Message to Members from ETFO Provincial regarding Government Discussions
In January, ETFO made a commitment to revisit its advice on participation in voluntary/ extracurricular activities by March 1st.
As you know, ETFO has been engaged in provincial discussions with the government since Premier Wynne took office. The tone and nature of these discussions has been respectful and positive. ETFO remains committed to working with the government to find meaningful ways to address the current issues facing the education sector. Working with a government team that understands the education sector, we are hopeful that the goodwill extended by the government to date will result in concrete solutions. Beyond the initial commitments made by the government team to listen, engage in positive dialogue and explore a more inclusive process for future bargaining rounds, it is going to take real actions to regain the confidence of members in light of the very flawed process during 2012 that resulted in the loss of their fundamental democratic rights. ETFO will continue to participate in these positive discussions.
We look forward to responses from the government team that address the key issues that ETFO has brought to the table on behalf of members. In these circumstances, ETFO’s advice regarding voluntary/ extracurricular activities remains unchanged.
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
A Briefer on BANSHO and LAST DAY for the LTO Roster questionnaire for the upcoming school year
What is Bansho?
Bansho is an effective, research-informed strategy used to enhance both student and teacher learning of mathematics. By incorporating bansho into collaborative co-planning and co-teaching sessions, teachers, working as partners or in groups, can effectively learn about mathematics for teaching. When these sessions occur within communities of practice that meet regularly over time, learning for both teachers and students is significantly enhanced (Kubot-Zarivnij, Fleming 2011).
Bansho captures the development of students' individual and collective thinking. The strategy allows students to:
Kathy Kubota-Zarivnij (2011) has interpreted and adapted Japanese bansho so that it complements the Ontario curriculum's emphasis on teaching and learning mathematics through problem solving and supports the current exploration of collaborative approaches to knowledge building in the classroom. She explains that bansho is:
Deadline February 28th -
On another note, today is the last day to complete and submit the questionnaire for all those interested in an LTO for next year! Please check the Occasional Teachers Folder through First Class for important information regarding a questionnaire you must complete for the LTO Roster. Look for the "red button" on the Employee Portal. February 28th is the LAST day it will be available to you.
Bansho is an effective, research-informed strategy used to enhance both student and teacher learning of mathematics. By incorporating bansho into collaborative co-planning and co-teaching sessions, teachers, working as partners or in groups, can effectively learn about mathematics for teaching. When these sessions occur within communities of practice that meet regularly over time, learning for both teachers and students is significantly enhanced (Kubot-Zarivnij, Fleming 2011).
Bansho captures the development of students' individual and collective thinking. The strategy allows students to:
- solve problems in ways that make sense to them
- build understanding of tools, strategies and concepts by listening to, discussing and reflecting on their peers' solutions
- build understanding of concepts through explicit connection-making facilitated by the teacher's board writing
Kathy Kubota-Zarivnij (2011) has interpreted and adapted Japanese bansho so that it complements the Ontario curriculum's emphasis on teaching and learning mathematics through problem solving and supports the current exploration of collaborative approaches to knowledge building in the classroom. She explains that bansho is:
- a mathematics instructional strategy that makes explicit students' mathematical thinking and provokes students' collective knowledge production through strategically coordinated discussion, organization and mathematical annotation of students' solutions to a lesson problem
- an assessment for (and as) learning strategy that enables the teacher and students to discern the range and relationships between mathematical ideas, strategies and models of representation
- a classroom artifact that is constructed collectively by the teacher and students in order to display the mathematical relationships derived from students' solutions; it can be organized and used as a mathematics learning landscape or as a mathematics anchor chart
- a job-embedded professional learning strategy that develops the teacher's knowledge of mathematics for teaching through the anticipation and construction of a bansho that depicts the breadth, depth and complexity of mathematics elicited throughout a three-part problem-solving lesson.
Deadline February 28th -
On another note, today is the last day to complete and submit the questionnaire for all those interested in an LTO for next year! Please check the Occasional Teachers Folder through First Class for important information regarding a questionnaire you must complete for the LTO Roster. Look for the "red button" on the Employee Portal. February 28th is the LAST day it will be available to you.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Member Mental Health and a Reminder
Reminder - NEW! LTO Roster
This is a new requirement we must draw your attention to. If you are interested in teaching in an LTO for the upcoming school year, i.e. September 2013 - June 2014 (inclusive), please check the Occasional Teachers Folder through 1st Class for important information regarding a questionnaire you must complete for the LTO roster. Look for the "red button" on the Employee Portal. NB - This will be available from February 11 - 28, 2013 only.
From ETFO Professional Relations Services (PRS) Matters: volume #67:
We know good mental health contributes to our enjoyment of life, to physical health, and to the ability to handle stress. However, stigma and discrimination keep mental health issues in the shadows, prevent people from seeking care, and lead to poorer quality of care. (Toward Recovery & Well Being: A Framework for a Mental Health Strategy for Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2009).
Each year, about one in every five Canadians will experience a diagnosable mental health problem or illness. Mental Health problems and illnesses are believed to result from a complex interaction among social, economic, psychological and biological, or genetic factors. (Toward Recovery & Well Being: A Framework for a Mental Health Strategy for Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2009).
The term "mental health" covers a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
Because mental health is such a complex issue, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive list of mental health symptoms. However the following may generally be considered common symptoms of mental health concerns in adults:
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health
First, don't assume your co-worker has mental illness if they behave strangely or you observe changes in their behaviour. All of us have many things going on in our lives outside of work that at times may pre-occupy our thoughts and possibly behaviour. Remember, it's not your role to diagnose. If your co-worker confides to you that he/she is struggling with a mental health issue but hasn't sought help:
The ETFO Local office plays an important role in supporting members with mental health needs. The type of assistance provided will depend on individual situations. Your local will ensure that your rights are protected amd work to address any difficulties experienced as a result of mental health illness.
Summary
Good mental health is an important component of a well-balanced life. If mental health issues are affecting your ability to cope at school, or threatening the continued employment of a colleague, help is just a phone call away. PRS staff provide confidential advice and guidance to members on these issues.
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
This is a new requirement we must draw your attention to. If you are interested in teaching in an LTO for the upcoming school year, i.e. September 2013 - June 2014 (inclusive), please check the Occasional Teachers Folder through 1st Class for important information regarding a questionnaire you must complete for the LTO roster. Look for the "red button" on the Employee Portal. NB - This will be available from February 11 - 28, 2013 only.
From ETFO Professional Relations Services (PRS) Matters: volume #67:
We know good mental health contributes to our enjoyment of life, to physical health, and to the ability to handle stress. However, stigma and discrimination keep mental health issues in the shadows, prevent people from seeking care, and lead to poorer quality of care. (Toward Recovery & Well Being: A Framework for a Mental Health Strategy for Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2009).
Each year, about one in every five Canadians will experience a diagnosable mental health problem or illness. Mental Health problems and illnesses are believed to result from a complex interaction among social, economic, psychological and biological, or genetic factors. (Toward Recovery & Well Being: A Framework for a Mental Health Strategy for Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2009).
The term "mental health" covers a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety Disorder
- Bipolar
- Depression
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
Because mental health is such a complex issue, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive list of mental health symptoms. However the following may generally be considered common symptoms of mental health concerns in adults:
- Decline in work or school performance or poor attendance
- Prolonged depression (extreme sadness or irritability)
- Feelings of extreme highs and lows
- Having too much energy
- Exaggerated feelings of self
- Excessive worries and anxieties
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of interest in personal hygiene
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Delusions (strongly held beliefs that have no basis in reality)
- Hallucinations (hearing, seeing, smelling, or feeling something that isn't real)
- Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- suicidal thoughts
- Denial of severe problems
- Numerous unexplained physical ailments
- Excessive or unhealthy substance use
- Excessive concern about germs, cleanliness, time, or eating.
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health
- Get enough rest
- Learn about good nutrition and practice it
- Exercise to relieve stress and lift your mood
- Take part in activities with family and friends
- Build self-esteem
- Build healthy relationships
- Set realistic standards and goals.
First, don't assume your co-worker has mental illness if they behave strangely or you observe changes in their behaviour. All of us have many things going on in our lives outside of work that at times may pre-occupy our thoughts and possibly behaviour. Remember, it's not your role to diagnose. If your co-worker confides to you that he/she is struggling with a mental health issue but hasn't sought help:
- Encourage him/her to seek professional assistance
- Be respectful of the confidence shared with you
- Be supportive
- Contact staff in Professional Services (PRS) at the ETFO provincial office for confidential advice at 416-962-3836 or 1-888-838-3836.
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (www.camh.ca)
- Canadian Mental Health Association - Ontario (www.ontario.cmha.ca)
- Canadian Mental Health Association (www.cmha.ca)
- Ontario Teachers' Insurance Plan (www.feelingbetternow.com/otip/)
The ETFO Local office plays an important role in supporting members with mental health needs. The type of assistance provided will depend on individual situations. Your local will ensure that your rights are protected amd work to address any difficulties experienced as a result of mental health illness.
Summary
Good mental health is an important component of a well-balanced life. If mental health issues are affecting your ability to cope at school, or threatening the continued employment of a colleague, help is just a phone call away. PRS staff provide confidential advice and guidance to members on these issues.
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
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
New Requirement - ACTION REQUIRED!!!
NEW! LTO Roster
This is a new requirement we must draw your attention to. If you are interested in teaching in an LTO for the upcoming school year, i.e. September 2013 - June 2014 (inclusive), please check the Occasional Teachers Folder through 1st Class for important information regarding a questionnaire you must complete for the LTO roster. Look for the "red button" on the Employee Portal. NB - This will be available from February 11 - 28, 2013 only.
Work is down
We are receiving questions regarding the lack of calls members are receiving for jobs. There is definitely a shortage of work out there. You are not alone, calls and jobs are definitely down. We can confirm this from a Local level as well. We suspect this is due to the lack of professional development offerings to permanent Teachers and the fact that the influenza outbreak is passed.
To ensure everything is in place so that when jobs are coming in, we recomment OTs:
One of the requirements to stay on the list is to teach at least five (5) full days in an elementary site. Participation in the designated PA Days counts towards these days.
Elementary Occasional Teachers are eligible for two days of paid PD during the 2012-2013 school year, which must take place on system PA days. This year 1/2 day of this paid PD is compulsory and due by June 28, 2013 PA day, with mandatory online training in the Employee Portal. These modules are not yet available and will be communicated to members at a later date.
The remaining 1 and 1/2 days of paid PD may include the following options:
2. June 7, 2013 PA day - all day conference at Althouse College, UWO
*Registration for this event is through the Employee Portal opening March 1, 2013*
*For job-embedded or self-directed PD, you must submit a request form complete with an Administrator's signature, and a reflection form must be submitted to Staff Development when the PD is complete in order to be paid (see System Staff Development webpage)
*If on LTO assignment or partial contract on which a PA day occurs, you are expected to be at your school for which you will be paid your FTE
See TVDSB Staff Development on the web for further information.
Workplace Violence Survey
We encourage all members to complete the workplace violence survey under the Occasional Teachers' folder in First Class. This will be available until February 22nd.
Web T4's for the 2012 Taxation Year
To get T4's on TVDSB Employee Portal, you must give consent if you did not do so last year.
To give consent and to access your Web T4 on the Portal:
Members seeking a claim appeal will experience longer wait times if they are able to appeal at all since the number of those who hear EI disputes has been reduced from 1000 to 70.
The Retired Teachers of Ontario Oxford District 37 is sponsoring a workshop for you on Thursday, April 18 - 2013, 4:30 - 7:00 pm at the Woodstock Legion, Brant Street in Woodstock.
Topics include : Pension & Financials and Health Benefits. This Retirement Planning Workshop is open to anyone working in the field of education and their spouses. A light Supper will be Provided. Cost: $10.00 for participants (workbook included).
To Register OR for more Information Call:
Sandra Stock at 519-462-2643 or Brian Armstrong at 519-539-3964 by April 5, 2013!
This is a new requirement we must draw your attention to. If you are interested in teaching in an LTO for the upcoming school year, i.e. September 2013 - June 2014 (inclusive), please check the Occasional Teachers Folder through 1st Class for important information regarding a questionnaire you must complete for the LTO roster. Look for the "red button" on the Employee Portal. NB - This will be available from February 11 - 28, 2013 only.
Work is down
We are receiving questions regarding the lack of calls members are receiving for jobs. There is definitely a shortage of work out there. You are not alone, calls and jobs are definitely down. We can confirm this from a Local level as well. We suspect this is due to the lack of professional development offerings to permanent Teachers and the fact that the influenza outbreak is passed.
To ensure everything is in place so that when jobs are coming in, we recomment OTs:
- Make sure your school selections are still current in your TVARRIS profile. On occasion this information may be deleted and you must then re-enter it. It is in your best interest to check this information every week or so to ensure it is current.
- Keep in contact with the Teachers who have given you jobs in the past and let them know you are available for the jobs when needed. We suggest email or telephone calls.
One of the requirements to stay on the list is to teach at least five (5) full days in an elementary site. Participation in the designated PA Days counts towards these days.
Elementary Occasional Teachers are eligible for two days of paid PD during the 2012-2013 school year, which must take place on system PA days. This year 1/2 day of this paid PD is compulsory and due by June 28, 2013 PA day, with mandatory online training in the Employee Portal. These modules are not yet available and will be communicated to members at a later date.
The remaining 1 and 1/2 days of paid PD may include the following options:
- April 19, 2013 PA day - Portal workshops, job-embedded or self-directed PD *Registration for this event is through the employee portal opening March 1, 2013.*
2. June 7, 2013 PA day - all day conference at Althouse College, UWO
*Registration for this event is through the Employee Portal opening March 1, 2013*
*For job-embedded or self-directed PD, you must submit a request form complete with an Administrator's signature, and a reflection form must be submitted to Staff Development when the PD is complete in order to be paid (see System Staff Development webpage)
*If on LTO assignment or partial contract on which a PA day occurs, you are expected to be at your school for which you will be paid your FTE
See TVDSB Staff Development on the web for further information.
Workplace Violence Survey
We encourage all members to complete the workplace violence survey under the Occasional Teachers' folder in First Class. This will be available until February 22nd.
Web T4's for the 2012 Taxation Year
To get T4's on TVDSB Employee Portal, you must give consent if you did not do so last year.
To give consent and to access your Web T4 on the Portal:
- From the TVDSB Home page (www.tvdsb.on.ca), click on the "Employee Portal" link.
- Log-in by entering your username and password.
- Under the Personal Information section, click on the "View My T4" link.
- The first time this link is chosen, you must click on the "Consent" icon.
- All future log-ins will result in a selection of year for the T4 to be viewed.
Members seeking a claim appeal will experience longer wait times if they are able to appeal at all since the number of those who hear EI disputes has been reduced from 1000 to 70.
- Members risk losing benefits if they do not accept work.
- Members will have to broaden their job searches and keep evidence of those searches for 6 years.
- Members may have to accept jobs paying significantly lower wages than they are accustomed to receiving and may have to increase the geographic scope of their job search.
The Retired Teachers of Ontario Oxford District 37 is sponsoring a workshop for you on Thursday, April 18 - 2013, 4:30 - 7:00 pm at the Woodstock Legion, Brant Street in Woodstock.
Topics include : Pension & Financials and Health Benefits. This Retirement Planning Workshop is open to anyone working in the field of education and their spouses. A light Supper will be Provided. Cost: $10.00 for participants (workbook included).
To Register OR for more Information Call:
Sandra Stock at 519-462-2643 or Brian Armstrong at 519-539-3964 by April 5, 2013!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Paid PD Days for Elementary OTs for 2012- 2013
*Elementary Occasional Teachers are eligible for two days of paid PD during the 2012-2013 school year, which must take place on system PA days.
*A 1/2 day of this paid PD is compulsory on the June 28, 2013 PA day, with mandatory online training in the employee portal (expectations of this 1/2 day will be communicated at a later date)
* 1 and 1/2 days of paid PD may include the following options:
Go to TVDSB Staff Development for further information.
OR
2. June 7, 2013 PA day - all day conference at Althouse College, UWO
**Registration for this event is through the employee portal opening March 1, 2013**
*For job-embedded or self-directed PD, you must submit a request form complete with an Administrator's signature, and a reflection form must be submitted to Staff Development when the PD is complete in order to be paid (see System Staff Development webpage)
*If on LTO assignment or partial contract on which a PA day occurs, you are expected at your school for which you will be paid your FTE.
We are encouraging our members to take and complete the Workplace Violence Modules that are available through the OT Folder in 1st class. They will be available until February 22nd, 2013.
Mandatory on-line training will represent a 1/2 day this year.
We are still waiting confirmation on the dates as to when the mandatory on-line training will be available and will relay this information when we are advised.
*A 1/2 day of this paid PD is compulsory on the June 28, 2013 PA day, with mandatory online training in the employee portal (expectations of this 1/2 day will be communicated at a later date)
* 1 and 1/2 days of paid PD may include the following options:
- April 19, 2013 PA day - portal workshops, job embedded or self-directed PD
Go to TVDSB Staff Development for further information.
OR
2. June 7, 2013 PA day - all day conference at Althouse College, UWO
**Registration for this event is through the employee portal opening March 1, 2013**
*For job-embedded or self-directed PD, you must submit a request form complete with an Administrator's signature, and a reflection form must be submitted to Staff Development when the PD is complete in order to be paid (see System Staff Development webpage)
*If on LTO assignment or partial contract on which a PA day occurs, you are expected at your school for which you will be paid your FTE.
We are encouraging our members to take and complete the Workplace Violence Modules that are available through the OT Folder in 1st class. They will be available until February 22nd, 2013.
Mandatory on-line training will represent a 1/2 day this year.
We are still waiting confirmation on the dates as to when the mandatory on-line training will be available and will relay this information when we are advised.
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