2018-2019 Book Rebate - Last Chance; ETFO Summer Academy 2019; TVARRIS Job Shopping: June 7 Power of Many

ETFO's Summer Academy 2019
is here and registration is now open - Courses will fill up very quickly!
This year the ETFO Provincial workshops include over 45 practical courses across the province, facilitated by dynamic Teacher presenters. Courses are planned to meet our professional needs.
The selection includes topics such as literacy, mathematics, engaging the learner, kindergarten, technology, well-being and a variety of other learning areas.

For more information about these July and August opportunities, check out the
ETFO2019 Summer Academy website
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Time is up on Friday - 
May 31st is the deadline to send in your request for our $50 Book Rebate program.
Some members have emailed or faxed their documents to the office prior to mailing their originals so their paperwork will be in by the deadline.  Don't forget the purchase for the book(s) claimed, needs to be dated within the previous 60 days.
Application Forms are found on the etfotvot website under "Useful Forms and Documents" in Member Services. Don't miss out on this opportunity before our books close for the year!
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TVARRIS JOB-SHOPPING - It's Back!
Once again, the TVARRIS system  allows job-shopping, both online and by phone.
For Phone access: call 1-888-209-3162 and follow the prompts
For Online access: log into TVARRIS, go to the "Available Jobs" tab then enter your date range. Click on "Details" to review the job, then decide whether you wish to "Accept" or "Decline" the position.
As always, the job is only assured as yours if you have the Job Number.
Please contact your OT Office if there are any difficulties.
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Nobody Voted for This!

June 7th marks the first anniversary of the Ford  government's cuts to public services. Funding to all sectors, including education and health care has diminished and we are all affected, especially our most vulnerable citizens. 

The Ontario Federation of Labour/OFL has organized a province wide protest June 7th.

In our region, a bus from the OPSEU Regional Office at 1092 Dearness Drive, will leave at 3:30 to take participants to MPP Jeff Yurek's office, 750 Talbot Street in St. Thomas. That protest runs from  4 PM - 6 PM. Your spot on the bus can be reserved at https://www.oflevents.ca/london_june_7_day_of_action_to_resist_ford_cuts

For those from the Woodstock area who are not working June 7th,  protests will gather from 9 AM to 10:30 AM in front of MPP Ernie Hardeman's office at 12 Perry Street.
These government actions must stop before they destroy the Ontario we all cherish.  Let's be part of the noise that draws their attention!
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Everyone Belongs Survey
The Thames Valley District School Board has developed a survey to collect the demographics of their employees in accordance with the Ministry of Education's Equity Action Plan.
Your TVOT Local encourages all members to take a few minutes to complete this brief online questionnaire which will be available until June 28, 2019 at
https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/our-board/everyone-belongs--staff-survey.aspx

Paid PD Workshop, Book Rebate Subsidy Deadline drawing near

Paid PD Workshop, June 7th - Earn while you learn

The local has worked with TVDSB Health and Safety to present some key information that OTs may want to know as they move through day-to-day, school-to-school and LTO assignments. This session will be considered as a half-day paid PD under the collective agreement.

This is a great opportunity for OTs to learn and seek clarity on policies and procedures that you may be part of in school environments.

Topics include:

• Safety Policies/Procedures. Checklists and Forms
• Emergency Information Sheet for Occasional Staff
• Safety Plans for the Management of Aggressive Behaviour along with case studies
• Employee Accident Incident procedure and Investigation
• Environmental Testing
• Employee Mental Health

There will be 2 morning sessions and 2 afternoon sessions.  The locations are the Quality Inn in Woodstock and the BMO Centre in London.

Register under "Conference" in the Employee Portal.

For more information, please contact:

Charlene Hofbauer

Coordinator, System Staff Development

Thames Valley District School Board

519-452-2000   ext. 20506

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The deadline to submit your Book Rebate Subsidy Application offered by ETFO-TVOT is May 31st.  Don't forget the requirements listed at the top of the page namely:

 1) a completed application form and 

 2) the original receipt (purchased within the previous 60 days)

 

You can access the application form on the ETFO-TVOT website under useful documents in Member Services .  Go to: www.etfotvot.com

Spring General Meeting and Banquet and Resources available to you!

We are very excited to welcome and see all our registrants at this afternoon's Spring General Meeting and Banquet in the Crystal Ballroom at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn. It's hard to believe we're nearing the end of the school year and have much to celebrate and plan for in 2019-2010!
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From ETFO Provincial, the following are Resources specific to Occasional Teachers that you may not have known about:

ETFO AQ Course:  The Occasional Teacher
This course will focus on the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective occasioanl teacher. It recognizes that occasional teachers may face additional challenges in their professional lives because of the nature of the occasional teaching role.
http://etfo-aq.ca/?s=occasional+teacher

I Am the Teacher - Effective Classroom Management for the Occasional Teacher
Experienced practitioners show you how to establish an effective presence in the classroom and school, connect appropriately with students, and establish routines and procedures. This resource outlines student expectations, classroom and behaviour management techniques, and useful instructional practices. To purchase a copy please visit ShopETFO.
shop.etfo.ca/collections/resources/products/i-am-the-teacher

The Occasion to Lead:  A Resource Guide for Occasional Teachers
Written by occasional teachers for occasional teachers. The Occasion to Lead is a must-have resource that will provide you with hands-on knowledge about everything you would ever want or need to know about our profession. Note: This resource is no longer available on the ETFO website. You can request the resource by going to the Ontario Teachers Federation (OTF) website https://www.otffeo.on.ca/en/contact/

The Heart and Art of Teaching and Learning
The Heart and Art of Teaching and Learning is a book that is full of practical tips for beginning teachers on: setting up your classroom, classroom management, building inclusion, working with parents, meeting diverse learning needs and occasional teaching.
heartandart.ca

A Member's Guide to Employment Insurance
This resource addresses several issues pertaining to employment insurance.
etfo.ca/supportingmembers/employees/pages/ei.aspx

ETFO Professional Judgement Matters:  The Occasional Teacher Evaluation
Professional judgement guidelines for the occasional teacher evaluation and the teacher performance appraisal outlines the scope with which members can utilize their professional judgement during the evaluation and appraisal process.
etfo.ca/SupportingMembers/Professionals/PJdocs/PJM-TPA.pdf

ETFO Professional Relations Matters Bulletin Volume 99: Occasional Teacher Evaluation Process
This document was designed as a guide for school boards to develop an evaluation process for long-term occasional teachers (LTOs).
http://www.etfo.ca/SupportingMembers/Employee/PDF%20Versions/Occasional%20Teacher%20Evaluation%20Process.odf

ETFO Occasional Teacher Website
Whatever your assignment or role as an occasional teacher this ETFO site can support you with resources, tips and tools, and classroom experiences. From a quick work sheet to a long-term plan, you'll find it here. etfo-ots.ca

2018-2019 OTE Required Training; Successful Interview for the LTO LIst?; Payment for LTO assignments; Spring Banquet on May 15th, $50 Book Rebate

The following training initiatives are required for the 2018-2019 school year. They will open on Wednesday, May 8th and must be completed on or before June 28, 2019. Payment for those who qualify will be processed through System Staff Development for the July 19, 2019 pay date. You must electronically confirm completion of each module. Remember to hit submit! These modules will be available through YouTube and should not have any compatibility issues. It is suggested that you take the time to complete all of the training at once.

To access the training:

• Log into the Employee Portal.
• Under the heading Staff Development & Training (right-side of the page), click on the link Employee Training.
• The section with the required modules is under the heading 2018-2019 OTE Required Training with the required module titles below:

             - Anaphylaxis & Asthma Management Training Video
             - Asthma Metered Dose Inhaler Resource Video
             - Concussion Awareness Part 1
             - Concussion Part 2 - Response, Management
             - December - Slips, Trips and Falls
             - November - Ladder Safety Awareness
             - October- Fire Code Training 2017
             - September - Emergency Codes and Asbestos Awareness
             - Video 1 - Violence Awareness & Handling Violent Situations
             - Module 3 - Post Incident Review & Documentation
             - Module 10 - Working Late
             - Module 11 - Handling Cash
             - Module 12 - Workplace Design
             - Module 13 - Recognizing and Coping with Aggressive Behaviour

PLEASE NOTE:

• Occasional Teachers on a Board approved Leave of Absence are not required to do mandatory training. However, they must complete the WHMIS Review, Annual Offence Declaration prior to August 31, 2019.
• If your training has been processed for July 19th payment, a job with the location HR 1 will appear on your TVARRIS calendar for June 28th. You do not have to do anything once this job has appeared. Collective agreement eligibility for PD applies.
• Be sure to click the proper area on the Employee Training page to be tracked inthe report which confirms completion. Failing to do so may result in delays.

Please contact Charlene Hofbauer at extension 20506 for training and processing inquiries.
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Didn't have a successful interview for the LTO List?

Regulation 274 allows that "If following an interview a teacher is not placed on the long-term occasional teachers list or appointed or assigned to a long-term assignment or permanent position, the teacher is entitled, on request, to meet with the person or panel that conducted the interview to discuss, (a) his or her performance during the interview; (b) measures he or she could take to enhance his or her professional qualifications; and (c) other ways to improve his or her chance of being successful in a similar interview in the future.
Contact Corissa Parker in Human Resources for further details.

Payment for LTO assignments

If you were paid at the A1/daily rate for this year's long-term occasional assignment(s), you may be eligible for a salary adjustment that reflects your qualifications. To qualify, you must provide the Board with a QECO/Qualifications Rating Statement and any supporting documents prior to July 31st.

Follow the instructions at www.qeco.on.ca or call QECO at 1-800-385-1030 and request an application form to obtain your QECO rating statement, Program 5. Submit the results before the July 31st deadline to Corissa Parker of Human Resource Services at the Thames Valley District School Board. If your QECO application has been submitted but will not be finalized by the July due date Human Resources will require a copy of the green QECO confirmation card.
And if you taught previously, don't forget to submit any proof of previous teaching experience on Board letterhead - you may be entitled to additional years of experience on the salary grid.
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Here's a Chance to Meet Your Peers
Join us next Wednesday, May 15th from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South, in London for our Spring General Meeting and Banquet.  Draws for Gift Cards will be held and ETFO-TVOT insulated water bottles will be distributed to those who have not already received theirs.  A delicious dinner is included.  Register at www.etfotvot.com
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 $50 Book Rebate from Local has a May 31st Deadline
This is the last month to apply for your $50 rebate to subsidize purchase of a professional resource applicable to elementary occasional teaching.  Don't miss out - forms are available at www.etfotvot.com




     

Spring Banquet on May 15th; $50 Book Rebate; Your 2019 - 2020 Local

Spring General Meeting and Banquet
Join us on Wednesday, May 15 at the Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South, London from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm for our annual meeting - a delightful event whereby we celebrate the year's achievements and look forward to planning for the 2019-2020 school year.  Several gift cards will be available as door prizes.
Dinner for this special event is provided and includes:

• A selection of salads: marinated mushroom, Mediterranean Greek, Caesar, Garden greens with a selection of house dressings and Country potato salad
• Antipasto: Sliced European deli meats, crisp vegetable crudites with herb dip, selection of domestic and international cheeses, relish tray with sweet pickles, kalamata olives, cornichons and pearl onions and an assortment of breads, flat-breads and European rolls
• Entree: Pan seared salmon fillet with a dill infused white wine sauce; Roasted Ontario turkey with traditional dressing and cranberry sauce; Penne pasta primavera in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce
• Dessert: Assorted tortes, cakes and cheesecakes, fresh fruits, freshly brewed coffee and an assortment of herbal teas.

With all the Executive positions acclaimed, the only election will be for Delegates/Alternates to the Provincial ETFO Annual Meeting in Toronto from August 12-15, 2019.

Please consider joining your colleagues for this lovely evening - Register at www.etfotvot.com
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 $50 Book Rebate from Local has a 
May 31st Deadline 
This is the last month to apply for your $50 rebate to subsidize purchase of a professional resource applicable to elementary occasional teaching.
Don't miss out - forms are available at www.etfotvot.com



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Call on us - We have you covered...
There are 76 Locals in ETFO, the provincial union which represents 83,000 elementary educators in the public system.  In Thames Valley we have 2 separate ETFO Locals: one for the permanent Teachers and one for the Occasional Teachers with the boundaries of each Local corresponding to those of the school Board.  When  you work as an elementary OT, you pay dues to ensure that you have representation from your Local should you need support or assistance.  Your OT Collective Agreement provides that you have representation from our office at any meeting with Administration which might result in discipline. Teacher stewards only represent permanent Teachers so never hesitate to contact us.  And as parties in the bargaining process, your Local has expertise on the provisions of the Collective Agreement including leaves, salary, Regulation 274 etc.
Reach us at 519-641-3936 or contact us by email at etfotvot@gmail.com.
We have you covered!
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Your Local Executive for 2019 - 2020 

With all positions acclaimed, here are the people who will serve you this coming school year:
President - Terry Card
First Vice President - Nancy Springer
Second Vice President - Vivek Nath
Secretary - Sarah Pye
Treasurer - Kevin Utley
Health and Safety Officer - David Griffith
Executive Members at Large - Meera Jain, Farida Makhani, Sharon Pinylo, Cindy Webb

Collective Bargaining Committee - Terry Card, Nancy Springer, Vivek Nath, Sharon Pinylo, Kevin Utley, Farida Makhani
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