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.