Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Edvantage Programme; OTs and Teachers' Pension; For New Women Teachers

As a member of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, you have the opportunity to participate in the many discounts offered to members by the "Edvantage" programme.
Just ensure you have an updated address on file with www.etfo.ca > Quick Links (right hand side) > Members - Update Contact Information, and you will receive your 2017 validation sticker for your ETFO ID Card, mailed to your residence in the winter edition of ETFO's Voice Magazine.  Discounts apply to retailers such as Roots, Soft Moc, Scholars, Apple, Bell, Hakim Optical, Goodlife Fitness, CAA, Via Rail and many more.  If you have misplaced your ETFO membership card (the one with the red apple on it), contact 1-888-838-3836 to request a replacement.  For more information on "Edvantage" we encourage you to visit http://www.edvantage.ca/Frequently-Asked-Questions
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As soon as an OT begins teaching, they automatically contribute to the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP). These contributions are matched by the provincial government and by every eligible employer.  T4 slips will show your tax deductible contributions from each employer.
OTPP bases your eligibility to retire on your years of recognized teaching in Ontario. Occasional Teachers need to be aware that it takes more than 10 days of teaching in a school year to gain a year of teaching credit so your Local encourages members to take every opportunity to pass this threshold. It would be unfortunate to have additional years tacked on to the end of your career as you consider your retirement factor, because of these missed opportunities at the beginning.  For further information please visit: https://www.otpp.com/members/cms/en/news/archive/2012/occasional-teaching-and-your-pension.html
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If you are a woman Teacher/Occasional Teacher in your first 5 years as an ETFO member, you can apply for ETFO Provincial's "Visions Program". The program will focus on union involvement both at the Local level and in the broader labour community.  Release time (i.e., you will be paid as if you taught these days) will be covered as will course materials, shared accommodations, travel, meals and dependant care. Sessions will take place January 18-19, then February 22-23 and finally March 22-23, 2017.  Registration is at events.etfo.org under Upcoming Conferences > "Visions Program 2017". You will need to have your ETFO ID number available. Registration closes December 5/16. For further information call 1-888-838-3836.  
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There are a few spots available in Workshops 1 (Equitable and Courageous Conversations) and 2 (Professional Judgement - How do I exercise it in My Workplace Effectively?) being offered to you on November 24, 2016 at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South in London from 4:30 - 7:30 PM.  Dinner is included.  Avoid disappointment and come out to these very worthwhile opportunities.  
Register at www.etfotvot.com