Shideh Houshmandi, a teacher with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, has been re-elected to the provincial Executive of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO). Houshmandi was first elected to the provincial Executive in 2021. 

“ETFO’s strength lies in our solidarity, shared vision for equity, and commitment to building a better future for all. Our grassroots strength will continue to drive our success—from collective bargaining and health and safety to equity and social justice,” says Houshmandi. “I’m committed to working alongside our 83,000 members to disrupt systemic barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive Federation where every member can thrive.”

Houshmandi began her teaching career in 2010 with the District School Board of Niagara after graduating with a bachelor of science from McMaster University and a bachelor of education from Brock University. She is currently an intermediate core French teacher with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. She is an executive member of both the Hamilton-Wentworth Elementary Teachers’ Local, and the Hamilton and District Labour Council.

Provincially, Houshmandi has attended the ETFO Annual Meeting as a delegate for 14 consecutive years. She was also a member of ETFO’s English as a Second Language, and Occasional Teacher Committees. Houshmandi also represents ETFO on the Canadian Teachers’ Federation Diversity and Human Rights Advisory Committee. She has a decade of teaching experience in Japan and advocates for the sharing of language and culture to bring about understanding and unity.  

ETFO represents approximately 84,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.