Your Federation: Winter 2025

October Representative Council

President David Mastin welcomed delegates to October Representative Council with a call to action on Bill 33, noting that anything we can do to put pressure on this government can help reduce the chances of the minister over-utilizing his powers to take over other local school boards.

“We have a minister of education who has openly called for eliminating elected school trustees. We all know that school board trustees aren’t perfect, but if this government is allowed to get rid of trustee elections that are scheduled one year from now, then none of us should be surprised if they then move to merge school boards or further centralize the administration of our schools,” he said. “The time for building our power is now. Talk to members. Build those bridges. And when the call comes, be ready to stand up and fight for our working conditions and for the public schools we all deserve.”

The guest speaker at Representative Council was Emis Akbari, executive director of the Atkinson Centre and professor and program coordinator at the School of Early Childhood at George Brown Polytechnic.

Reflecting on the centre’s most recent (2023) report on early childhood education, Akbari talked about the struggling national child care program and the fact the ECEs are the most underpaid and undervalued educators in Ontario, with the highest rate of attrition among education professionals. “Without wages that respect and value ECEs,” she said, “the workforce will continue to suffer.”

Representative Council participants took part in facilitated discussion groups on barriers to the participation of Black members and how to engage Black members at the local level.

International Women's Day T-Shirt 2026

Celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 and throughout the year! Back by popular demand, this year’s theme is “Advancing Change Together,” which reminds us that when we work in solidarity, change can happen in our schools, communities and at the polls.

Order by Jan.15 to ensure delivery of your T-shirt in time for International Women’s Day. Available now on shop.etfo.ca.

Resources from School Mental Health Ontario

School Mental Health Ontario has free, downloadable social-emotional learning posters that you can use in your classroom.

Visit smho-smso.ca to check out all the great resources that are available, and subscribe to their newsletter for receive updates and information about student well-being.

ETFO Awards: Apply Today

The ETFO Awards Program recognizes distinguished academic achievements and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation by members and others. Some awards include a financial component and all awards include a certificate of recognition from the ETFO president.

Learn more at etfo.ca/awards and apply by Feb.1, 2026.

Member Guides to Artificial Intelligence

Four new guides have been created to empower members to thoughtfully explore the potential uses, risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) in elementary education; engage in informed dialogue; and make decisions that protect and advocate for their professional integrity and support student learning.

The guides can be found under Classroom Resources at members.etfo.ca.

ETFO Celebrates 15 Years of DECE Members' Countless Contributions

On Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day (October 21), ETFO marked 15 years of Ontario’s Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK) program and celebrated the vital role designated early childhood educators (DECEs) play in supporting and inspiring our youngest learners.

“We celebrate the 15th anniversary of ETFO’s representation of DECEs and an FDK program that has transformed early learning in Ontario,” said President David Mastin. “By bringing DECEs and teachers together in collaborative kindergarten teams, they provide the strongest possible start for our youngest learners.”

Mark Your Calendars! DECE Virtual Town Hall

Bring all your questions about membership services, ETFO advocacy, government relations, or anything else you want to know about your union to this virtual town hall for DECE members on Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Make sure you are subscribed to the ETFO e-newsletter to receive details and updates about this meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!