Your Member News
March 9, 2022
|
|
Solidarity with Ukraine
On March 2, the provincial Executive agreed to donate $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross for the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal and match any ETFO local donations up to a maximum of $25,000. As of March 4, #ETFO and its locals have committed to donating over $94,000. Members can also donate online at: bit.ly/34Zu6iR
The CTF issued a solidarity statement on Ukraine. We encourage you to share this statement, express your solidarity and together, we will say no to war.
|
|
Building an Inclusive Movement
“To build a strong labour movement, we must recognize all types of racism are interlinked. From bargaining to how we represent members, this affects everything we do.”
Watch Karen Brown, ETFO President, in this Canadian Labour Congress video as she talks about how we can strengthen our anti-racism labour movement.
|
|
The Countdown is On
The provincial election is a mere 85 days away!
It’s no secret that the current government has an austerity agenda when it comes to public services and that includes education. Like every provincial election, the outcome will have a significant impact on public education in Ontario and the working lives of every ETFO member.
Ontario needs a government that will fix the outdated education funding formula. Our schools need fair funding in order to support students with special needs and reduce class sizes. The influence we can have as a union depends on your personal involvement.
Whether you have five minutes or a few hours, anything you can do to support candidates who believe in the importance of public education will make a difference! It could be as simple as having conversations with family and friends.
|
|
Day of Pink T-Shirt
This year, ETFO celebrates the International Day of Pink, April 13, with a t-shirt design that highlights the myriad intersectional identities of members of the Queer Community. A limited number of shirts are available for purchase at shopETFO. Shirts are available in both tapered and classic cuts. Please order your shirt by Friday, March 25 to ensure ample time for delivery ahead of the International Day of Pink.
|
|
$10/Day Child Care at Risk
March 31 is the deadline to sign the federal child care agreement before Ontario loses the first year of funding - $1.2 billion!
The Ontario government must sign an agreement with the federal government to provide affordable, accessible, quality child care throughout the province or forfeit the first year of funding. To date, Premier Ford has refused to budge for parents in Ontario, telling media he wants the “same” fewer-strings-attached deal Quebec is getting. But everything is at risk.
Take action and urge the Ford government to stop electioneering and sign the child care deal today!
|
|
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!
Take pictures of yourself and colleagues wearing red and share them on social media using the hashtag #RedforEd
|
|
Check Out Your 2022 Collective Bargaining Goals!
ETFO collective agreements expire on August 31, 2022, and preparations for the upcoming round of bargaining have already begun!
The first step we take to prepare for negotiations is establishing the Federation’s overall bargaining goals. That step has been completed, and ETFO’s 2022 Collective Bargaining Goals are now publicly available.
|
|
Professional Learning Events
|
|
The provincial office is preparing to welcome members back to in-person programs!
To ensure physical distancing and updated safety protocols are in place at the 136 Isabella St. building, all conferences, programs and meetings scheduled to be held at the provincial office will remain virtual until Tuesday, April 18. For further information, please contact [email protected].
|
|
|
Call for Summer Academy Course Leaders
We are currently seeking course leaders for the in-person ETFO Summer Academy.
Each course runs for three consecutive days between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. EDT. Over 40 courses are offered in various locations across the province between July 5 and August 18.
Interested applicants should apply by 9:00 a.m. EDT on March 28.
Application details are here.
|
|
|
|
Advanced Public Speaking Skills for Women
April 28 and 29
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. EDT
$50 fee
This advanced level of training for ETFO women members who wish to enhance their public speaking skills beyond a basic level as part of their leadership work in the union and community will focus on voice work; overcoming deep nervous issues; structuring speeches/messaging; the importance of integrating stories; engaging audiences; and managing questions.
Learn more here and register by March 21.
|
|
|
|
Addressing Poverty in Schools – Podcast
For many years, members have been working to address the effects of poverty on students and their families. Don’t miss the latest episode of our podcast Elementary, featuring an interview about the newly revised ETFO book, Possibilities: Addressing Poverty in Elementary Schools, with co-writer Charmain Brown.
Brown has more than 20 years of teaching and leadership experience, with an extensive background in curriculum, instruction, equity and inclusion and in this interview, she talks about just what it means for teachers and education workers to address issues of financial insecurity.
|
|
Is This Safe?
Risk assessments should be done in workplaces when something changes or, at minimum, once a year. A new student with a history of violent behaviour or a significant violent incident should trigger risk assessments. A risk assessment should include a review of the student’s safety plan.
|
|
Before, During, and After: Driving In a Blizzard
There’s no denying that Canadian winters are beautiful. But when you have to get in your car and hit the road, that picturesque snow globe we call home can start to look a little less sparkly. Take some practical precautions before, during, and after each winter drive or road trip to make sure you (and your vehicle) arrive safe and sound.
|
|
ETFO AQ is excited to offer a new course. First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples: Understanding Traditional Teachings, Histories, Current Issues and Cultures, Part 1.
Check with your board to inquire about what subsidies might be available to you for courses related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit knowledge to support ways to integrate Indigenous knowledge across various curricula.
|
|
-
While EQAO testing is shifting online, anxiety and stress are abundant in many classrooms. Melissa Turnbull offers Mindfulness in the Classroom as a curious participant in her teaching.
|
|
Get social and follow your union online!
|
|
|
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents more than 83,000 teachers and education workers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|