Elementary Educators
136 Isabella Street M4Y 0B5 Toronto, ON, Canada

This long weekend, why not cook as a family! Cooking together can help boost our physical and mental #wellbeing and increase our connection. Read www.otip.com/Why-O/News/The-benefits-of-cooking-as-a-family to learn more about the benefits of family cooking.

People with autism have long faced inequities but this pandemic has made access worse. Let's work together to ensure obstacles and barriers are removed and we build a kinder, more inclusive world. #WorldAutismAwarenessDay

The Ford government's province-wide shutdown doesn't protect students and education workers from COVID-19. When will their safety and well-being be prioritized? And when will education workers have the option of being vaccinated? Read ETFO President Sam Hammond's statement below.

The ‘normal’ rhythm of the school year has been disrupted by #COVID19. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious and uncertain, you are not alone. Access tips and #mentalhealth resources today at www.otip.com/wellbeing

IMPORTANT UPDATE: ETFO press conference on the Ford government’s plan to move to permanent virtual learning has been rescheduled from tomorrow (Thursday, April 1) to the week of April 5. Stay tuned and for the new date, time and Livestream link!

Creating an inclusive and safe classroom, workplace and community requires our ongoing advocacy. With hate on the rise, it is so critical to speak out and be an active ally. You can help shift the culture of hate today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, and every day.

Doug Ford's refusal to act in the interest of safety in schools is reckless and irresponsible. Join us. Tell the Ontario government words and photo ops are not enough; time for action - www.BuildingBetterSchools.ca/join_home

COVID cases are on the rise. Urgent action is needed in public schools. And the experts have already told the Ford government what is needed. Why is Ford not listening? Join us to keep students and staff safe - www.BuildingBetterSchools.ca/join_home

As part of Transgender Awareness Week, we encourage you to reflect on allyship and how you actively do it. For other tools and classroom resources visit www.etfo.ca/link/transgender

ETFO has excellent resources to support educators. For instructional, environmental, and assessment strategies to address a range of student needs check out the new Special Education Handbook. Order it today from Shop.ETFO.ca

Today begins the 16 Days Against Gender-based Violence campaign. From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, Human Rights Day, we will share a visual message and solutions to stop violence against women and girls. Stopping violence must start with you. For info and other images visit https://bit.ly/3nP0B74

This is the second wave of the pandemic, how are you coping? Tell us about your experiences as an education worker with this ETFO confidential survey https://bit.ly/35YBFUy This survey was created in partnership with the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) and explores possible links between PPE, safe work protocols and your mental health.

To support ETFO women educators address gender-based violence in the workplace, the union is holding a one-day conference on Dec. 9. This virtual learning opportunity will help women build their knowledge and advocacy tools to ensure greater health and safety at work. Register before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Learn more at https://www.etfo.ca/cal/GBW.pdf

Earlier today, the ETFO President sent a letter to Ontario's Premier and Education Minister to urge the government to listen to experts and take urgent action to ensure safety in public schools. If the government seeks to keep schools open, safety measures are needed right now! Read a PDF of the November 23 letter at https://bit.ly/3fq1xM6 and the full text is below. Dear Premier Ford and Minister Lecce:...Continue reading

Caring for your mental well-being is always important, but it is vital during this challenging time. To help you put your mental well-being first, OTIP has released new resources and tips at otip.com/wellbeing. Be sure to make time for you this week!

The Ontario government is attempting to push through massive changes to the Child Care and Early Years Act. Proposals will impact child care services, children and early childhood educators. ETFO calls upon the Ford government to withdraw amendments lowering staff to child ratios, changes to age groupings and reducing the qualifications requirements. Read our submission bit.ly/3nVyuTV

Ontario government announces new measures and GTA/Peel "lockdown" but refuses to acknowledge the link between schools being open and COVID cases increasing. In the ETFO media release, https://bit.ly/2ULjlb5, Dr. David Fisman, Professor of Epidemiology, explains positivity rates since schools reopened. With no new safety measures, students and staff in public schools are continually put at unnecessary risk because the Ford government and its Minister of Education are refusing to act.