Leader Profile

Voice in conversation with ETFO’s newly-elected President Karen Brown.

ETFO First Vice President Susan Swackhammer is retiring this year. General Secretary Sharon O’Halloran paid tribute to her at…and still we Rise in February.

Member concerns about EQAO testing dominated ETFO’s 2010 annual meeting. President Sam Hammond called on the government to temporarily halt province-wide testing and reduce the resulting number of Ministry initiatives.

Like many other ETFO leaders, Julie Stanley brings years of experience to her position as chief negotiator for the Bluewater Teacher Local. Stanley is typical of a unique group of experienced women negotiators leading collective bargaining teams across the province.

The election of a new provincial executive, the introduction of full-day kindergarten, and EQAO testing were the focus of delegates’ attention and concern at ETFO’s 2009 annual meeting.

Education assistants  make up a small fraction of the ETFO membership. But the impact they have in the classroom can be substantial.

Dave Wing is the president of the Kawartha Pine Ridge ETFO Local. He started teaching in 1989. Today he is married (to another teacher) and has two children, ages five and seven. He spoke with Voice about his leadership journey.

For most Canadians, the annual switch from long to short sleeves is a welcome sign of spring. Until recently however, Laurel Liddicoat-Newton dreaded the thought of baring her arms and legs in front of staff and students.

Teacher, union leader, political/social activist, wife and mother, Wells is a person who wears a variety of hats, often simultaneously.