TORONTO, ON – Every day, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) members and others make outstanding contributions to curriculum development, the arts, science and technology, children’s literature, 2SLGBTQ+ realities, humanitarian causes, and other areas. To recognize this, ETFO runs an annual Awards Program. 

“With so much to celebrate, the ETFO Awards Program recognizes members and others for their distinguished academic achievements, service, and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “The recipients’ efforts are appreciated and contribute greatly to improving public education in Ontario and beyond.”

Honorary Life Membership Award

This year, the following recipients received Honorary Life Membership Awards, the Federation’s highest form of recognition: 

• Janet Bigham, Simcoe County Teacher Local President 2006-2021
• Adelina Cecchin, Member of ETFO provincial Executive 2009-2020, Greater Essex Teacher Local President 2008-2020
• Sam Hammond, ETFO Provincial President from 2009-2021
• Emily Noble, ETFO Provincial President from 2002-2007

The following ETFO Awards were also presented this year:

Anti-Bias Award

Manjit Deol, Peel Teacher Local

Anti-Poverty Award

Sarah Fleming, Simcoe County Teacher Local

Anti-Racist & Equity Activism Award – Women’s Program

Erika Mark, Kawartha Pine Ridge Teacher Local

Anti-Racist & Equity Activism Award

Shannon Greene, Elementary Teachers of Toronto

Sezgin Nalsok, Halton Teacher Local

Arts & Culture Award

Jenn Wallage, Waterloo Region Designated Early Childhood Educator Local

Children’s Literature Award

Stephanie Duff, Peel Teacher Local

International Humanitarian Award for an ETFO Member

Cindy Zappacosta, Algoma Teacher Local

Member Service and Engagement Award

Peel Occasional Teacher Local

Outstanding Role Model for Women Award – Women’s Program

Jen Deck, Kawartha Pine Ridge Occasional Teacher Local

Political Activist 

Heidi Irion, Simcoe County Teacher Local

Professional Learning & Curriculum Development Award – Women’s Program

Ramandeep Sarai, Elementary Teachers of Toronto

Rainbow Visions Award

Shawna Rothgeb, Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local

Women Who Develop Special Projects in Science and Technology Award – Women’s Program

Nicole Netherway, Niagara Teacher Local

Women Working in Social Activism on Behalf of Women and Children – Women’s Program

Abarna Selvarajah

Writer’s Award – Women’s Program

Rahel Tesfaledet, York Region Occasional Teacher Local

Writer’s Award 

James Steeves, Peel Teacher Local

To learn more about each award recipient, click here.

ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.