Voices

In this issue of Voice, we consider the factors that contribute to social and economic precarity.

When workplace violence happens in schools there is a risk of physical and mental harm to both adults and children. The classroom is disrupted and the whole school community can be affected. Both Educators and students can become fearful at the prospect of violence happening again.

In 2010, I started a program called Write To Give. I wanted to help others in the developing world but I also wanted to do something different in my Grade 1 classroom.  Something fun.  Something the kids would really connect with.

For years I did a variety of things in my class to raise money for various causes.  Things like “hat days” or  “candy o’grams” or “gum days.”  They were all fun and raised some money.  But I never really felt they had a significant impact on my students.  The “meaning” or “cause” always seemed to get lost in the excitement of eating candy or wearing a hat.  So I was determined to find a solution.  

On December 3rd, we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We’ve come a long way but people with disabilities still face barriers to inclusion in the workplace, in schools and in our society. Many aspects of disability result directly from the barriers presented by the design of our society rather than being reflective of the ability of an individual to contribute to society.  

Understanding treaties is part of our collective journey in learning about our nation’s history and our obligations to the treaty agreements that were made in written and oral forms. You can explore this issue as part of your classroom teachings by accessing a host of treaty classroom resources, videos, history and facts and modern day treaties compiled by ETFO here. 

While austerity and precarious work are increasingly common in the province, we are presently in a moment of opportunity.

ETFO has done a great deal in the past couple of years to fight for our collective bargaining rights and the democratic rights of all Ontarians.

In this issue of Voice, we tackle the question of austerity.