CTF Spearheads Movement Against Video Game (CTF Report)

An international coalition of teacher  organizations  has  joined  in  an unprecedented  effort  to  condemn bullying and cyber bullying in all its forms. The outcry by teacher organizations representing over 4  million teachers and education workers was sparked by the March 4 release of Bully –Scholarship Edition.

As  teachers  we  are  concerned because  the  Canadian-produced video game trivializes and glorifies bullying  in school. While the coalition recognizes that this is only one among  thousands  of  violent  and aggressive video  games on the market, this game in particular hits closer to  home  for  teachers and  students. We cannot stand idly by while Bully – Scholarship Edition actively promotes and profits from bullying behaviour and violence.

Canada’s classrooms are diverse and complex, and games like this easily target students who are most vulnerable. Bully – Scholarship Edition does nothing to promote positive relationships. The coalition has the interests of all children in mind. We encourage retailers to refuse to sell this distasteful game. We urge parents to help us raise awareness and  work  together  toward  creating caring and inclusive school environments.

Bullying and its virtual offshoot, cyber bullying, have become key issues for the Canadian Teachers’ Federation. That  is  why  CTF spearheaded this coalition, which includes the Centrale des syndicats du Québec, National Education  Association (USA), the National Union of Teachers (UK), the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association, the Australian Education Union, the Korean Federation of Teachers’ Association, and the Caribbean Union of Teachers. These teacher organizations  are  all  members  of  Education International, which also endorses this initiative.
Order  your  free  “Cybertips  forTeachers”   brochure  by  emailing info@ctf-fce.ca or visiting “Cybertips for Teachers” at ctf-fce.ca.

Many Voices, Many Journeys: The voice of Aboriginal  teachers

The  CTF’s  new  publication  ManyVoices, Many  Journeys is  an  inspiring  collection  of  stories written by Aboriginal   teachers   from   across Canada. The collection explores the often difficult and complex journeys taken  by  Aboriginal  educators,  as well  as  the  critical  role  education plays on those journeys. The idea for the book originated from the work of  the  CTF  Advisory  Committee on Aboriginal Education as a followup to its 2002 national Aboriginal Education conference.

At the heart of  every great teacher is a storyteller. Stories play a crucial role in Aboriginal  culture  as  the  mainstay  of  the Aboriginal approach to teaching and learning. The collection’s artwork, poetry, and short stories touch a number of powerful themes. Not all the journeys are easy or pleasant; yet stories have the power not only to educate, but to heal. The stories also reveal  the  connection  between  education  and cultural values, the necessity of  preserving the language, and the  ultimate bond with the land. Finally, references to the spirit world, spirituality, and mythology will light the fire of every reader’s imagination.

It is a joy to publish a collection that is both educational  and  entertaining.  We  encourage everyone to embark on this  wonderful journey and exploration of Aboriginal culture.

Many Voices, Many Journeys is  available for purchase online at ctf-fce.ca for $15 plus taxes and shipping.