ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO

REPORT TO THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING

Advancing and Protecting Our Union, Our Values and Our Profession

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Photo: Vitusha Oberoi

majority of complaints referred to Discipline are 
resolved through a negotiated outcome satisfac-
tory to members. Aside from cases involving ETFO 
members, there has been a substantial overall 
increase in the degree to which complaints are 
either resolved or conducted through the imposi-
tion of suspensions in the last two years.

ETFO continues to address delays in the handling 
of complaints through its communications with 
the College and through coordinated efforts with 
the affiliates.

Workshops, Courses, 

Webinars, Webcasts

The focus of PRS workshops and conferences is to 
prevent professional problems before they arise 
by informing members of their rights and obliga-
tions. Workshops also address recent changes to 
education and workplace legislation.

This year, staff responded to requests from local 
leaders, members and faculties of education 
to address professional issues including: elec-
tronic communications and social media; conflict 
resolution; effective DECE/teacher teams; harass-
ment; dealing with difficult situations; profes-
sionalism; workplace accommodations; mental 
health issues; performance appraisal; parent-
teacher relationships; professional boundaries; 
the Ontario College of Teachers; allegations of 
assault; and pregnancy and parental leave. PRS 
staff also offered leadership development work-
shops at … and still we rise, Union School, Fall 
Leadership and New Presidents’ Training.

Mental health and wellness is an issue cutting 
across many workshop and conference topics. 
Staff has raised this issue in a variety of contexts 
to promote awareness and understanding and 
to explore rights and responsibilities related to 
issues regarding mental health concerns.

An Ounce of Prevention

The Thriving in a Challenging Workplace: Good 
Health and Well-Being conference in November was 
attended by 75 teachers, occasional teachers, ESP/
PSP and DECE members from across the province. 
Keynote speaker Beverly Beuermann-King deliv-
ered a well-received presentation called, Stress 
Out! S-O-S To Letting More Life In. Workshop topics 
included work/life balance, healthy eating, conflict 
resolution, understanding mental illness, managing 
anger in the workplace, stress sense, voice care, 
parent conflict and dealing with allegations.

Women’s Health and 

Legal Conference

The Digging Deeper, Reaching Higher women’s con-
ference held in Niagara Falls in April was attend-
ed by 150 members. Participants were provided