Your Member News
December 1, 2021
|
|
The snow is falling, a new year is weeks away and your Federation is gearing up to strengthen our advocacy, political action and hold in-person events in 2022!
If you can believe it, this is the last full edition of ETFO News for this year. There are lots of great updates below – happy reading.
|
|
Speaking to the Government
On November 16, President Karen Brown presented our submission to the Standing Committee on General Government on Bill 13, Supporting People and Businesses Act, 2021.
At the hearing, President Brown spoke against some of the changes being proposed to the Education Act and the Ontario College of Teachers Act and urged the committee to amend the legislation by removing certain sections.
|
|
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3 is annually recognized as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and this year's international theme is "Fighting for Rights in the Post-COVID Era." While the pandemic has deeply impacted many marginalized groups, including Black and Indigenous Peoples and women, people with disabilities are the most affected population.
Before the pandemic, classrooms across Ontario required more access to educational assistants, behavioural counsellors, child and youth workers, psychologists, and speech and language pathologists to meet needs and support students with special needs.
But now that the Ford government has failed to invest, students with special needs are being left behind. Things do not need to be this way, it can be different. With your help, we can vote Ford out this June and elect a government that will fund a more supportive and inclusive classroom for all!
If you are concerned about the future of public education, get involved with our campaign.
|
|
COVID FAQ
Read the newest FAQ here.
|
|
IWD T-shirt
March 8 marks International Women’s Day. This year, ETFO celebrates the feminist movement and the work for justice and solidarity. Before January 5, you can purchase an IWD t-shirt featuring artwork by Emmie Tsumura, a local Japanese Canadian artist.
The 2022 design showcases a diversity of women coming together in allyship to dismantle oppression. There are two shirt styles to choose from each for $10.00; visit shop.etfo.ca to order today!
|
|
Professional Learning Events
|
|
 |
Financial Health and Wealth Conference
February 4 and 5
ETFO Provincial Office
This conference is designed to provide members with an opportunity to increase their financial literacy and learn about proactive strategies to address financial fitness.
The registration deadline is December 15.
|
|
|
|
Human Rights Workshop
February 5
ETFO Provincial Office
For this Professional Relations Services event, members will be led through an overview of their rights and responsibilities under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Participants will also learn how the Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on a protected ground. Read this flyer for more.
The registration deadline is December 15 at 4:00 p.m. EST.
|
|
|
|
|
…and still, we rise
Women in Solidarity
February 9 and 10
InterContinental Toronto Centre
This year marks a refreshed conference held in person to amplify women's voices and bring women together who would like to advance social justice, build solidarity between struggles, and contribute to the broader women's movement. There is a $50 registration fee.
Apply before January 3 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
|
|
|
|
Presenters Palette
February 15 and 16
ETFO Provincial Office
This practical, two-day workshop will provide an opportunity for members to develop skills in planning and presenting curriculum workshops to colleagues. Members who are interested in leadership opportunities within ETFO will find this workshop beneficial.
The registration deadline is January 5 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
|
|
|
|
|
COMING SOON!
Reimagine the Intermediate Grades -
How to Create a Learning Culture with Adolescents
February 25 evening and February 26
ETFO Provincial Office
This conference recognizes the diverse nature and needs of Intermediate students and Teachers while supporting them during these challenging times. Children learn, question and grow throughout all curriculum areas, and we reflect this belief in our conference and the workshop offerings. To see some of the possibilities, please click Juicy Math.
Whether you are responsible for a single classroom, split grades or a specialized assignment, this conference has something for you! Be prepared to learn, laugh and feel energized.
NOTE: Registration opens December 8 and closes Monday, January 17 at 5:00 p.m. EST. There is a $50 registration fee.
|
|
|
|
Intermediate AQ Courses
Are you interested in learning more about Grade 7 and 8 AQ courses in Geography, History, Language, Mathematics, and Science and Technology?
ETFO AQ courses provide classroom resources and instructional strategies, tools and transition ideas for the Intermediate learner. ETFO is also the only provider in Ontario to offer Language, grades 7 and 8.
Check with your board to inquire about what subsidies might be available to you for Mathematics or any other AQ courses.
Register early for winter 2022; secure your spot at etfo-aq.ca.
|
|
Validation Sticker Not Needed
As the end of 2021 approaches, this is a reminder that you no longer need a validation sticker to access your Edvantage discounts.
Once you create an account on the Edvantage website and log in you can access savings! Members can also print out a discount card through the site at edvantage.ca.
|
|
Annual Meeting 2022 Poll Clerk and Assistant
We are accepting applications for Poll Clerk and Assistant until March 1, 2022.
These members play an important and busy role in supporting the in-person Annual Meeting. Training is provided to functionaries on the Sunday before the Annual Meeting, and expenses are covered based on guidelines.
|
|
Get social and follow your union online! |
|
|
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents more than 83,000 teachers and education workers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
