Negotiations in the News

In a press release issued on Wednesday, September 3rd, ETFO President David Clegg responded to public comments made by Premier McGuinty and Minister Wynne that elementary teachers should be happy with a 3 per cent increase in each of the next four years.

Clegg stated emphatically that “salary is not the issue; it was never the issue.”  The issue is the $711 dollars less per year that is provided for an elementary student as compared to a secondary student.  This limits the supports and learning opportunities in place for elementary students, results in larger class sizes in grades 4 to 8, and means fewer specialist teachers in physical education, music, guidance and library.

The government should realize that its primary goal of closing the achievement gap can never be realized while the funding gap at the elementary level continues to exist. In other words, the funding gap of $711 actually undermines the government's key priority in education.

Clegg ended his media release by stating that “the federation will not return to the provincial discussion table under the threat of an ultimatum or deadline,” referring to Education Minister Kathleen Wynne’s statement that the 3 per cent offer would be off the table after November 30.

Take Back the Night

The month of September is typically recognized for Take Back The Night across Canada.  Numerous events are planned during the month to highlight safety issues for women and children within ETFO and the broader community.  Locals are invited to organize Take Back The Night events on their own, or in partnership with other community groups. For a full listing of related events across the province, visit the ETFO website.

New Resources from Equity and Women's Services

Connections is a new ETFO resource for everyone interested in understanding gender-related issues and working for social justice.  The book features lesson plans for kindergarten to grade 8, including some French-language lessons, and a variety of creative pieces. This preview of the resource is available now.  The full resource will be available for sale at shopETFO in the next few days.

Our Work in Progress: Social Justice and Equity is a video promoting the programs and services of ETFO, with a focus on social justice and equity programs--including women’s programs.  The video features members sharing their experiences with our programs.  A webcast of the video is available on our website in two formats: English, and English with French subtitles. 

Upcoming Professional Growth Opportunities for Members

• The Perils of Perfectionism is a fall retreat for women that explores how to minimize the negative effects of perfectionism on the self and others.  The registration deadline for this event is September 30th.
• There will be three Professional Learning Community Women's Programs offered this year.  These programs invite participants to critically examine their equity understanding and practice through personal reflection and discussion of current research issues.  The registration deadline for the first session is September 30th.
• ETFO's Poverty and Education Symposium will focus on issues of poverty impacting elementary students, schools, and learning.  The registration deadline is October 1st. 
• Innoteach is a technology-enhanced PD program where writers, or writing teams of two teachers, create multimedia learning objects on innovative practices in Ontario schools.  The application deadline is October 1st.
• Think on Your Feet is a dynamic communications course for women aspiring to leadership positions at the local level, particularly in the area of collective bargaining.  Register by October 24th.
• Project Overseas 2009 applications are due November 7.  Working with teacher organizations in host countries, Canadian teachers present professional development workshops side-by-side with experienced in-country teachers.