$1000 Retention Stipend - Details! More In-person Paid PD with dinner; Proof of Teaching Experience; Dress Purple Day

 

RETENTION STIPEND

TVDSB and the Union are pleased to inform members of the following Letter of Understanding (signed without prejudice or precedent) - 

The parties agree that in an effort to support schools during unprecedented staffing challenges, the following stipends will come into effect October 20, 2022 until January 31st, 2023. The parties agree that the stipends are available only for daily occasional teachers and do not include time worked in a long- term assignment or an assignment that evolves to a long-term assignment.

CONDITION	STIPEND PAYABLE
Thirty-Five (35) daily occasional assignments or more from October 20, 2022 until January 31, 2023, with a minimum of two (2) days worked in each month.	$500 less statutory deductions
Ten (10) daily occasional assignments or more on a Friday or a Monday from October 20, 2022 until January 31, 2023.	$250 less statutory deductions
Ten (10) daily occasional assignments or more worked at a high coverage needs school location (please see the attached schedule for identified high needs school locations).	$250 less statutory deductions

  

It is noted that in order for the above conditions to be met, the assignment must be actively worked. Participation in paid PD is not considered a day worked for the purposes of this letter of understanding.

Should a daily occasional teacher meet more than one condition as outlined above, they would be eligible to receive multiple stipends for a combined total of no more than $1000 less statutory deductions.

For the purposes of this Retention Stipend, these are the TVDSB High Coverage Needs School Locations:

A. J. Baker PS

Adelaide - W.G. MacDonald PS

Aldborough PS

Annandale Public School

Blenheim District PS

Caradoc North PS

Caradoc PS

Centennial Central PS

Davenport PS

Delaware Central PS

Dunwich-Dutton PS

East Williams Memorial

Ekcoe Central PS

Emily Stowe PS

Hickson Central PS

Innerkip Central PS

J.P. Robarts PS

Kettle Creek PS

Laurie Hawkins PS

Mary Wright PS

McGillivray Central PS

McGregor PS

Mosa Central PS

New Sarum PS

Northdale Central PS

Oxbow PS

Parkhill-West Williams

Parkview PS

Plattsville & District PS

Port Burwell PS

Port Stanley PS

River Heights PS

South Dorchester PS

South Ridge PS

Southwold PS

Sparta PS

Springfield PS

Straffordville PS

Summers' Corners PS

Tavistock PS

Thamesford PS

Valleyview Central PS

West Elgin Sr PS

West Nissouri PS

Westfield PS

Westminster Central

Wilberforce PS

Zorra Highland Park

_________________________________

Another Paid PD In-Person Event!

Lamplighter Inn, London

4:30-7:30 PM (dinner included)

(registration opens in the TVDSB Portal on October 27th)

Choose from the following workshops:

1) Understanding the Progression of Multiplication and Division: this workshop explores how to teach multiplication and division in a meaningful progression using concrete tools, visual representations and meaningful models.

2) Flourish with French: this workshop will enable participants to accept a daily French assignment with confidence, even if they are not FSL qualified. Those who attend will receive a complimentary copy of TVOT's publication and explore the curriculum linked themes/units with one of its authors. 

3) Culturally Responsive and Relevant Teaching in the Junior and Intermediate Classroom: this session will engage participants in utilizing diverse texts, democratizing learning spaces, empowering learners to confront and challenge social injustice and how to adopt an asset-based, growth mindset about students' abilities.

For more details on these session, log into Conference/Session Registrations in the TVDSB Employee Portal (opens Oct. 27/22).

_______________________

Proof of Previous Teaching Experience

LTO salary is dependant on the QECO rating and on any previous teaching experience.  

LTOs with post-certification teaching experience outside of Thames Valley are urged to submit proof of this experience to HR so that they are given credit for this in their salary.

The Board will accept letters of experience on Board letterhead and signed by someone in Human Resources or an Administrator.

The letter must include:

- the position

- the start and end date(s) of the position(s) - specific as to the day, month and year

- if the position was full-time or less than full-time for each school year

- the teaching FTE (full-time equivalency)

- list of any leaves of absence, including the type of leave with start and end dates

- contact information (email or phone number) should further clarification be required

The deadline to submit letters of experience for LTO assignments in the current school year is July 31st.

_______________________________

- In a full 1.0 FTE long-term assignment, you are entitled to 240 minutes of prep time / 5 day cycle with no more than 80 minutes of supervision duty / 5 day cycle. 

- The Local urges any OT/LTO who loses their scheduled prep period, to keep track of the dates and how much time was lost, as the Local believes TVOT members should be compensated for these violations of the Collective Agreement.

- For purposes of Employment Insurance, a day is reported as 8 hours.

- The annual pocket calendars and fall newsletter are still with Sterling Marking Products who tell us there have been supply chain issues and equipment breakdowns. They apologize for the delays and hope to mail these out sometime next week.

_____________________

ETFO Awards Program and Bursaries

This awards program distributes over $120,000 per year and recognizes members and others for their distinguished academic achievement, service and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation. 

Click here for more information on ETFO's Awards or ETFO's Scholarship and Bursaries . 

_____________

By dressing in purple on October 27th, Children's Aid Societies in Ontario hope to raise awareness among students about their right to safety and well-being.To support this goal, they have developed classroom resources availabe at Dress Purple Day Classroom Resources .

________________________________

2 Extra Days of Work/Pay is Yours! Submission of Progress Reports: New Date, ETFO Members Sharing in Assessment and more....

2 Extra Days of Work/Pay is Yours!

As a TVOT daily Occasional Teacher you are eligible for 4  half-days of paid PD, time which for all purposes count as time worked. (LTOs of .5 or less FTE are also eligible.)

Please remember that one half-day must be reserved to complete the mandatory online modules which will be posted in the Employee Portal as required training in the spring.

This leaves 3 half-days TVOT OTs can use at their convenience to complete the online PD modules now listed in the Employee Portal under Conference/Session Registration. Spots are still available for several sessions being offered on the October 24th PD day so take this opportunity to "Earn while you Learn".

_____________________

NEW DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF PROGRESS REPORTS

end of school day on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

____________________________________

TVOT members are encouraged to regularly check their pays to ensure that they have been paid for all assignments.

Go to the Employee Portal. Enter your login and password. Click on View My Pay History.

Select a pay date and click Submit. Your pay statement will appear showing how much you earned for a 2 week period and the deductions taken from your pay. Click on View Time Sheet Details. Check to make sure that you have been paid for all the days you have worked. Click on Print Time Sheet Details for future reference for EI or OTPP. File your Time Sheet Details in a safe place. Keep your own log of days worked – Job Number, Date, Location, Teacher, Grade, etc. Each pay day, compare your log to the Time Sheet Details.

You will see these deductions on your pay statement:

EI - Employment Insurance - Everyone pays this.

OTPP - Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan - Every teacher pays into the OTPP unless you are receiving a pension.  In other words, if you have retired and are receiving money from OTPP, you will not pay into OTPP.  (This changes when you have exceeded the allowable teaching days.  See “Teaching after Retirement” on the OTPP website.) If you have taken the commuted value of your pension, and therefore are not receiving a monthly pension from OTPP, you MUST pay into OTPP.

Federal and Provincial Tax - Everyone has tax deducted from earned income.

Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Dues - every elementary Teacher pays this.

Thames Valley Occasional Teachers’ Local Levy - every Thames Valley Occasional Teacher pays this.

It is your responsibility to review your pay and report any errors or omissions to the Payroll department - their contact information is on your paystub. 

ETFO Members Sharing in Assessment  - ETFO Provincial's website for Teachers by Teachers

Assessment plays a critical role in teaching and learning. As Teachers become aware of the knowledge, skills and attitudes of students, they use this to information to support each child on their journey to success. 

This website by Teachers provides other Teachers with a collection of tools and examples to enhance this ongoing process. 

______________________________

Check out earlier Wednesday Blogs for:

- Columbia Outlet Store invitation (in effect until early November)

- information on how to earn an extra $1000 teaching with TVDSB

- upcoming retirement workshop

- Fifth Disease precautions

NEW & IMPROVED: Retention Stipend; Columbia Store Invitation; Retirement Workshop; Frequently Asked Questions; Ministry of Education Videos and Resources

 

Retention Stipend for Fall 2022

Very soon, TVDSB and your TVOT Local will release the details of a Fall Retention Stipend, created to support schools during the current staffing challenges. 

Daily Occasional Teachers will be eligible for a maximum of $1000 Retention Stipend (less statutory deductions) if they:

- teach a minimum number of days, and/or

- teach on Mondays or Fridays and/or 

- teach at one of the high coverage needs schools to be listed by the Board.   

The Board and the Union will release further details about the start date and the conditions agreed upon, when both parties have finalized the Letter of Understanding.

________________

            Upcoming Retirement Workshop

October 14th - November 6th

________________________________

The Ontario Ministry of Education has announced two two elementary Science and Technology curriculum videos that are now available on the Curriculum and Resources website .

The Ministry will also be hosting introductory webinars to explore the revised Grades 1 to 8 Science and Technology curriculum and here is the Registration link . A recorded version will be hosted in Supports for Learning eCommunity in the Virtual Learning Environment.

Dates for these webinars are:

• Oct 19/22 at 4 PM (Gr. 1-3 French)
• Oct 20/22 at 4 PM (Gr. 4-6 French)
• Oct 25/22 at 4 PM (Gr. 1-3 English)
• Oct 25/22 at 4 PM (Gr. 7-8 French)
• Oct 27/22 at 4 PM (Gr. 4-6 English)
• Nov 1/22 at 4PM (Gr. 7-8 English)

For more classroom resources check out: 

• The Ontario Science Centre - videos, presentations, lesson plans and PD re: STEM
• Science North  -webinars, videos, live teacher support and STEM resources 
• Let's Talk Science - resources on climate change
• Visons of Science - building STEM skills, climate change, coding, food literacy
• First Robotics – coding
• Nishnawbe Aski Nation -lesson plans and assessment ( in English, French, Ojibway, Oji-Cree)
• Subject Associations - long range plans, lesson and assessments, coding and webinars
• Sustain Ontario - food literacy

Engaging J/I Learners

Another ETFO Provincial Website

_______________________________

As a LTO, do I need to submit an Annual Learning Plan (ALP)?

- No, ALPs are a component of the Ontario Teachers' Performance Appraisal which applies only to those in permanent positions.

As a daily OT, can I leave the school during prep periods?

- No, a prep period is paid self-directed time which has been negotiated for you to use as you need, for example to fulfill your obligations under Article L18.01(c): The Occasional Teacher shall endeavour to provide written feedback to the Teacher being replaced at the conclusion of the occasional assignment. Such feedback will generally include comments on the progress of lessons taught, problems encountered and where appropriate, successes achieved and marks for work completed by students within the occasional assignment.

What is my role if I am asked to fill in for an absent EA or ECE?

- As an ETFO member, you can help out as an additional Teacher in that classroom, however we don't take on the duties of another bargaining unit, nor are we trained for the responsibilities of an EA or ECE. 

The daily job I accepted was to replace a .7 FTE permanent Teacher. Will I be paid for a full day?

- No daily Occasional Teacher will be paid less than .5 for an assignment, however assignments are paid on a pro-rated basis for jobs greater than a half-day but less than a full day in length. N.B., OTs could be asked to remain and carry out professional duties if the assignment they accepted was less than a half-day.

Call your Union at: 519-641-3936

or email us at: ETFO TVOT Local

for support, advice or general inquiries 

related to your employment .

Calls are confidential 

____________________

Your Insurance Bill Shouldn't Scare You This Hallowe'en - Here's How to Lower Your Insurance Cost

          With Halloween just around the corner and the ‘spooky season’ in full swing, there are many frights to behold. But your insurance bill shouldn’t be one of them.  While you need enough coverage to ensure you, your loved ones and your belongings are protected, there are ways to lower your insurance cost without reducing your coverage. We’ve put together a list of savings and discount options you may be eligible for in order to save on your home and auto insurance. Read more at www.otip.com/article153.

____________________

 

Let's Celebrate Women's History Month

Return of In-Person Paid PD; Columbia Store Invitation; CUPE Strike Vote; ETFO Awards and Bursaries: Happy Teachers' Day

 

Your ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' (TVOT) Local recognizes and celebrates the great work of our 1800 certified Occasional Teacher members who seamlessly replace absent permanent elementary Teachers in Thames Valley.

____________________

ACT FAST - New Paid PD Opportunites:

• Oct. 24th PA Day
• Oct. 25th Dinner Sessions
• Nov. 18th PA Day

Registration is now open in the TVDSB Employee Portal in the Conference Session Registration area, under Elementary Occasional Teachers PD 2022 - 2023. Note: A Reflection Form is required upon completion of each session to trigger payment. 

OCTOBER 24 PA Day (Daytime sessions)

- AM, PM or Full-day: Self-Directed PD with advance permission from a Principal to attend the system-wide PD session at an elementary school of your choice. Participants will have an opportunity to receive information on Literacy along with the permanent staff.

- AM: Supporting Multilingual Learners (via Teams)

- AM: Introducing DRiVe: Experimental Design Process in Grades 7-12 in person at Sir John A. Macdonald STEM room

- AM: Number Talks (via Teams)

- AM: Creating Ready to Go Plans - Applying the Essential Conditions for Learning in Elementary (via Teams)

- AM: Implementing the Essential Conditions for Learning Foldables - Let's Explore Together (via Teams)

- AM: Equity, Anti-Racism and Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy - Best Practices for Staff (via Teams)

- AM: No Supply Plans? No Problem! (via Teams) 

OCTOBER 25 (Dinner sessions)

After-school sessions hosted by TVOT at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn at 591 Wellington Rd. in London which include a free dinner. Sessions begin at 4:30 and end at 7:30 PM. Select one for a half-day credit. Registration is via the Portal. 

- How Can We Help Students SEE Mathematics: explore practical, hands-on applications for all learners and ways to support numeracy operations 

- Hooking the Reluctant Writer: learn strategies to motivate your students using picture prompts and setting up expectations for your classroom writing process. Pick up ideas for co-creating success criteria and what that looks and sounds like with your class.

- Your First LTO: From Surviving to Thriving: Paricipants will develop a solid foundation of effective practices, learn about successfully navigating the school climate, establishing parent communication, establishing classroom routines etc. 

NOVEMBER 18 PA Day (Daytime sessions)

- AM: Supporting Multilingual Learners (via Teams)

- AM: Introducing DRiVe: Experimental Design Process in Grades 7-12 in person at Sir John A. Macdonald STEM room

- AM: Math Tools (via Teams)

- AM: Creating Ready to Go Plans - Applying the Essential Conditions for Learning in Elementary (via Teams)

- PM: Creating Ready to Go Plans - Applying the Essential Conditions for Learning in Elementary (via Teams)

- AM: Implementing the Essential Conditions for Learning Foldables - Let's Explore Together (via Teams)

- PM: Implementing the Essential Conditions for Learning Foldables - Let's Explore Together (via Teams)

- AM: Equity, Anti-Racism amd Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy Best Practices for Staff (via Teams)

- AM: No Supply Plans? No Problem! (via Teams)

- PM: Surviving and Thriving as an FSL Occasional Teacher

For more information, contact Terri Manning in System Staff Development at t.manning@tvdsb.ca .

__________________

ETFO'S OCCASIONAL TEACHER WEBSITE

_____________________

Comparing an insurance broker to a direct writer – and what makes OTIP different?

When shopping for insurance it’s not only important to understand the coverage you’re looking for, but also your options for where to purchase your insurance. The two most popular options are direct writers and brokers, and understanding their differences may impact your decision when purchasing a policy.

Read more at www.otip.com/article152.

__________________

CUPE Strike Vote - What does it Mean?

Public education Collective Agreements in Ontario expired in August 2022. Many of you have heard the news that CUPE education support workers have voted 96.5% in favour of a strike.  This does not mean that a full strike is imminent. In Ontario, a strike can only take place if a conciliator issues a "no board report" signifying that the parties cannot come to an agreement and talks have broken down. At that point, CUPE will have the option to engage in work-to-rule or fully withdraw their services and ETFO members will be informed on how we will show our support.

__________________

ETFO PROVINCIAL AWARDS - SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE!

ETFO members make outstanding contributions to curriculum development, the arts, the environment, science and technology, children’s literature, health and safety, equity and social justice, 2SLGBTQ+ realities, and humanitarian causes.

The ETFO Awards Program recognizes distinguished academic achievements and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation by its members and others. The ETFO Awards Program offers a financial incentive for some awards and a certificate of recognition from the ETFO President.

ETFO Scholarships and Bursaries

ETFO’s Scholarships and Bursaries Program offers financial incentives to members and non-members entering faculties of education, members studying at the graduate level, and members upgrading their qualifications at publicly funded universities/institutions.

Application Deadlines: Awards - February 1 & Scholarships and Bursaries April 30

Find Out About ETFO Awards

________________________