2. Government Relations
The Federation works to ensure that key decision-makers at Queen's Park are well informed about the organization's position on issues that affect teachers and their students and that relate to the broader work the Federation does within the labour movement, with women's organizations, and with equity and social justice groups. Members of the ETFO Executive and staff in professional services meet regularly with MPPs, their staff, and Ministry of Education staff to bring forward the views and experiences of our members.
3. Leadership Development
Professional Services staff work in co-operation with the local leaders, maintaining the links between the provincial organization and the local, coordinating the delivery of leadership development programs, and building member identification with, and active participation in ETFO.
The ETFO Union School is a year-long professional learning program designed to support local leaders as they pursue leadership within the union.
Staff also work with the Steering Committee of the Representative Council to ensure the success of council meetings.
4. Political Action
Staff in professional services work with political action contacts in each local to keep them informed about activities at Queen’s Park – those of the government and of the opposition parties. When necessary, professional services staff coordinate all-local and all-member campaigns to ensure public education is high on the government's agenda.
5. Professional Learning
In providing professional learning ETFO is guided by the motto “Making a difference in the professional lives of our members.” We work to ensure that ETFO’s professional learning programs and services meet the needs of our diverse membership. We offer an array of courses, workshops, and conferences, as well as low-cost curriculum and professional resources.
Members can obtain information about ETFO’s professional learning programs from school stewards, local presidents, professional development chairs, and by reading ETFO Voice. For specific and up-to-date information on ETFO key programs and services please visit www.etfo.ca>Professional Development.
6. Public Relations
Establishing a positive profile for elementary teachers and for the Federation is essential to the success of the organization, the morale of the members, and the credibility of our issues. Staff identify media opportunities for ETFO leaders, issue media releases on emerging issues, develop radio ads, print campaigns, billboard advertising, pamphlets for parents and teachers, and much more. Local leaders receive training in communication strategies. Staff work with other federations and unions, social justice groups, community agencies, and education stakeholders to build coalitions.
Above all, professional services staff work to make the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario a strong, effective voice for public elementary education.