Available Resources and Supports for Conflict Resolution

Know who your local ETFO president is and make contact with them. Teacher and DECE local presidents 
meet regularly and work together on an ongoing basis to support members and provide advice with 
problem solving and mediation if necessary. 

Your locals are there to support you in the following ways:

O Providing professional advice to support its members;
O Sharing what resources are available to you;
O Providing advice and guidance on how to approach the situation;
O Coaching you through your initial discussion; 
O Brainstorming strategies you can put in place as team members;
O Offering clarification to any entitlements or limitations under your collective agreement(s); 
O If necessary, facilitating conversations with you and your FDK partner; and
O Connecting you with ETFO Provincial PRS staff for support. 

Before going to your principal, connect with your ETFO president or ETFO Provincial PRS staff to seek 
advice. They may suggest speaking with your administrator as a team and can offer support on how to 
approach the situation. 

ETFO Member Rights and Responsibilities

ETFO represents teachers, early childhood educators, and other education workers in Ontario schools. The 
following provisions of the ETFO Constitution are directly relevant to the issue of respectful professional 
relationships, and apply to all ETFO members: 

Article VI: Code of Professional Conduct 

6.1  A member shall:

6.1.6 strive to eliminate all forms of harassment between individuals in the educational 

system;

6.1.7 endeavour to ensure equity and inclusiveness in the workplace; and

6.1.8 strive to achieve and maintain a high degree of professionalism and to uphold the 

honour, dignity, and ethical standards of the teaching profession. 

In addition to the rights and responsibilities, each individual school board will have Respectful Workplace 
policies and will have its own standards that apply to the professional relationship between co-workers. 
Make sure you are familiar with your school board’s policies and procedures. 

Remember, working together, communicating, and being respectful of each other’s experiences are key 
to building and maintaining positive and professional relationships in FDK. 

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