2024-25 Award Recipients

Doris Duni is a dedicated union leader whose unwavering advocacy for educators’ rights and public education in Ontario began early in her teaching career with the Toronto District School Board as a union steward. Shortly thereafter, she was elected to the Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT) executive. For 21 years, she held numerous leadership positions, including grievance coordinator, benefits coordinator, and negotiation team member, where she played a pivotal role in ETT successfully negotiating laser eye surgery collective agreement language that enhanced vision care benefits.

Her commitment to unionism is reflected in her advocacy for better working and living conditions. Doris participated in countless rallies, demonstrations, and events for various labour and social justice causes, and continues to do so.

In 2012, Doris was elected as the ETT secretary/treasurer, contributing significantly to governance and financial oversight. She helped ensure fiscal accountability, managing a budget over $3.5 million. She served in this capacity until she retired. Her expertise in governance also extended to ETFO’s budget and teacher education liaison committees.

Doris was an active member of ETFO’s provincial parliamentarian team for over 10 years, playing a crucial role in maintaining procedural integrity at ETFO’s Annual Meetings. Doris currently works as a professional parliamentarian. She is a constitution/bylaw consultant, parliamentarian procedure instructor, and presiding officer in various sectors.

Her multifaceted contributions underscore her unwavering commitment to leadership, social justice, and unionism. Doris retired in June 2022 after a distinguished career. Her legacy of leadership, financial stewardship, and commitment to democratic processes continues to inspire many.

Monica Rusnak is a distinguished educator and union leader. Her career spanned over three decades and was marked by her steadfast commitment to defending and enhancing public education in Ontario.

After earning her bachelor of education from the University of Windsor, Monica began her teaching career in 1988 with the District School Board Ontario North East (formerly Timmins Board of Education). She dedicated her teaching years to Golden Avenue Public School in South Porcupine, serving students across the Primary, Junior, and Intermediate divisions.

Her union leadership journey began in 2006 as a released officer with the Ontario North East Teacher Local, where she eventually served as local president from 2010 to 2017. During this time, she also held key roles such as vice-president, chief negotiator, and chair of various committees, including political action and status of women.

In 2010, Monica began her service on the ETFO provincial Executive. She was elected ETFO vice-president (female) in 2017, a role she held until she retired in June 2023.

Throughout her career, Monica played a pivotal role in various provincial committees, task forces, and working groups, addressing critical issues such as member allegations, union-based community outreach, and benefits planning. She also represented ETFO externally, serving as an Ontario Teachers’ Federation governor, a Canadian Teachers’ Federation delegate, a vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, and a Canadian Labour Congress delegate.

Her legacy of leadership, advocacy, and union activism continues to inspire educators across Ontario.

David Wildman is a distinguished educator and union leader whose career spans an impressive 54 years in public education. Throughout his tenure with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, he was a steadfast advocate for ETFO members, ensuring their voices were heard at both the local and provincial levels.

As vice-president of the Teachers Federation of Carleton (TFC) in 1997, David worked with other Ottawa affiliates to organize the political protest against Bill 160. That was followed by the work to amalgamate TFC, Ottawa Men’s Teacher Local, and Women Teachers Association of Ottawa locals into the Ottawa-Carleton Teachers Federation (OCETF), a new ETFO Local.

David was a driving force within ETFO, serving as president of the OCETF from 2000 to 2004 and later leading the Ottawa-Carleton Occasional Teacher Association as president from 2006 to 2021. His leadership helped strengthen advocacy efforts for occasional teachers, particularly in addressing staffing shortages, bargaining working conditions, and improving the hiring process.

At the provincial level, David was an influential member of ETFO’s Budget Committee from 2011 to 2019, helping to shape the Federation's financial policies. He also contributed to the Occasional Teacher Automated Call-Out Systems Task Force, ensuring occasional teachers had fair and efficient access to assignments.

David’s contributions have been recognized through various awards, including the Honorary Life Membership Award from the Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local in 2007-2008 and the Mary Hill Award in 2002-2003.

David retired in November 2021. His efforts continue to positively impact educators across the province.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Ryan Richards, a member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local, with its 2025 Anti-Bias Award. This award recognizes an active ETFO member or group of members who develop and teach units and/or incorporate practices that work toward the elimination of bias.

Richards is a dedicated educator who uses education as a tool for critical thinking and social awareness. His math lessons engage students in analyzing data through an anti-bias and equity lens, encouraging them to question accepted notions and explore how societal structures impact different groups. Through a combination of guided instruction and student-led exploration, Richards empowers students to develop critical observations, challenge inequities, and reflect on real-world issues.

By fostering curiosity and deep inquiry, Richards has helped students understand how data reflects broader social patterns, including privilege and barriers. His work provides a platform for meaningful discussions, equipping students with the skills to ask tough questions and engage in change-making conversations.

Through his commitment to anti-bias education and equity-focused teaching, Richards exemplifies the values of ETFO and the spirit of this award. His innovative approach ensures students are not just learning math, but understanding the world through it.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Sezgin Nalsok, a member of the Halton Teacher Local, with its 2025 Anti-Poverty Award. This award recognizes an active ETFO member or group of members who have given outstanding service to supporting anti-poverty initiatives in their school and/or broader community, and engages in anti-poverty initiatives that have positively impacted students or their community.

Nalsok led the planning and execution of a community drive partnership with the women’s shelter, Nisa Homes, to support women and children in need. With the shelter, they identified priority items—including food, toiletries, clothing, school supplies, and monetary donations—while ensuring students, parents, and educators played an active role. The initiative expanded beyond the schools she supports by engaging local businesses, faith organizations, and non-profits, setting up accessible collection points and raising awareness through social media, local media, and her involvement with the Halton Teacher Local’s Status of Women Committee.

This initiative was deeply integrated into classroom learning, linking discussions on systemic poverty, literacy activities on resilience and community care, and math applications like budgeting and donation tracking. Students also engaged in project-based learning, creating posters, and organizing collection efforts.

By fostering empathy, systemic understanding, and community action, Nalsok has made a lasting impact—mobilizing resources, promoting equity, and empowering students to be active agents of change.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Megan Watson, a member of the Kawartha Pine Ridge Teacher Local, with a 2025 Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award. This award recognizes an active ETFO member or group of members’ active involvement in anti-racist and equity activism in the classroom or community.

Watson has used her lived experience to advocate for systemic change, challenge biases, and create safer, more inclusive learning environments. Very early in her career, she became the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Consultant. In this role, Watson developed resources, designed board-wide professional learning, led anti-racism lessons for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, and provided direct support to educators navigating complex equity, diversity, and inclusion topics.

Watson created monthly newsletters that included classroom supports, educational information, and resources for staff and students. Topics ranged from Gender and Sexuality Alliance support to allyship to the Science of Skin (teaching about melanin). She also built a 200+ book lending library, created a "How to Respond" guide for addressing discrimination, and hosted a board-wide EDI book club.

Her work has helped shift policies, train educators, and provide students with the representation they often lacked. Despite systemic challenges, Watson proved the power of visibility and advocacy.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Nkiru Azza, a member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local, with a 2025 ETFO Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award – Women’s Program. This award recognizes an active ETFO woman member or group of women members for their active involvement in antiracist and equity activism in the classroom or community.

Azza is a dedicated educator and equity advocate who has spent over a decade championing anti-racist and inclusive education. She has been a transformative force in fostering diversity within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

For the past five years, she has been part of the mentorship team for Umoja Robotics Team 7712, an all-Black robotics team committed to dismantling systemic barriers and empowering Black youth in STEM. At Umoja, she has supported students in developing leadership, self-advocacy, and community engagement skills—amplifying their voices and guiding efforts that extend far beyond robotics. Under her leadership, the team has earned the Impact Award – the most prestigious award in FIRST Robotics – for two consecutive years.

Her mentorship further extends to equity-focused initiatives, including the co-development of a Mindset Curriculum to foster resilience and goal-setting. She has also helped to facilitate technology workshops for seniors, contributed to STEM programs for students with special needs, and supported Black families navigating the education system.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Kathryn Lagerquist, a member of the Peel Teacher Local, with a 2025 Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award – Women’s Program. This award recognizes an active ETFO woman member or group of women members for their active involvement in antiracist and equity activism in the classroom or community.

Lagerquist is a passionate educator and advocate for anti-racist and equity-focused teaching, working to embed anti-oppressive and culturally responsive approaches into literacy education. She has played a key role in framing professional learning opportunities for educators – whether through school-based sessions, administrative discussions, or early years professional learning, ensuring that equity remains central to literacy instruction.

Lagerquist created a comprehensive reading site featuring curated and original resources that place students and their identities at the forefront of learning. Her work has sparked meaningful conversations among educators and has led to tangible changes in teaching practice, empowering educators to deepen their cultural responsiveness and better meet the needs of diverse learners.

Beyond her classroom efforts, Lagerquist has been actively involved in literacy curriculum development, serving on writing teams for both the literacy and early years departments. She has presented at various literacy and early years professional learning conferences, sharing strategies for integrating equity into curriculum design.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Mark Ouellette, a member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local, with its 2025 Arts and Culture Award. This award recognizes an active ETFO member or group of members for their involvement in arts and cultural activities for children in either the classroom or the community.

Ouellette is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to fostering creativity, collaboration, and leadership among students at Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School. For over two decades, he has transformed the school’s Arts program, designing and implementing a dynamic curriculum that integrates Drama, Dance, and Visual Arts for grades 6 to 8.

Ouellette spearheaded large-scale arts events, including Nuit Orange and Illuminations Arts Nights, which showcases over 70 student performances and 100 visual art pieces annually. He also choreographed a mass dance performance featuring 300 dancers. Through these initiatives, he has fostered an inclusive environment where students develop confidence, respect, and a passion for artistic expression.

Beyond performances, Ouellette’s League of Champions after-school program encourages creativity and social justice, reflecting his commitment to equity and well-being. His belief in art as a unifying force has transformed the Runnymede Arts Wing into a hub of inspiration and belonging.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Brenda Lee (Gladman), a member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local, with its 2025 Children’s Literature Award for the book Li et le Nouvel An spectalunaire!

This award is presented to an active ETFO member, or to an individual or group of individuals who do not hold ETFO membership, for writing a specific piece of published children's literature appropriate for elementary school-age children. It is intended to recognize quality children’s literature that aligns with ETFO’s positions on social justice and equity.

The beautifully illustrated story highlights the importance of family, traditions, and self-reflection through the eyes of a bi-racial protagonist who celebrates Lunar New Year with her family, friends, and community. Lee’s book celebrates cultural diversity while supporting accessibility for French Immersion and French as a Second Language (FSL) students.

By incorporating simple present-tense language, the book enhances comprehension for FSL learners while introducing Mandarin vocabulary and Chinese New Year traditions. Lee’s thoughtful approach ensures students can connect with the story, fostering respect and understanding across cultures.

Beyond the book's pages, Lee offers online extension activities in both French and English, providing families with opportunities for meaningful, shared learning experiences. Her collaboration with a Vietnamese illustrator, despite vast geographical and time differences, demonstrates the strength of cross-cultural teamwork.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Haley Higdon, a member of the Toronto Occasional Teacher Local, with its 2025 Environmental Education Award. This award recognizes an active ETFO member for their outstanding commitment to the care and protection of the environment.

As Program Director for Natural Curiosity, an initiative based at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto (U of T), Higdon has played a pivotal role in developing inquiry-based frameworks that seamlessly integrate environmental literacy and Indigenous knowledge into the curriculum. Her leadership has provided educators with tools to inspire students to foster a deep connection with nature while meeting curriculum expectations.

As Managing Editor of "Natural Curiosity: The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children’s Environmental Inquiry," Higdon worked closely with a national Indigenous education advisory circle to ensure the resource authentically represented Indigenous voices. Her advocacy led to the Ontario Ministry of Education translating the resource into French, increasing its accessibility for educators across the province.

Through her work, Higdon has provided professional learning opportunities for thousands of educators across Ontario and beyond. Her dedication to sustainability extends beyond the classroom, including her TEDx Talk on zero-waste living and her role as a Climate Action Advisory Committee member at OISE/U of T. Her impact empowers students and educators to embrace sustainable practices and reconciliation.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Lynn Buckley, vice-president of the Waterloo Region Teacher Local, with its 2025 Health and Safety Activist Award. This award recognizes an active ETFO member for their outstanding commitment and involvement in health and safety activities.

As a staunch health and safety activist, Buckley has been instrumental in rallying Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) representatives, ensuring they have a platform to meet, discuss, and address critical workplace safety issues. She has been a steadfast supporter of JHSC representatives, offering mentorship and expert guidance in navigating workplace safety concerns.

As Vice-President of her local, Buckley’s portfolio includes JHSC representation, conducting school audits, attending safety meetings, and advocating for members’ rights. Her relentless pursuit of safer working conditions has significantly elevated the conversation around workplace violence and mental health, ensuring that worker safety remains a top priority.

Buckley’s leadership has strengthened health and safety training initiatives. Her tireless efforts include visiting school sites to educate members and staff on their rights to a safe work environment. Her commitment to worker advocacy is evident in her ability to stand firm against employer pressures, never wavering in defense of members' rights, even in the face of adversity.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented the Simcoe County Teacher Local with its 2025 Member Service and Engagement Award. The award recognizes the excellence of ETFO locals in engaging and involving members, providing outstanding service, and employing innovative strategies to communicate with and involve members in the Federation.

The Simcoe County Teacher Local provides exceptional service through guidance, advocacy, and personalized support, ensuring members never feel alone in challenging situations. The local supports members with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board cases and false accusations, and helps them navigate teacher performance appraisals and secure additional paid leave.

Beyond professional advocacy, the local extends compassionate support in personal crises, including bereavement, family medical leaves, and mental health challenges. Members have benefited from the local’s assistance in securing additional leave for overseas memorials, managing caregiving responsibilities, and navigating medical leave processes with sensitivity and efficiency.

The Simcoe County Teacher Local fosters proactive engagement by offering training, workshops, and learning opportunities, ensuring members are well-prepared for professional success. Events like Reading for the Love of It, wellness weekends, and equity workshops empower members, and strengthen community.

A cornerstone of the local’s success is its multifaceted communication strategy, including phone calls, email blasts, social media, and in-person visits. The local prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness to keep members informed and engaged.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Kevin Watson, a member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local, with its 2025 New Member Award. This award recognizes a member of ETFO with five years or less membership who has shown a commitment to the Objects of ETFO, and been significantly involved at the local and/or provincial level of the organization.

Watson is a dedicated advocate and leader within ETFO, consistently working to support educators, students, and the broader community. His extensive involvement in Federation committees – including anti-racism, budget, collective bargaining, equity and social justice, health and safety, member service, political action – demonstrates his commitment to diversity, fairness, and professional advocacy. As a union steward, Watson also ensures that teachers' voices are heard.

Beyond his union work, Watson is an exemplary classroom professional. His leadership on the School Leadership Committee and creating student-focused initiatives, such as the Reading Buddy Program, have significantly improved student success and engagement. He has also mentored new teachers, increasing the representation of Black male educators.

Watson’s dedication to social justice is evident in his work with the African Heritage Education Network (AHEN) and his advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ staff. He has also created the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Award to recognize students with disabilities.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Pamela Downward, a member of the Durham Teacher Local, with its 2025 Outstanding Role Model for Women Award – Women’s Program. This award recognizes an active ETFO woman member who has been an outstanding role model for women at the local level during the previous school year.

Downward has been a dedicated leader and advocate in her local for over a decade, consistently championing women’s empowerment, health and safety, and labour rights. As the first full-time Health and Safety Officer, she worked tirelessly to bring more women into health and safety activism while ensuring safer working conditions for all educators.

With a leadership style rooted in compassion and collaboration, Downward has inspired countless women. A strong feminist, she founded a women’s mentorship program in her local that supported approximately 20 mentees and 12 mentors, many from equity-deserving groups. She has led book clubs and activities designed to inspire women to step into leadership roles, increasing women’s participation in steward positions, executive committees, and provincial leadership programs.

Downward’s commitment to ETFO’s goals extends through her work as a Grievance Officer, Collective Bargaining Committee member, and delegate to the Durham Region Labour Council. A passionate advocate, she has lobbied provincial leaders for greater student support and championed public education.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Jeff Pelich, president of the Waterloo Region Teacher Local, with its 2025 Political Activist Award. This award recognizes an ETFO member’s outstanding commitment to union activism.

As a local leader, Pelich has worked tirelessly tovv strengthen union solidarity, protect educators’ rights, and amplify the voices of education workers across Ontario. Serving as President of the local since 2021, and previously as Vice-President from 2016-2021, Pelich has played a key role in collective bargaining, workplace protections, and advocating for stronger public education policies. His leadership was instrumental in reuniting the Waterloo Region Teacher Local with Together in Education, strengthening cross-union collaboration to address regional education issues.

Pelich has been a leading voice on workplace violence in schools, shedding light on the impact of underfunding and staffing shortages. His media advocacy has kept education issues at the forefront, ensuring public and political awareness of critical challenges faced by educators. As President of the Waterloo Region Labour Council, he revitalized labour activism, fostering unity across various sectors.

With a leadership style grounded in strategy, collaboration, and mentorship, Pelich continues to inspire the next generation of labour activists. His empathetic, strategic, and action-oriented leadership has made him a transformational figure in the local and provincial labour movement.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Jonathan Pitt, a member of the Near North Teacher Local, with its 2025 Professional Learning and Curriculum Development Award for developing Treaty of 1850, Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin and an accompanying video for educators. This award is presented to an active ETFO member or a group of members to recognize a curriculum unit or resource they have developed.

Pitt’s work is a first-of-its-kind resource designed for Ontario educators in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 62 and 63. This document is specific to the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 Territory, which the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is on, and it fills a critical gap in treaty education using an innovative online support video.

A dedicated educator and advocate, Pitt has been deeply involved in ETFO for over a decade, serving as an Indigenous curriculum consultant, school steward, representative on the NNDSB’s Joint Health and Safety Committee, and delegate to the ETFO Annual Meeting.

Pitt’s contributions extend beyond the classroom, with numerous peer-reviewed articles, edited teacher resource books on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. As a faculty member at Nipissing University, he teaches Indigenous Studies and supports Indigenous language education.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Asha Nagpal, a member of the Peel Teacher Local, with its 2025 Professional Learning and Curriculum Development Award – Women’s Program for developing Africville: Culturally and Historically Responsive Learning Experience. This award is presented to an active ETFO member or a group of members to recognize a curriculum unit or resource they have developed.

Nagpal created this resource to support Grade 1 French Immersion students and teachers in exploring the Social Studies curriculum. She co-developed inquiry-based questions to help students learn about their own communities and the history of Africville, encouraging them to compare and contrast their findings. The resource introduces Black Canadian history through counter-narratives while integrating Social Studies and Visual Arts. Students are encouraged to visit local places, take photos with iPads, and create collages, vlogs, or other media to share their learning.

Nagpal has contributed to curriculum development with a strong focus on equity and inclusion. As part of the Rainbow Resources Curriculum Writing Team (2023), she helped review and improve the Peel District School Board’s Rainbow Resources website to ensure lesson plans and professional learning materials reflect 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and support anti-racist, culturally responsive teaching. Her work on Culturally and Historically Responsive Learning Curriculum Writing (2021) further showcases her dedication to inclusive education.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Chantel Butterfield with a 2025 Women Working in Social Activism on Behalf of Women and Children Award – Women’s Program. This award recognizes a woman or group of women who do not hold ETFO membership but have been outstanding social activists on behalf of women and children in the local or global community.

Butterfield is a dedicated leader and advocate, serving as the Executive Director of The Centre Sarnia-Lambton (formerly the Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre). Under her leadership, the centre and its team provide vital support, education, and advocacy for survivors of sexual harm, including the children of survivors of violence.

Butterfield’s leadership is defined by compassion, empowerment, and a relentless commitment to making the centre a safe, inclusive space for all. She has played a key role in strengthening community partnerships, and fostering inclusive, survivor-centered programs. Her leadership has empowered her team to deliver essential services, including trauma-informed counselling, public education initiatives, and specialized support for marginalized communities.

Through events like Take Back the Night, Stalking Awareness Month, Inspire, and 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence, Butterfield and her team raise awareness and funds to sustain crucial services. She has also championed innovative healing approaches, such as sound therapy and creative expression workshops, giving survivors diverse ways to process their experiences.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Chey Cheney and Pawan Wander, members of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local, with its 2025 Writer’s Award for Amplifying Our Practice: Teachers Talking Teaching. This award is presented to an active ETFO member or a group of members to recognize published or unpublished works.

Amplifying Our Practice: Teachers Talking Teaching is written in an engaging, conversational style that connects with educators through relatable anecdotes, real-world examples, and compelling storytelling. Designed for Kindergarten to Grade 8 educators, this book promotes culturally responsive pedagogy, amplifies student voice, and encourages anti-oppressive approaches in the classroom. By integrating expert perspectives, the authors ensure their strategies are research-based and immediately applicable.

Beyond professional growth, Amplifying Our Practice fosters a sense of community among educators, reinforcing ETFO’s vision of collaboration and solidarity. This inspiring resource equips teachers with tools to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments, making it a valuable contribution to the field of education.

Cheney and Wander are deeply engaged in the work of ETFO at local, regional, and provincial levels, leveraging their expertise to empower educators and elevate teaching practices across the Federation. Their contributions reflect a strong commitment to ETFO’s focus on equity, innovation, and professional growth.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Sylv Chiang, a member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local, with its 2025 ETFO Writer’s Award – Women’s Program for Still My Tessa. This award recognizes an active ETFO woman member or a group of women members for their published or unpublished works.

Chiang’s picture book, Still My Tessa, is a heartfelt narrative that explores themes of allyship and understanding, depicting a young girl's journey as she learns to embrace her non-binary sibling's identity and pronouns, while guiding their community toward acceptance.

The inspiration for Still My Tessa stems from her own family experiences, infusing the story with authenticity and emotional depth. The book has garnered significant recognition, winning the 2024 CBC Kids Reads Award and earning nominations for the 2025 Ontario Library Association Blue Spruce Award.

Beyond her writing, Chiang is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in children's literature. Her previous works include the Cross Ups series, engaging middle school readers with stories that resonate with their interests. With her ongoing work both inside and outside the classroom, she continues to inspire both students and readers through her teaching and heartwarming storytelling.