaccine can help protect against both the A and B viruses. We typically see influenza B activity towards the end of the winter, so it’s not too late to get the flu shot.

You can help to prevent transmission by practicing proper hygiene techniques and staying home from work if necessary.

Your school board should be taking additional precautions by increasing their cleaning protocols for high contact surfaces such as door knobs, and soap and paper towels should be available at sinks for hand washing.

This website has the latest updates on the spread of influenza in your area.

Call for Writers: FNMI Resources

ETFO is seeking experienced ETFO curriculum writers with a strong foundational knowledge of Indigenous peoples for two writing teams.

One team will develop a resource on Cultural Appropriation versus Appreciation and the other a resource on Land Acknowledgements.

The writing teams will meet in early March in Toronto. Applications are due February 5. Learn more>>

ETFO Awards Deadline: February 1

Over $100,000 is distributed annually to member and community groups through the ETFO Awards Program.

Members can help identify and recognize the achievements of colleagues by nominating them for the prestigious Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Awards. Or consider nominating yourself.

View this flyer for a full list of awards. Access application forms on the ETFO website.

Balancing Act

This Professional Relations Services conference focuses on women’s health and well-being and will feature wellness workshops and an opportunity to network with women members across Ontario.

Registration closes February 4. Learn more>>

Heart & Art blog

Here are some recent posts from our blog for (beginning) teachers:

Check out our archive containing hundreds of articles of interest to educators.

Conscious Classrooms

Equity and Women’s Services is offering a two-day training for ETFO members who self-identify as women.

Conscious Classrooms: Responding to Gender-Based Violence is a regional workshop open to members from Avon Maitland, Bluewater, Simcoe County, Thames Valley, Upper Grand and Waterloo Region.

Registration closes January 25. Learn more>>