SMART Board PD Opportunity

2 Smartboard PD workshops have been arranged for our members to participate in:
June 11th (beginner) and June 12th (intermediate).
They will be held after school at 4:30pm at:
Woodland Heights P.S.
474 Springbank Dr, London, ON N6J 1G8

 A light dinner will be provided to our members participating.

Space is limited so please register early to avoid disappointment.

Registration now open via
www.etfotvot.com

Smartboard Basics Workshop:


 Walking into a new class can be challenging enough, why does classroom technology have to make it more difficult? If you are new to interactive whiteboards, this session will help introduce you to the technology and familiarize you with their basic use and functions.
 Participants will be taken step-by-step through the process of opening and accessing Smartboard programs and get to practice making some of their own activities in Smart Notebook.
 Though computer access will be provided, any participants wishing to bring their own laptops are recommended to download the Smart Notebook program at smarttech.com/downloads.

Smartboard Intermediate Workshop:
Do you have an LTO in a class with an interactive whiteboard? You know the basics, but want to learn how to take your lessons to the next level. This workshop is designed to give teachers with some basic knowledge of Smart Notebook tips and examples to make full use of the powerful software. Participants will explore the various functions of the Notebook program, and with examples, start to make their own advanced activities for use in the classroom. Using this software can be a great way to engage students or impress a potential employer, so when it comes to working with an interactive whiteboard, take your skills from 'how?' to 'wow!' today!

Though computer access will be provided, any participants wishing to bring their own laptops are recommended to download the Smart Notebook program at smarttech.com/downloads.

about the presenter: Kevin O'Neill is a core French teacher for TVDSB and technology consultant for RK Publishing. Kevin has presented at conferences and for school boards across the province discussing diverse topics in regards to technology use in the classroom.


We look forward to hosting over 100 members this afternoon at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn for our Spring General Meeting and Elections.  The end of the school year is always a busy time but there are many questions out there regarding these times for Teachers.  Thank you to those of you who will be in attendance showing interest in your professional careers.

Annual Spring General Meeting and Elections Reminder

Don't let the date pass you by, registration for the Spring General Meeting and Elections taking place next Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 4:30 - 7:30 PM at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South, London, ON, will close in 2 days.  A delicious dinner buffet will be served at 5:00 PM.  RSVP is required for the meal at www.etfotvot.com.  Dinner for Members at no charge.
Come out to learn about your future and career as an Occasional Teacher in the current Political Climate. This is a very important time in our Province and some proposed changes can have a tremendous impact on you.  Your President and Local Executive are comprised of some very talented, bright and experienced Occasional Teachers who can provide answers to your questions and want to represent you in the best way possible.  This is a prime opportunity to mingle with your peers, meet the Executive and your President - ask questions you've been wondering about or getting confusing answers to from others.

ETFO AQ: BY TEACHERS/FOR TEACHERS

The 2014 - 2015 Course Calendar is available and registration is open for Summer 2014 AQ Courses.
Among the many interesting courses being offered are:
English as a Second Language - Part 1,
French as a Second Language - Part 1,
Integration of Information and Computer Technology in Instruction - Part 1,
Mathematics, Primary and Junior - Part 1,
Primary Education - Part 1,
Reading - Part 1,
Special Education - Part 1.

ETFO AQ courses are developed by teachers for teachers; current and practical; accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers; and recognized by QECO and AQ credits.

Cost for the courses is $650.00.    Go to www.etfot-aq-ca for more information and to register.

You Need to Know....

You may be sick of politics but you need to know that Tim Hudak has now admitted that  Tory administration would raise class sizes, increasing the 20-student class-size cap up to Grade 3 to 23 children.
From Grade 4 to 8, the cap would jump from 24.5 students to 26 and in high school classes would rise from 22 to 24.  Needless to say, this would result in a surplus of Teachers.  For the first time in many years, the flow from OT Ranks to Teacher ranks would be reversed.

Tim Hudak's promise to cut 100,000 public sector jobs means that approximately 19,000 of those 100,000 pink slips would be given to teachers (9,000) and educational support staff (10,000).

Tim Hudak has stated that he would cancel the 2% raise promised to Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario members, restoring equity in salary with secondary Teachers in September.

Hudak also states that if elected he will ensure that "new" government hires won't be eligible for a "gold-plated pension" so be aware that your Teachers' Pension Plan is definitely one of his targets.

Have a talk with your family and friends.  Do everything you possibly can to ensure that the Hudak Conservatives are not elected.  We must do all that we can to ensure he does not form the government on June 12!

Something to Think About.....

This is to remind members that when you teach in a daily assignment, you are disrupting the regular routine of the class.  As today's "Supply Teacher," you may find yourself with a target on your back. You have had no time to build a rapport with the class, gain the respect of their parents nor to set your own expectations for behaviour.  The permanent Teacher might be able to make comments or gestures that students could misinterpret when coming from "the stranger off the street." Please remember to keep your composure at all times. Do not use sarcasm, maintain the dignity of your students and always keep in mind that a hands off policy is the safest course of action.  As a daily OT, you do not know the history of the students in your care. You may not be aware of the challenges they faced before arriving at school.  Please do not put yourself in a situation which could result in an allegation. Teach defensively. Should you find yourself facing an allegation, call the Local immediately. We will provide you with representation at all stages and legal support if necessary.