The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Marcia Thompson, a teacher with the Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT), with a 2022 Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award for her active involvement in anti-racist and equity activism in the classroom and community. 

Marcia’s strong advocacy to eliminate anti-Black racism has led to her participation in a number of committees and initiatives, including:

• Co-Chair of Black Members and Allies Caucus (ETFO Annual Meeting 2019-2022) – she sought clarification and timelines on ETFO’s strategy to address anti-Black racism;
• ETT's Anti-Racism, Equity, and Social Justice (ARESJ) Sub-Committees:
  
  
  • Chaired annual two-day program that promotes teaching to under-represented students. Students are equipped with methods to teach literacy and numeracy, and return to schools to support classmates through initiatives like homework club and reading buddies; and 
  • Co-Chaired annual celebration of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. At the dinner, students are awarded for their activism against anti-Black racism and oppression, and equity leadership initiatives carried out in their schools.
• Compass Ministries Church focus group – she assisted parents to better understand the curriculum and equip them with strategies to navigate school meetings and parent-teacher interviews;
• Mico Alumni Association (Jamaican Teachers) Toronto (2019) – she facilitated a Teaching and the Union session to provide an overview of the teacher certification process and the 10 benefits of being a union member; and
• ETFO Code Black Leadership Course (2021) – she continues to work with communities, educational, and international stakeholders to support immigrants, specifically Jamaicans, who are already educators or have an interest in becoming educators. 

“Marcia’s commitment to eliminating anti-Black racism and to supporting the hiring of Black educators in the school system is exceptional,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “As an active union member, her strong advocacy seeks equity for Black members. Outside of her union work, her support for students, parents and immigrants will surely bring about changes to the education system that the Black community deserves to see and experience.”

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.