It was the Canadian Negro Women’s Association that introduced the celebration of Black History Month to Toronto in the 1950’s. This black Canadian community initiative was adopted by the Ontario government in 1979, thanks to its championing by the Ontario Black History Society. In 1995, the House of Commons declared a national Black History Month, which went into effect in 1996.
Black History Month exists to remind us all of the rich contributions within our society from people of African and Caribbean decent, and of their ongoing struggle for equity and social justice. Teachers have the opportunity to engage their students, not only during this month but throughout the school year and recognizing the strengths and resiliency of communities that historically have been marginalized, as well examining issues of racism and the impact of discrimination on these communities.
ETFO Poster for Black History Month 2015
Frederick Douglass, a 19th century African-American slave, abolitionist, author and statesman, said that “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free”. This quote is featured on a new poster prepared by ETFO in celebration of Black Canadian children’s authors for February’s Black History Month.
For children and youth, the freedom to learn about the world, its people and all its possibilities is matched by the power that reading has to help them build a sense of their place in the world. But what if they don’t see themselves reflected in the books, the videos and the posters in their classrooms, their libraries or community centres?
Markers such as February’s Black History Month, The Day of Pink and National Aboriginal Day help children learn about the differences, histories and struggles that many groups have faced to gain equality and respect. Through these explorations, a child from any background can see themselves and their families as having a place in the world around them, and experience acceptance.
These experiences shouldn’t be limited to a designated month or a day. There are many books written today for children and youth, such as the books on ETFO’s new poster, that portray diversity characters and story lines without resorting to stereotypes. Our classrooms and school libraries can play a greater role in providing children and youth with books and posters that reflect this diversity. Go to www.etfot.ca for more information.
Apply to QECO If You Are Not Yet In Category A4!
Program 5 - the QECO policy used to evaluate teacher academic credentials to determine salary categories - may look a little different than it has in the past: The name Program 5 is the same; the number of categories is the same; there are still two charts - General Education and Technological Education; and, all the same routes and course requirements are still there.
What is different?
For most teachers, the charts will appear more transparent and easier to understand.
For some teachers there may be more route options to consider for moving to the next QECO category.
For others, there may be recognition of some programs and courses that did not exist when Program 5 was first created.
In all cases, teachers who are not yet in Category A4 should apply to QECO.
To read Program 5, or to apply for QECO services, visit www.qeco.on.ca
Applying to QECO every year, until you have reached Category A4 is still your best assurance that you are following the quickest and most expedient route to the next category.
UPCOMING PD OPPORTUNITY!!!
There are still spaces available to register for the February 23, 2015 PD Event.
When: 4:30 - 7:30 PM (Feb. 23, 2015)
Where: Best Western Lamplighter Inn
591 Wellington Road South, London, ON N6C 4R3
Choose 1 workshop from the following: all 3 sessions are running concurrently.
Session 1: Your First LTO: How to Successfully Navigate the IEP Process
Session 2: Stepping Forward with French - Free ETFO Award winning resource provided to all participants in this workshop
Session3: Voice Care
How: Go to www.etfotvot.com to register
Registration to close on February 20, 2015, noon
