Mike Thomas, a teacher and incoming president of the Thames Valley Teacher Local, has been re-elected to the provincial Executive of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO). Thomas was first elected to the provincial Executive in 2023.

"ETFO members deserve leaders who listen, act courageously, and put their needs first. In my second term, I remain committed to advocating for safe, supportive, and respectful workplaces for all members,” says Thomas. “Let’s work together to engage our members and strengthen ETFO to improve our schools, our Federation, and public education in Ontario.”

Thomas began his teaching career in 2001 after graduating from University of Western Ontario with a bachelor of education. He is a strong advocate for worker health and safety, and has advocated its advancement within ETFO and the Thames Valley District School Board.

Before becoming the incoming president of the Thames Valley Teacher Local this year, he served as first vice-president since 2015, and was a workplace steward, non-released executive, recording secretary, vice president, chief negotiator, and grievance officer. From 2005 to 2011 and 2015 to present, he has served as the chair of his local’s Standing Health and Safety Committee.

At the provincial level, Thomas has been involved in Representative Council as a delegate, and member of the Steering, Budget and Central Bargaining Advisory Committees. He has served as a member of the ETFO Human Rights Standing Committee, and attended 18 ETFO Annual Meetings as a delegate.

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.