WELCOME TO ETFO - Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario
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WELCOME
TO ETFO
1
WELCOME TO THE
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’
FEDERATION OF ONTARIO
ETFO
is your professional and protective
organization. Together, we represent over
83,000 teachers, occasional teachers,
designated early childhood educators (DECEs) and education
workers employed in the public elementary schools of Ontario. You
are represented by ETFO provincially and you are also a member of
one of the 76 ETFO locals across the province.
In welcoming you to ETFO, this booklet is developed to provide you
with helpful information as you begin your career in education. It
also outlines the work of your organization, as well as the services
available to you.
ETFO strives to develop programs and services that both protect and
enhance the working lives of members in these challenging times
for education. We also work continuously to provide a welcoming
environment that celebrates the diversity of our members and the
students in our care.
In addition to our internal work in support of members, ETFO reaches
out to the broader community to foster a climate of social justice in
this province and beyond.
2
WELCOME TO ETFO
LETTER
FROM
PRESIDENT
With over 83,000 members, ETFO is the largest teachers’ union in Canada.
We are a unique organization representing teachers, occasional teachers,
designated early childhood educators (DECEs) and education support staff in
the elementary public schools of Ontario. When you accepted your position
with your school board and became an ETFO member, you became part of
our collective strength, enthusiasm and commitment to each other and to our
profession.
As a member of ETFO provincially, you also became a member of your ETFO
local – one of 76 ETFO locals in the province. The foremost goal of both ETFO
provincial and your ETFO local is to serve the needs of our members.
We developed this publication to show you some of the resources, services and
opportunities available to you as a member of ETFO.
ETFO strives to serve our members in a number of ways. As a professional
organization, ETFO delivers a wide range of personal and professional
development as well as leadership and training opportunities. As a union, ETFO
offers collective strength through our bargaining and advocacy efforts. As a
federation, ETFO provides a welcoming environment that celebrates the diversity
and encourages the participation of all of our members.
There are many fulfilling opportunities you will experience as an educator. But
there will also be challenges. Remember – you are never alone. No matter
where you work in the province, ETFO is as close as your telephone or internet
connection to help you with those challenges.
We are glad you have joined us. Welcome to ETFO!
Sam Hammond, President, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
3
WHERE ETFO FITS WITH EDUCATION
INTERNATIONAL / CTF / OTF
Education International - ei-ie.org
Representing more than 30 million
teachers and education workers 401
member organizations in 172 countries
and territories
Canadian Teachers’ Federation - ctf-fce.ca
Representing approximately 232,000 members
Ontario Teachers’ Federation - otffeo.on.ca
Approximately 160,000+ teachers members in
four affiliated bodies
12,600 83,000 45,000 60,000
members members members members
Association Elementary Ontario English Ontario
des Teachers’ Catholic Secondary
enseignantes Federation of Teachers’ School
et des Ontario Association Teachers’
enseignants Federation
franco-
ontariens
AEFO ETFO OECTA OSSTF
4 ABOUT ETFO
ETFO BY 2,339
DECE Members 321
THE NUMBERS ESP/PSP Members
9,846
Occasional Teacher
Members
The Full-time equivalent membership
number is 66,855.
54,350
ABOUT ETFO
Numbers are based on the 2019-2020
year and reflect FTE equivalents. ETFO Teacher
represents over 83,000 members. Members
Number of members in each education
group within ETFO:
DECE – Designated Early Childhood Educator
ESP – Education Support Personnel
PSP – Professional Support Personnel
According to the 2019-2020 Annual Member Survey:
83.99% teacher members have a QECO rating of A4
40% occasional teacher members are below the age of 34
67% occasional teacher members have less than 11 years
experience
40% members have less than 11 years experience
13% Teacher members are below the age of 34
In 2019-2020 81.5% of members self-identified as women
Provincial Executive Local Presidents
64% women / 36% men 64% women / 36% men
Local Executive Member Local Chief Negotiators
75% women / 25% men 64% women / 36% men
5
MEMBERS’ RIGHTS
Members Rights &
Responsibilities Outlined in
the ETFO Constitution Union Fees
As a teacher or occasional teacher Under the Education Act, an elementary
working in the elementary panel of a teacher who works in the English-
public district school board or school language public education system
authority, or as an education worker in is represented by ETFO. Union fees
a bargaining unit for which ETFO holds are determined at the ETFO Annual
bargaining rights, you are an active Meeting each August. Fees are deducted
member of the federation. directly from members’ pay cheques
by school boards and submitted to the
As such, you enjoy certain rights and ETFO provincial office. Fees are used to
privileges, but are also responsible for provide funds for programs and services
upholding the ETFO Code of Professional for the members through provincial
Conduct. office and to operate ETFO’s locals.
ETFO has established specific rights, ETFO is affiliated with other teacher
obligations and responsibilities federations and labour organizations.
regarding member conduct. These rights, Membership in these organizations
obligations and responsibilities are strengthens the voice of all those who
referenced in the ETFO Constitution. defend public education and public
services.
We all benefit from this individual
responsibility within collective action. A
strong union for teachers and education
workers is vital to quality education in
the province.
ETFO Budget
8% 3%
8%
Provincial office and programs
Locals
45%
Defense Fund 36%
Other organizations
Political Activity/Public Relations
6 ABOUT ETFO
PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE, 2020-2021
WELCOME TO EXEC
The Executive at the provincial level will consist of 14 members: the president; the first vice-
president; two vice-presidents, one position open to women only; the ETFO representative to the
Ontario Teachers’ Federation; and additional Executive members as necessary to complete an
Executive of 14. Three of these additional positions will be to women only. One of the positions
shall be only open to women members who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit (FNMI),
members with a disability, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning
members or racialized members; and one of the positions shall be only open to members who
self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit (FNMI), members with a disability, lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning members or racialized members.
The members of the Executive are elected to two-year terms by the delegates to the Annual
Meeting. The Executive meets regularly and is responsible for carrying out the business of the
Federation, receiving reports and recommendations from committees, authorizing legal support
for members in employment-related cases and carrying out a variety of other responsibilities.
Released Officers Executive Members
(alpha order by surname)
President – Sam Hammond
Hamilton-Wentworth Teacher Local Gail Bannister-Clarke, Peel Teacher Local
First Vice-President – Karen Campbell Yvette Blackburn, Elementary Teachers of Toronto
Elementary Teachers of Toronto Amy Chevis, Simcoe County Occasional Teacher Local
Vice-President – David Mastin Mary Fowler, Durham Teacher Local
Durham Teacher Local Joy Lachica, Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local
Vice-President (Female) – Monica Rusnak
Felicia Samuel, Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local
Ontario North East Teacher Local
Mario Spagnuolo, Greater Essex County Teacher Local
OTF Representative – Nathan Core Sylvia van Campen, Upper Canada Occasional
Waterloo Occasional Teacher Local Teacher Local
Greg Weiler, Waterloo Teacher Local
ETFO ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP
The administrative leaders work with the staff of the Federation to implement the programs
and services approved by the Executive and the Annual Meeting.
General Secretary Sharon O’Halloran
Deputy General Secretary Jerry DeQuetteville
Deputy General Secretary Bobbi Taillefer
7
ETFO
SERVICE
AREAS
Health and Safety Services:
• ETFO Action on Violence
• ETFO Health & Safety Website
Collective Bargaining: Professional Learning/Curriculum
etfocb.ca Services:
• Central and local bargaining • Professional learning, provincially and
• Administration of collective agreements, locally
including grievances • Curriculum and professional
• Leadership development and training resources
• Support for stewards • Leadership development (Union
School)
Communications and Political Action: • Liaison with Ministry on professional
• Voice Magazine issues
• Building Better Schools • Summer Academy
• Government Relations • New Members
• Political Action
• Public Relations Professional Relations Services:
Confidential support for members
Equity and Women’s Services: experiencing professional difficulties:
• Outreach to members of designated • College of Teachers
groups • Performance appraisals
• Training programs, including workshops • CAS investigations
and conferences, on equity-related • Criminal allegations
themes • Employment Insurance, Workplace
• Leadership development Safety and Insurance Board, LTD
• Curriculum resources • Human rights, harassment,
• Community partnerships discrimination
• Policy development • Ethics and professionalism
LEGAL ASSISTANCE CARD FOR MEMBERS
This card provides advice to members, when facing an allegation related to their professional duties
or employment responsibilities. The card contains a statement that members should say to the
police or Children’s Aid Society (CAS) if contacted about an allegation against them.
8 WELCOME TO EXEC
ETFO
LOCAL
WHAT WE DO
THE ETFO STEWARDS
In each school, an ETFO member takes on the role of steward. ETFO stewards are
the visible representatives of ETFO and the local in the workplace. Stewards are
responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Collective Agreement and
making ETFO members aware of ETFO services and programs.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT
▶ Professional judgement is an important concept for educators. It is defined in
our new Central Agreement. Section C. 2.5 of the Teacher/Occasional Teacher
Central Agreement reads as follows:
▶ “Professional Judgement” shall be defined as judgement that is informed
by professional knowledge of curriculum expectations, context, evidence
of learning, methods of instruction and assessment, and the criteria and
standards that indicate success in student learning. In professional practice,
judgement involves a purposeful and systematic thinking process that evolves
in terms of accuracy and insight with ongoing reflection and self-correction.”
▶ To assist member understanding in their use of their professional judgement,
please see the pamphlet, Understanding your Professional Judgement, 2016.
Assessment and Reporting.
SUPPORTS FOR NEW MEMBERS
▶ New Members - Welcome to ETFO brochure at etfo.ca/link/newmembers
▶ New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP) at etfo.ca/link/NTIP
▶ Survive and Thrive at survivethrive.on.ca
▶ ETFO’s Occasional Teachers Website at etfo.ca/link/OT
▶ Professional Links (e.g., QECO, Edvantage) at qeco.on.ca
9
DEFENDING
WORKING
CONDITIONS
DEFENDING WORKING & LEARNING CONDITIONS
Your Collective Agreement
Read it, Maintain it & Defend it
Your collective agreement is a contract negotiated on your behalf by ETFO that includes
many rights, entitlements and protections. It is the product of decades of negotiating on
the part of local and provincial ETFO negotiators.
Once an entitlement is bargained into your Collective Agreement, it can be improved upon
and strengthened in subsequent rounds of bargaining. As a result, each and every ETFO
member has a stake in actively supporting the collective bargaining process.
Ensuring that your negotiated rights are being respected starts by reading your Collective
Agreement. It is important for all members to become familiar with the contents of their
local collective agreement, including language about:
▶ Salary;
▶ Grid placement (Note: Have you applied for and received your QECO evaluation?);
▶ Preparation time;
▶ Supervision time limits;
▶ Staffing, surplus and transfer dates;
▶ Seniority;
▶ Harassment and discrimination; and
▶ Leaves (e.g., sick leave, bereavement leave, pregnancy/parental leaves, etc.).
The language in your collective agreement is legally binding upon your employer and your
union. Inform your ETFO local immediately if you have any questions or concerns about
how language in your agreement is being implemented at your school or school board.
10 PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTSETFO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
During each round of collective bargaining (CB), members can receive the latest
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS
news and updates in a variety of ways, including:
▶ Online - ETFO’s CB website at etfocb.ca provides general bargaining information
and negotiation news;
▶ By Email - Members who have provided ETFO with their email address receive
central bargaining updates from the provincial office through the ETFO CB
eNewsletter;
▶ Through Bulletins - Local offices regularly distribute ETFO Central Bargaining
Bulletins during negotiation periods; and
▶ On Social Media - Members can join the ETFO CB Facebook Group (ETFOCB) to
ask questions and discuss bargaining-related issues.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
ETFO plays an important role in ensuring workplaces are safe and healthy places in
which to work. All workers, including ETFO members, have a right to a safe and healthy
workplace. Visit etfohealthandsafety.ca for more information.
BUILDING BETTER
SCHOOLS
ETFO’s resources for
parents and the general
public on how the
Federation is seeking
to engage the broader
community in supporting
public education.
Sign up to get involved at
BuildingBetterSchools.ca
11HOW TO
PROTECT
YOURSELF
CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION (COQ) FROM
THE ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS (OCT)
▶ Certificate of Registration from the College of Early Childhood Educators
▶ District school board correspondence related to your hiring and placement
▶ University/College transcripts
▶ Certificates from professional development activities (e.g., course, conference, workshop)
▶ Current résumé
▶ Copy of criminal record check/offence declaration
▶ QECO evaluation
▶ Documents related to your Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA)
▶ Information from your ETFO local
▶ Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Professional Relation Services Staff in Professional Relations Services (PRS) are available
to provide information, advice, support and intervention for members who are experiencing
professional difficulties.
PRS Matters Bulletins are designed to keep members informed on a variety of important legal
and professional issues impacting on education workers.
▶ Duty to Report and obligations under the Child and Family Services Act
▶ Teacher Performance Appraisals (TPA), Designated Early Childhood Educators (DECE)
Performance Appraisals (DPA), Professional Support Personnel (PSP)/Educational Support
Personnel (ESP) Evaluations and Occasional Teacher Evaluations
▶ Social Media
▶ Maternity and parental leaves
12 PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTSBUILDING A JUST SOCIETY
EQUITY STATEMENT
It is the goal of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario to work with others to
create schools, communities, and a society free from all forms of individual and systemic
discrimination. To further this goal, ETFO defines equity as fairness achieved through
proactive measures which result in equality, promotes diversity, and fosters respect and
dignity for all.
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13CREATING
INCLUSIVE
SPACE
ETFO HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario is committed to:
• Providing an environment for members that is free from harassment and discrimination at all
provincial and local Federation sponsored activities;
• Fostering the goodwill and trust necessary to protect the rights of all individuals within the
organization;
• Neither tolerating nor condoning behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of
individuals or the integrity of relationships; and
• Promoting mutual respect, understanding and co-operation as the basis of interaction among all
members.
Harassment and discrimination on the basis of a prohibited ground are violations of the Ontario
Human Rights Code and are illegal. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario will not tolerate
any form of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code, at
provincial or local Federation sponsored activities.
ETFO LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the Spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the Elementary Teachers’
Federation of Ontario acknowledges that we are gathered today on the
customary and traditional lands of the Indigenous Peoples of this territory.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
• Annual Black History Month posters and resources at etfo.ca/link/365
• Annual Asian Heritage Month posters at etfo.ca/link/AsianHeritageMonth
• Anti-Black Racism resources at etfo.ca/link/365
• First Nation, Métis and Inuit resources at etfo.ca/link/FNMI
• ETFO takes action at etfo.ca/link/ETFOTakesAction
14 BUILDING A JUST SOCIETYFROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME
▶ Get informed. Read the ETFO magazine VOICE and visit
the ETFO website to get the latest information about
professional development and updates on the work of the
union.
▶ Call your ETFO local with your questions, your opinions or
your offer to volunteer for an activity.
▶ Call the ETFO provincial staff with a question that’s been
worrying you (416-962-3836 or 1-888-838-3836).
AT YOUR SCHOOL
▶ Get to know your ETFO steward, who is the ETFO representative in your school. See
how you can help to improve your workplace.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
▶ Get informed. Read the ETFO bulletin board and the local newsletter.
▶ Read the material ETFO distributes through your ETFO steward.
▶ Use ETFO curriculum materials in your classroom.
▶ Go to the in-school meetings called by the ETFO steward.
▶ Become an ETFO steward.
AT YOUR LOCAL
▶ Attend new member functions hosted by your local.
▶ Attend professional development events and workshops sponsored by your local.
▶ Attend your local’s general meetings, annual meetings and bargaining meetings.
Take a friend along.
▶ Join a local committee to help make a difference for teachers in your local.
▶ Volunteer to work on a project or program within your local.
▶ Get involved in social justice activities through the local.
AT YOUR PROVINCIAL UNIONS
▶ Apply to be a member of the one of the many ETFO provincial standing committees.
▶ Become one of your local’s delegates to the ETFO Annual Meeting.
▶ Attend a provincial ETFO conference or workshop – as a participant or workshop
presenter.
▶ Take an ETFO online AQ course or become an instructor for an ETFO online AQ course.
▶ Tell another member about the services of ETFO.
STAY CONNECTED ONLINE
etfo.ca facebook.com/ETFOprovincialoffice @ETFOeducators @etfoeducators
15STAY IN TOUCH &
BE ACTIVE
KEEP YOUR INFORMATION CURRENT
It is critical that the ETFO Membership Database be kept current as it is used to mail
out ETFO’s VOICE magazine as well as any other information ETFO may need to send to
its members.
If your information has changed, you can submit updated information by one of the
following ways:
Register for ETFO updates
▶ Go online to etfo.ca. You will find a quick link at the bottom of the home page titled
Update Member Information.
▶ Email Member Services at trecords@etfo.org. In your email, please include your
ETFO ID# as well as the information you would like to have updated.
▶ Telephone Member Services at 1-888-838-3836, extension 3806.
CONNECT WITH US
facebook.com/ETFOprovincialoffice @ETFOeducators youtube.com/ ETFOprovincial
16 STAY CONNECTEDETFO BLOGS & WEBSITES
ETFO Members Sharing in Assessment Members have the opportunity to choose
STAY CONNECTED
what strategies and tools work for them and modify them to meet their daily needs.
The time is right for ETFO members to be Sharing in Assessment.
etfoassessment.ca
ETFO Professional Learning in the Early Years
Includes videos focused on effective practices in the early years, mathematics in
Kindergarten and observation with accompanying sample facilitator’s guides.
etfopley.ca
ETFO VOICE
To read current and back issues of VOICE magazine.
etfovoice.ca
The Heart and Art of Teaching
This interactive blog has practical ideas and topics of interest for new members or
those who are experiencing a change of assignment from practicing teachers.
heartandart.ca
ETFO FNMI
This interactive blog provided practical resources for educators with a focus on
topics related to First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples.
etfofnmi.ca
ETFO Takes Action
A directory of actions that ETFO has taken to build a just society, defend working and
learning conditions, drive labour action and conversations on key topics and support
members and local leaders.
etfo.ca/link/ETFOTakesAction
17YOUR FUTURE
& BENEFITS
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP)
otpp.com
Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS)
omers.com
Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP)
otip.com
18 YOUR FUTUREThe Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP)
Every product and service we offer has been shaped with your needs in mind. At OTIP, we believe that
insurance built around our members is the best insurance of all.
GROUP BENEFITS AND DISABILITY
Your group benefit plans are customized to meet the needs of you and your family. OTIP’s secure member website gives you convenient
access to your health, dental and life insurance benefits to make a claim, review you coverage and update your benefits. Disability
insurance is one of your most valuable group benefits. If you are unable to work because of injury or illness, early submission of your
claim is beneficial for OTIP to make timely decisions. From our early intervention, claims and rehabilitation teams you will receive
practical, caring support throughout this claim process. Our LTD Services team is also there to support you through your
CPP application and throughout any claims appeal process. Visit otip.com/group-benefits to log in and learn more.
RETIREE HEALTH, DENTAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
OTIP offers the most flexible health, dental and travel insurance available through RTIP to retired education members.
YOUR FUTURE
Simply choose the plan that best fits your needs. Visit otip.com/retiring to learn more.
CAR AND HOME INSURANCE
As a member of the Ontario education community, you are entitled to exclusive savings on car and home
insurance. Save up to 25% on car insurance! Plus, save up to 50% on home insurance when you bundle
your car and home insurance policies with OTIP. Visit OTIPinsurance.com/discount to start saving today.
When you purchase your insurance through OTIP, you will also have 24/7 access to Curo Claims Services.
Visit otip.com/claim-services to learn more.
LIFE INSURANCE
Protect what matters to you most: your loved ones. OTIP life insurance
gives you additional coverage — over and above your group coverage.
Visit otip.com/life-coverage to learn more. Stay up to date on the
latest contests, special
offers and insurance
OTIP CORPORATE GIVING PROGRAMS
news by subscribing to
We support the communities in which our members live and work through the OTIP OTIP’s electronic
Community Fund and other charitable programs. communications.
Visit otip.com/corporategiving to learn more.
otip.com/subscribe
Looking for more information? Call us at 1-800-267-6847.
19136 Isabella St, Toronto, ON M4Y 0B5 Toll Free: 1-888-838-3836 etfo.ca
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