ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' Local

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Benefits for LTOs; Access to Employee Assistance; Resources for the Early Years; ETFO Women's Health Conference;

Benefits for LTOs

If you are in a 1.0 FTE assignment with a posted end date, then your benefits will begin immediately and participation in the plan is mandatory. If your 1.0 assignment has no posted end date, then you will be covered after the 90th calendar day with benefits retroactive to the first day of the assignment.

That being said, there is a lag time for the Board to send documenation to OTIP so keep any receipts and look for an email in your Outlook account that will provide you with further details once OTIP has been notified.

For questions related to benefits for LTOS, click ELHT Benefits

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Access to the Board's Employee Family Assistance Program

Occasional Teachers have access to confidential professional counselling and wellness services designed to provide support for those times when a little extra help is needed.

Assistance can be provided to those with family issues, workplace concerns including stress and work-life balance, financial and legal difficulties, alcohol and drug dependencies or addictions such as gambling, depression or anxiety, anger management, bereavement and grief etc.

For more information or to access these supports, log into the Employee Portal and click on "View My Employee Assistance Program" under "Personal Information". you do not need to suffer in silence.

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Dear teachers and education workers, OTF is conducting an evaluation to explore the current and future implications of online/virtual teaching and learning in the K-12 educational context in Ontario. The Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) commissioned this external evaluation and will support its implementation at arm’s length.

In phase one of the project, we facilitated focus groups with educators who shared their experiences and insights. We used this invaluable information to design a survey that reflects respondents’ collective experiences especially in relation to pedagogy and well-being.

Now, in phase two of the project, we are circulating the survey widely across Ontario and inviting you to share your lived experiences, perspectives and insights by participating in the online survey. Your responses to the survey as an educator will help us gather further meaningful data about the implications of online/virtual teaching and learning.

The survey takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, depending on the length of your open-ended responses.

Please note that the deadline for completion of the survey is November 8, 2021.

Please also note the following:

Your participation is completely voluntary.
You may elect to end your participation at any time.
You may elect to skip ANY question that you prefer not to answer.
One or more questions may trigger an emotional response or resurface a difficult experience. If you require counselling or support, connect with a medical professional or your union or with the Employee Assistance Program should an EAP be available to you.
All of your responses will remain anonymous.
Any identifying information will be removed from the completed surveys.
The data will only be accessible to the research team.

To participate in the survey, please check your email for your OTF Communications <communications@otffeo.on.ca> specific survey link.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Lisa Bayrami (lead researcher) via email info@lisabayrami.com or phone (416) 722-9050. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for considering the invitation to participate.

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Prepare Now For Winter!

OTIP wants you to know about 5 things you can do now to prepare your home for winter.

Now that fall is officially here, many Canadians are busy enjoying all that the season has to offer. Between admiring the colour-changing leaves on a cool evening stroll and baking pies made with freshly picked apples, prepping for winter may be at the bottom of your fall to-do list. However, using the last of the year’s warmer weather to prepare your home for winter cold could spare you a lot of trouble once the weather starts to turn. Here are five things you can do in the fall to get your home ready for winter.

Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article126.

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ETFO Website for teaching in the early years -

Did you know that Provincial ETFO has a website that provides videos, facilitator guides, photo galleries and classroom tours for early years educators? Check out Professional Learning in the Early Years for supports.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2021

More Paid PD Options to Earn While You Learn

TVDSB has just added three half-day paid PD options on Special Education to the "Elementary Occasional Teacher PD 2021-2022" section in "Conference Session Registrations" section of the Empoyee Portal. (These sessions have been offered previously so click on "My Professiona Development" in the Portal to ensure that you have not already taken them.)

For more information about Elementary Occasional Teacher PD contact Terri Manning in Staff Development or click on Staff Development Elementary PD

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ETFO's Visions Program

This three session programme is for women in their first 5 years of membership in ETFO. Sessions highlight union renewal, activism and developing a feminist network.

Program dates are November 24-25, January 17-18 and April 4-5.

The deadline to register is October 18th so for more information click on ETFO Visions

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The 50 Day Re-employment Rule for Retired Members

Due to many inquiries, the Ontario Teachers' Federation wishes to clarify the re-employment rules for retired members. The current rule is 50 days, which means that a retiree can work to the end of the month in which they exceed their 50 day limit while drawing both employment income and their pension. If they choose to work beyond that month, their pension is simply suspended until they stop working or until the following September 1st, whichever occurs first. Each new school year provides a brand new 50-day limit for all retirees.

OTF recommends that retired members keep track of their days worked and reach out to a Pension Benefit Specialist at the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan with any inquiries about how re-employment rules apply to them or to confirm details of their re-employment.

For some great resources and scenarios, follow these links to Re-employment FAQs and Re-employment overview

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When it comes to the climate crisis what's at stake and how do pensions fit in?

Join the Ontario Federation of Labour for a free virtual conference that will address the role of pensions in working towards environmental justice.

Guest speakers will include:

- Eriel Tchekwie Deranger from Indigenous Climate Action

- Noam Chomsky, philosopher, linguist, scientist, political activist

- Simon Donner, Professor and Climate Scientist at University of British Columbia

- Seth Klein, author of "A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency"

Plus a "Pensions Panel Discussion" featuring economist Jim Stanford, Murray Gold from Koskie Minsky, Chris Roberts from the Canadian Labour Congress, Emily Niles from CUPE and Randy Marie Sloat from OPTrust.

The Conference is from Friday, October 15 7pm - 8:30pm and Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 2pm. Register at Take Action

What's behind the increased cost of auto insurance claims? With the average cost of auto insurance claims on the rise, many drivers are wondering what's behind the increase and if there's any relief in sight. Here's the breakdown of two key factors that are behind the rising cost of auto insurance claims in recent years. Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article124

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Cyber Awareness Month October is internationally recognized as cyber security awareness month. This year as part of the Cyber Protection Strategy pilot initiative, the Ministry of Education has developed resources to mitigate the impact of cyber threats on students, educators and school boards.

You may wish to check out the two following resources: Cyber Awareness Month 2021 provides resource tailored for the needs of K-12 students and was developed by Board and the Educational Computing Network of Ontario/ECNO. The Cyber Awareness Calendar presents monthly themes and weekly prompts to support a year-round focus on improving safety, protection of privace and cyber security.

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Your 2021 - 2022 Pocket Calendar is late but be assured that we will mail these to members, along with the Fall Newsletter, just as soon as they are back from the printers!

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Board issues PPE; Virtual Assignments; ETFO AQ courses; Racialized Members Conference

Board Issued PPE

Just a reminder to TVOT members that refusing to follow the employer's directions around wearing Board-issued personal protective equipment/PPE and more specifically, masks, may be viewed by the Board as insubordination and could result in discipline.

Though we all recognize the superiority of certified N95 masks, at present, this is not alternative. The Centre for Disease Control suggests that the effectiveness of masks may be improved by adding an external mask fitter/brace or by knotting the ear loop of the mask where it joins, then tucking any extra material under the edges, or by double-masking. Members who have medical concerns about the Board's masks may contact the TVDSB Abilities and Wellness department to see about any alternatives that might be available.

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Virtual Assignments in Thames Valley

This year there are no virtual schools in TVDSB which means that when an TVOT member accepts a virtual assignment, the OT must report to the absent Teacher's school where they will follow that Teacher's schedule, including supervision duties and prep provisions. At this time, there is no method for an OT to select only virtual assignments so it is important to listen to the description of each job to determine whether or not it is a virtual assignment.

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ETFO AQ Courses As a large AQ provider, ETFO is proud to provide courses taught by Teachers with practical hands-on experience so ETFO-AQ courses fill up quickly. Registration for Winter AQ courses opens November 1st so we encourage members to explore the sessions such as those below being offered at ETFO AQ -

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All members are encouraged to subscribe for the ETFO Provincial newsletters so take a minute to do so at ETFO Newsletter

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NEW Conference offered by Provincial ETFO -

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Opportunities from OTIP -

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Covid Attestations: Math Proficiency Test for recent grads; Indigenous Women's Mentorship; Benefits for LTOs; Earn While you Learn

Covid-19 Vaccination Attestations -

Just a reminder that the deadline for all TVDSB staff to complete their mandatory vaccine attestation was September 10th.

Those members who have not done this, will not be allowed to work for the Board.

The choices provided are:

- I am fully vaccinated (in which case you attach your vaccine receipt)

- I am in progress to obtain full vaccination

- I am not vaccinated due to medical reason (documentation will be required)

- I am not vaccinated and will participate in the education and testing program as outlined by the Ministry

- I am choosing to not attest and will participate in the education and testing program as outlined by the Ministry.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission has just released a policy statement regarding vaccine mandates which can be found at OHRC Policy Statement Sept. 22, 2021

Be advised that Regulation 364/20 of the Re-Opening Act, 2020 (A Flexible Response to Covid-19 Act), recently amended by Regulation 577/21, requires all school Boards to comply with directions, advice and guidance from the Medical Officer of Health.

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IMPORTANT for Teachers who Graduated on or after March 31, 2020

As of January 1, 2022, all new Teachers will be required to pass a Math Proficiency Test/MPT in order to be certified with the Ontario College of Teachers/OCT.

The Ontario Teachers Federation is offering Math Office Hours to support beginning Teachers and Teacher candidates with this test. You can check out archived sessions at Math Office Hours

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New: Indigenous Women's Mentorship Program

Provincial ETFO is hosting a one year, multi-session program for 20 Indigenous women mentees to work alongside mentors towards goals of leadership in ETFO and reconciliation through the lens of Etuaptmumk, two-eyed seeing.

Registration is now open for both mentors and mentees with a deadline of October first so for more information please contact Sabrina Sawyer .

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Provincial ETFO has just released Covid-19 FAQ#1 -

Topics include -

- ventilation in classrooms?
- concerns about PPD?
- work refusals?
- concerns about rapid antigen testing?

Make sure to register to receive the ETFO Provincial Newsletters

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Access to Benefits for LTOs -

LTOs in full year, full-time long-term assignments have access to benefits for the duration of their assignments. Those in assignments without posted end dates will have an opportunity to enroll in the program after they have taught 90 calendar days.

I both situations, information about enrolling is sent to those eligible LTOs via their TVDSB Outlook account. For details and a useful FAQ page about coverage etc., go to ETFO ELHT Benefits .

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Did You Know that You Can Earn While You Learn?

Are you aware that in TVDSB, Occasional Teachers have access to 4 half-days of paid PD. This means you can earn teaching credit, EI credit etc. while participating in PD at a time convenient to you. NB. 1) This is in addition to the Mandatory 14 modules that are due September 30th for a half-day's pay. 2) LTOs in assignments greater than .5 are not eligible. 3) Retirees must reserve a day in June as completion of the mandatory modules that are posted in the Spring, is paid at the end of June as teaching time .

Paid PD options are found in the Employee Portal > Conference/Session > Registrations > Elementary Occasional Teacher PD. Click on "Register" to find out what is on offer. Currently the only online options are "Kindergarten: Inquiring Minds" and "Comprehensive Literacy - Reading." There are also 2 in-person sessions being offered in schools on this Friday's PD. NB: These 2 Sept. 24th sessions require prior permission from school Principals.

These sessions will be expanded on greatly as the year progresses so don't leave this money on the table.

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Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Columbia Outlet Store Invitation; Paid Mandatory Covid Awareness Training; Covid Attestation; LOA from the List; Paid Sick Leave due to Covid-19

Welcome Back to our WEDNESDAY BLOG - Hopefully members enjoyed a wonderful summer and everyone is relaxed and recharged with the energy needed to start this new school year - it promises to be another challenging one as Covid persists.

So that members do not miss any of this important information, please be aware -

- MANDTORY 1/2 day SAFETY TRAINING - Covid Awareness 2021-2022: All TVDSB staff must complete this mandatory training. Occasional Teachers will receive payment for a half-day and must document completion by Thursday, September 30th. Log into the Employee Portal and click on "Employee Training". and the September Mandatory Training is half-way down the page. Be sure to click "Submit" once you have finished. Log back into the area and if the checkmarks are still there, then it has been recorded as completed.

- COVID ATTESTATION - Government Regulations require that all members (all educational staff) must complete a Covid Attestation by Friday, September 10th at 4 PM. This is available in the Employee Portal in the blue left hand border under "Covid 19 Applications". (Same place where staff records their screening.) TVOT members need to be aware that Provincial ETFO has reviewed the government's policy with legal counsel to determine whether it violates our rights or school boards' obligations to comply with privacy legislation, human rights legislation, Charter obligations etc. or our Collective Agreements. The review concluded that school boards can require this disclosure but must ensure that the information is protected from unauthorized disclosure and in only used for the purpose for which it has been collected. In TVDSB, this and all medical information is kept confidential and accessible only to the Abilities and Wellness department. This is the same department that safeguards all staff medical information and notes.

- UNPAID LEAVES - Elementary Occasional Teachers may request up to 2 years unpaid leave of absence from the OT List as provided by our Collective Agreement. No reason need be provided. The form is available in the Employee Portal in the LaserFiche section of the left border. The application requires the name of your supervisor, Elisha Greenham. This leave can be requested no later than Thursday, December 30th to be effective for the entire school year. Otherwise members are required to teach at least ten (10) full days in order to remain on the OT List.

Pocket Calendars and Autumn Newsletter - These will be mailed at month's end to all TVOT members who have kept their contact information with TVDSB up to date (a condition of your employment). We know members would like to have these resources for September, but we are delayed as we must await this information from the Board.

Columbia Outlet Store Autumn Invitation

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COVID-19 Putting Workers First Act, 2021 - paid leave extended to Dec. 31, 2021

Daily Occasional Teachers may have access the three paid days of leave under Bill 248:

A qualified employee would be entitled to a paid leave of absence (not to exceed $200 per day) under Bill 284 because of one or more of the following reasons:

· the employee is under individual medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19, including being vaccinated or recovering from vaccination;

· the employee is acting in accordance with a section 22 or section 35 order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act that relates to COVID-19 (e.g., their workplace is shut down by a Public Health Unit and they are directed to self-isolate, etc.);

· the employee is in quarantine or isolation as a result of information or direction from a Public Health Unit official, a qualified medical practitioner, Telehealth Ontario, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada, a municipal council or board of health;

· the employee is given a direction by their employer in response to a concern that the employee may expose others in the workplace to COVID-19; and

· the employee is providing care for a family member (i.e., dependent) who is under medical investigation, is receiving treatment or is under quarantine/isolation due to COVID-19.

Dependents include:

· employee’s spouse;

· parent, step-parent, foster parent of the employee or employee’s spouse;

· child, step-child, foster child of the employee or employee’s spouse;

· child under legal guardianship of the employee or employee’s spouse;

· brother, step-brother, sister or step-sister of the employee;

· grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild or step-grandchild of the employee or employee’s spouse;

· brother-in-law, step-brother-in-law, sister-in-law or step-sister-in-law of the employee;

· son-in-law or daughter-in-law of the employee or employee’s spouse;

· uncle or aunt of the employee or employee’s spouse;

· nephew or niece of the employee or employee’s spouse;

· spouse of the employee’s grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece;

· a person who considers the employee to be like a family member; and/or

· any individual prescribed as a family member.

Application for payment under this program is made to the Employer.

Longer Term Absences due to Covid-19

The Government of Canada currently offers the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CSRB).

Information regarding the CSRB can be accessed here: CRSB

Awareness Training 2021 - 2022 September Mandatory Training Links coming soon! This is the mandatory training that is required for the 2021 - 2022 school year. The training includes COVID Awareness 2021 - 2022, September - December Safety Spotlight, and IPOC training requirements.
COVID Awareness 2021 - 2022
Employee Incident Reporting and Investigation Form - Entering an Incident
October - Fire Code Training - Staff
November - Head Injury Prevention
December - Slips, Trips and Falls
Violence Awareness Video 1 - Legislation
Violence Awareness Video 2 - General Awareness
Employee Health and Safety Handbook
IPOC Roles and Responsibilities Updated Video
Anaphylaxis
Asthma
Diabetes Type 1
Epilepsy
Concussion Training

Awareness Training 2021 - 2022 September Mandatory Training Links coming soon! This is the mandatory training that is required for the 2021 - 2022 school year. The training includes COVID Awareness 2021 - 2022, September - December Safety Spotlight, and IPOC training requirements.
COVID Awareness 2021 - 2022
Employee Incident Reporting and Investigation Form - Entering an Incident
October - Fire Code Training - Staff
November - Head Injury Prevention
December - Slips, Trips and Falls
Violence Awareness Video 1 - Legislation
Violence Awareness Video 2 - General Awareness
Employee Health and Safety Handbook
IPOC Roles and Responsibilities Updated Video
Anaphylaxis
Asthma
Diabetes Type 1
Epilepsy
Concussion Training

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Benefits for LTOs; Access to Employee Assistance; Resources for the Early Years; ETFO Women's Health Conference;

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Board issues PPE; Virtual Assignments; ETFO AQ courses; Racialized Members Conference

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

National Day; LTO Contracts; Deadlines! Columbia Invitation

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Covid Attestations: Math Proficiency Test for recent grads; Indigenous Women's Mentorship; Benefits for LTOs; Earn While you Learn

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

14 Modules due September 30th; Open an Account with ETFO Provincial; Copyrights; Opportunities for registered Members

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Columbia Outlet Store Invitation; Paid Mandatory Covid Awareness Training; Covid Attestation; LOA from the List; Paid Sick Leave due to Covid-19

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