Q and A #2 – Durham
REMINDER – TELEPHONE TOWN HALL MEETING - TONIGHT
Durham Region will be part of the All-Member Telephone Town Hall meeting with
President Sam Hammond tonight (May 11, 2015) from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. A call will be
placed to your home tonight a few minutes before 6:30 pm. When you answer the
phone, follow the prompts to be part of the meeting.
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY LEADERS
Do teachers continue in this role?
No, this is struck work in Phase 1 (unless it is specifically built into the member’s
timetable). This role is equivalent to a Computer Site Administrator, despite not having
report card duties.
WEBMASTERS
Do teachers continue updating and taking responsibility for school websites?
Yes. Webmasters are not “in the box” in Phase 1.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE
Do we continue with scheduled field trips for this year?
Yes.
Do we write an end of the year report?
No, this is struck work in Phase 1.
TEACHER IN CHARGE
Can I continue to be the teacher in charge during the work to rule? My Principal does
not tell me I have to. I volunteer to do it and receive a small payment.
No. Teacher in charge is struck work. It is “in the box”.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
I have been asked to use the STEP Continuum and identify where my ELL students are
on the Continuum and submit it to the principal or ELL teacher. Do I do this during the
work-to-rule?
No, during the work-to-rule members cannot be TOLD to administer assessments or
submit data to principals. The STEP Continuum is an assessment and thus is ‘in the
box.’ An individual member may choose to use the STEP instructional resources to
provide supports to an ELL student however this would be solely based on the teacher’s
professional judgment.
Do I attend workshops or meetings about the STEP program during the work-to-rule?
No, participating in activities and meetings related to the STEP program is ‘in the box’
and therefore members should not attend meetings, present workshops, or attend
workshops on STEP during the work-to-rule.
FIELD TRIPS
Teachers have arranged field trips that were funded through Ministry grants (e.g.,
outdoor education activities). The arrangements have all been made and permission
forms have been completed and signed by parents/guardians. What do we do?
Phase 1 of the work-to-rule was not meant to directly impact students. Field trips are not
‘in the box’. These can continue.
FNMI TEACHERS/CONSULTANTS
What about teachers/consultants who work directly with FNMI students and support
their learning, or work with non-FNMI students on FNMI issues. Their roles are funded
through the Ministry. What should they do during the work-to-rule?
They should continue in their role with students. We are not striking work with students
during the work-to-rule Phase 1. They cannot, however, hold or attend meetings or work
with other teachers on Ministry related activities.
SWST/INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES/CONSULTANTS
Can our SWST still come into our school? The bulletin says we can’t meet with them.
Yes, SWST, consultants, etc can certainly continue supporting schools, teachers, and
students in their field of expertise, but not around Ministry Initiatives. They cannot do
work directly around the Ministry Initiative they are connected to, meaning data
collection, assessment, evaluation, and meetings.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Do we continue to prepare materials for IPRC meetings?
Yes, this is not struck work in Phase 1.
What are expectations for the completion of Alternative Report Cards for special
education students?
Members should provide one sentence comment per report card section on the
Alternative Report Card.
KINDERGARTEN
Can WTK (Welcome to Kindergarten) continue, even if it after school or in the evening?
Yes, WTK can continue. After school PD, meetings, communication with parents, etc
can continue. As long as it is voluntary after school. It is business as usual.
*****What should we do for kindergarten report cards?
Kindergarten teachers will provide a class list with the code filled in for each
section per student. NO anecdotal comments. The information will then be given
to principals by the teacher.
LEVELED LITERACY INTERVENTION (LLI)
Is this part of the Work to Rule?
Even though this is not part of the WTR, ETFO strongly discourages members from
continuing. ETFO also reminds members that voluntary activities such as LLI may not
be covered by union protection if an allegation were made against a member.
EQAO – OLD TESTS
Can I use old EQAO tests as part of my classroom program?
No. Anything to do with EQAO is struck work. Members need to pretend as if EQAO
doesn’t exist.
BUTTONS BEING WORN BY MEMBERS
Can my principal tell me to take off my ETFO button?
No. ETFO won an arbitration more than a decade ago that ensures ETFO members
have the right to wear a button in support of their union at the worksite. Board officials
have also been told by ETFO to expect members will be wearing the buttons.
A SPECIAL REMINDER RE OCCASIONAL TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS
A strike is difficult for all members, but it presents special challenges for occasional
teachers. OTs are often isolated, not connected to any school or steward, and
communication as a “group” can be difficult. Because of the individual nature of OT
jobs, mobilization often needs more effort and different strategies. Many OTs are new
teachers who have never been through a round of bargaining. Please make a
concerted effort to welcome the daily OTs in your school. Let them know about the
WTR and that you are there for support and solidarity, and are willing to answer
questions they may have.