THINGS THEY DIDN'T TEACH YOU AT TEACHERS' COLLEGE

$ Money
Pizza, drink, trips, fundraising, photo money...this is where a class list is handy.  Duplicate a copy of the list.  Check off the child's name. Use one column for the amount of money received and another column for the permission form etc. Immediately send the money and forms to the office and buzz to let them know that these are on their way. Leave the duplicate checklist for the Teacher.
Yard Duty
Be on time or early. Cut your class short to allow ample time to get the class ready (primary classes in winter can take ten minutes or more). If anything happens before you get out, you could be held accountable. After recess, double-check the playground for stragglers.
Headcounts
Take frequent headcounts during the day. If there's a fire drill and no class list, at least you'll know how many children you should have. Verify your head count numbers frequently during any class trips.
Bus Trips
You need at least three class lists: one for you, one for the school and one for the bus driver. Young children should have identification tags. Adults should have a list of the children in their care. Ensure children are safely seated on the bus. Take a headcount. Note the name of the bus driver, the bus company, the bus number and any identifying features of the bus - they all look alike in a parking lot.  Clarify the pick up time and place with the driver. Take frequent headcounts during the event. Bring grocery bags for children to stow their own hats, mittens etc. Allow for a bathroom break before you go on any trip.
Staff Room Manners
Pay for coffee if there's a fund. Wash your cup and wipe up spills. Ask before partaking on "treat day" though many staffs will offer.  If you're there often, bring in a treat for staff - your effort will buy much good will.  Never participate in discussions about students, other teachers, programmes, schools, parents, volunteers, etc. You are a professional.
Support Staff
E.A.s, secretaries, custodians etc. are invaluable. Try to establish and maintain a good rapport with all school staff.
The Facilities
If you can't wait to use the facilities, contact the office, librarian etc. to cover your class for a moment. Never leave the class unattended.
Rotary
It's very difficult to keep on schedule but again, never leave a class unsupervised, especially if you are the one on the move. If you arrive to find a class unattended, make a personal note in case something comes up at a later date.
Identification
Ask for identification and check with the office before releasing a child to an adult. Visitors to a school are supposed to check in with the office before going to the class or out to a portable. Better to be safe than sorry.
Professional Attire
How we dress doesn't make a difference in how well we teach, but recent studies in the business world have prompted Fortune 500 companies to move from "casual" attire to "business casual" attire. We work actively with children so our attire must be comfortable and versatile, but first impressions do count.

Thank you to the organizers of the SMART Board workshops offered yesterday at Wilfrid Jury P.S. Over 118 participants attended 9 workshops focusing on various SMART Board topics and all that can be accomplished with them.
Upcoming Professional Development 
Boutique Style Professional Development, offered on Tuesday November 22, 2011 at the OT Offices, 521 Nottinghill Road, Suite 8 in London will focus on The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades.  As a result of overwhelming demand, we are pleased to offer another session on Tuesday November 29, 2011, also to be held at the OT Offices, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  A light supper will once again, be provided to those attending.  Space is limited. Please Register by email - tvotpd@gmail.com by noon Friday November 25, 2011.

FALL GENERAL MEETING AND BANQUET

At the scenic ELM HURST INN, 415 Harris Street, in Ingersoll from 4:30 - 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 24, 2011.  Please register by email - tvotpd@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Should You Be A Volunteer?

Many new Occasional Teachers wonder if volunteering in the schools will help them obtain more occasional work.
Should you give away your years of training and considerable expertise for free? Does providing such services at no cost encourage the school boards and the ministry to properly fund education or does it send a different message? Only you can decide whether volunteering is right for you. You should be aware however, that whether you volunteer in a school or in your community, such activities are outside ETFO's mandate to protect it's members. Accordingly, any legal issues that might arise would be your own responsibility.
For that reason, ETFO frequently warns its members about volunteering for activities which are not connected to teaching assignments, and which involve potential legal risks. These activities may include coaching a sports team in the community, home instruction, driving families or students to social or sporting events on weekends or after school, camping activities with students or community members, or other similar activities. All these activities involve the teacher as a community member in his or her individual capacity, not as an ETFO member performing the daily work of teaching.
Yes, it can be difficult establishing yourself as a new Occasional Teacher.  Marketing yourself through word of mouth, handing out business cards, talking to principals, secretaries, and permanent Teachers, as well as doing the best possible job in you occasional teaching is essential.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

November is a very busy PD month with the following events:

1. SMART Board Workshops held at Wilfrid Jury Public School, 950 Lawson Road in London. Tuesday, November 15th 4:30 - 7:30 PM  Light Dinner and Drinks provided.  Twelve workshops focusing on various interests and skill levels are being offered.  We ask that you select 3 - we will try to accommodate your first choice where possible. Please visit http://www.etfotvots.com/ to view descriptions of the 12 workshops being offered so you can make your selections.                 
2. Boutique Style PD on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.  Your Local is proud to host a series of after school workshops limited to 15 participants per session.  Workshops are held at our OT Offices, 521 Nottinghill Road, Suite 8 in London and a light supper will be provided.  The Daily Five Boutique: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades. An Introduction and Overview - Keeping abreast of current teaching practices is important for all Occasional Teachers. This crash course for the uninitiated will introduce members to the 'Daily Five' approach to creating independent literacy learners in the classroom. 

Register for both events by email - tvotpd@gmail.com

ETFO Destination AQs and other Opportunities for Members

ETFO is pleased to offer another exciting option to their AQ course offerings - Destination AQs. Consider gaining an AQ qualification as you study in:
France:  French as a Second Language Parts 1,2, and Specialist
Greece:  English as a Second Language Parts 1,2, and Specialist
Italy:      Kindergarten Parts 1,2, and Specialist
Spain:    Special Education Parts 1,2, and Specialist
Offered in July 2012, these courses are comprised of 60 hours of online instruction and 40 hours of face-to-face instruction occurring in the destination country.  For details, please visit the ETFO website at http://www.etfo-aq.ca/.  Registration deadline is December 1, 2011 but these are filling fast. Let ETFO AQs take you somewhere unexpected!  For more information, please contact Nancy Baldree, extension 2247 nbaldree@etfo.org  at the provincial office.


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS


Back by popular demand, SMART Board Workshops will be offered by the Local after school on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Wilfrid Jury P.S.,  950 Lawson Road in London.  Workshops will run from 4:30 - 7:30 PM and a light dinner will be provided.  Register by email at tvotpd@gmail.com indicating preference by order.   These are very popular workshops so register early to avoid disappointment. Registration closes at noon - November 11, 2011. Details on each session will be posted soon on our website.

We call them Boutique PD Events because they provide professional development of smaller interest and are limited to 15 participants per session.  Workshops are held after school at our OT Offices at 521 Nottinghill Road, Suite 8 in London and a light supper will be provided.  This year our first boutique will be offered Tuesday, November 22nd. The Daily Five Boutique: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades. An Introduction and Overview - Keeping abreast of current teaching practices is important for all Occasional Teachers.  This crash course for the uninitiated will introduce members to the 'Daily Five' approach to creating independent literacy learners in the classroom. Register by email at tvotpd@gmail.com. 

FALL GENERAL MEETING


If you would like to mingle with your peers and have a say in what your Local is doing, be sure to attend the Fall General Meeting and Banquet at the picturesque Elm Hurst Inn and Spa just off Hwy 401 in Ingersoll, November 24th, 2011 from 4:30 - 7:30pm.  Enjoy a wonderful Christmas Buffet Dinner of Carved Roast Top Sirloin of Beef au Jus, Roast Ontario Turkey with Apple & Sage Dressing and gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Sweet Yams and a Vegetable Medley. Mediterranean Vegetable Strudel will also be offered for any vegetarians.  Please register at tvotpd@gmail.com by noon November 17, 2011.  There is no charge for members but 24 hours notice is required to cancel your spot or you will be charged for the cost of the meal.
In keeping with the spirit of the season and mindful of the plight of children in our own community, we will  once again, be collecting donations for Merrymount's Family Support and Crisis Centre. We ask that you  consider their wish list and to bring a donation to the meeting: Warm pyjamas, winter coats and snow pants, hats & toques, pants, shirts and sweatshirts, socks, underwear, all sizes, mittens (waterproof), winter boots and shoes, gift cards, movie passes, new books, art & craft supplies, toothbrushes and toothpaste, new toys for birthdays, holidays, non perishable food items.
Hope to see you there!
     

Assertive Versus Aggressive Behavior

We are constantly challenged by aggressive and intimidating individuals. ETFO Provincial recently released a PRS memo to reminds us that it is important to understand the behaviour of threatening people and learn how to respond.  If you normally respond passively to such individuals because you fear reprisal, or rejection you become the victim and the situation will worsen.  Don't give such people power over you! If you do nothing your stress level can lead to more serious issues for you and your students. Prolonged stress causes poor performance, moodiness, relationship issues, and physical illness.  You may not be able to change the "bully" but you certainly can and need to change the negative impact they are having on you!

Difference Between Assertive and Aggressive Behaviour
The Dictionary defines aggression as:
1) Any unprovoked attack.
2) An act of attitude of hostility, usually arising from feelings of inferiority or frustration.

Aggression makes some individuals feel better by forcing their point of view on others, hurting their feelings, and building resentment.  As teachers, we intervene in student bullying situations. Yet some of us allow ourselves to be emotionally devastated by a colleague treating us the same way.

The Dictionary defines assertion as:
1) A positive statement; declaration.
2) An insisting on one's right, a claim, etc.

To assert one's self means to put oneself forward; make oneself noticed, and insist on one's rights. An assertive person is able to stand up to others and deal with each issue at hand.  Assertiveness skills can be learned and will not only resolve many interpersonal problems but will build confidence, self-respect, and improved relationships with peers.

What not to do:  remain passive
Occasional and probationary teachers often state that they fear an unsatisfactory evaluation from an intimidating principal. Others do not want to be alienated on staff, or assume their peers know how they are feeling! To this, we say "beware of assumptions that have not been checked out". Contact your Federation to discuss the situation. Be careful not to confuse "keeping the peace" with remaining "passive".

What not to do:  fight aggression with aggression 
Think twice. How is this going to end up? Aggression is emotion out of control.
Your intent should be to move forward to a more positive working environment.

You will always encounter people who have to argue about everything and impose their views aggressively on others.  However, there is another kind of person who calmly and confidently asserts themselves without hurting others. Which do you want to be?

Social Media and Advice to Members

ETFO continues to support the responsible use of social media as an excellent teaching tool, provided it adheres to professional standards.  ETFO warns it members that anything they post can be: forwarded, taken out of context, copied, manipulated and becomes impossible to remove from cyberspace.

"Friending students; posting pictures of partying, or sending overly casual messages or texts to students, parents or others may lead to professional difficulties that you may not anticipate. While the use of technology has changed dramatically over time, the standards of professionalism have not changed. Interactions must be respectful, courteous, professional and boundaries must be maintained. Members are expected to be friendly, but not "friends" with their students.

ETFO has seen an increase in cyberbullying by electronic media in the education community. Members of ETFO can be target of this. Sometimes members initiate careless electronic communication which may have unintended, but grave professional consequences.

Some tips:

1. Communication with parents, students and other members of the education community is best done verbally or face to face in a professional and structured manner;
2. Casual, off hand, joking remarks or expressions of support via electronic media are easily misconstrued;
3. Pictures of you, chat discussions you initiate or participate in, and email or text messages between you and others create a permanent record. Reflect on your electronic postings;
4. Advise friends and family not to post pictures of you on social media sites without first asking your consent;
5. Slow down. Don't press "send" until you evaluate whether or not your postings, texts, emails will be considered professional and appropriate in the education community;
6. You are not your students' "friend". You are their teacher and must maintain a professionally appropriate relationship. In doubt, call to find out.

ETFO has previously distributed a variety of publications on the topic of the appropriate professional use of electronic communication - see PRS Matters Volumes 48, 46 and 25 and VOICE articles from December 2008 - Cyberbullying and October 2007 - Think Before you Click. These are available on the ETFO website.
 
Staff in Professional Relations (PRS) can be reached at  416-962-3836 or 1-888-838-3836
See also ETFO's website - Advice for Members

Some Topics that will be of Interest to You....

About Time and Your Collective Agreement  

Negotiated Time

• No duties prior to commencement of first morning if full day assignment or first afternoon of a PM assignment (Art. 18.03) Board encourages us to use this time to prepare; violating this entitlement makes it harder for the next OT  
• Same timetable as the Teacher being replaced includes duties and prep times (Art. 18.02) Just as the permanent Teacher directs how they use prep time, so does the Occasional Teacher; you cannot be assigned duties during this time
• Minimum 40 consecutive minutes of unassigned lunch time (Art. 18.04)
• AM half day assignment ends no later than 20 minutes after instruction (Art. 18.06)
• Ten days notice or pay in lieu of notice if LTO terminated by early return of Teacher (Art. 5.07 b)

Home Instructors
If you are considering being a TVDSB Home Instructor, you should know that your membership in ETFO and the benefits of that membership apply only to work done in the elementary system as an Occasional Teacher.  Should you choose to do home instruction you are not covered under the protection of ETFO.

Accidents and Near Misses on the Job
It is your obligation under the law to fill out an Employee Accident Incident Report for injuries requiring first aid or time off work; hazardous situations or near-misses and incidents of physical/verbal aggressive behaviour. Forms are located at the office and must be completed for WSIB coverage.

Vote Because Education Matters!

Your vote tomorrow will have a powerful impact on all public services and the future of our province. The party that governs us has a profound impact on our public education system, our students’ learning conditions, and our working conditions. Teachers need to exercise their right to vote and to help elect representatives who will continue the progress made in public education over the past eight years.   Ontario deserves a government that will continue to invest in education. We have a responsibility to protect our students and their future.

September and October can be slow months for teaching positions, so we urge you to take this opportunity to build your professional portfolio by attending and participating in as much Professional Development as you can.  There are several venues you can check to see what is available to you.  They are: 

• The Board's Employee Portal - provided there is space available, without pay.
• The Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' Local Professional Development - our first opportunity will be the SMART Board workshops at Wilfrid Jury P.S. in mid-November.  Check our website in a few weeks for further details.  N.B. You are not eligible for PD offered by the Permanent Teachers' Local because their events are funded by their members.
• Take the time to review the Ministry of Education's document: "Growing for Success" and try to incorporate that philosophy into your teaching.  
• You can take advantage of on-line training offered by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO)as well as the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF).  Go to http://www.etfo.ca/ or http://www.otffeo.on.ca/ for further information.     

Lastly, if you are a Newly Graduated Teacher, the Local wants to support you as you begin this challenging career.  If you are in your first 5 years of occasional teaching and wish to have input into forums, workshops and bargaining initiatives specific to your needs, please join us for a meeting on October 11, 2011 at the OT Offices, 5PM.  Space is limited to 15 members and we will provide a light meal.
Register by email tvotpd@gmail.com by October 7th if you are interested in participating.