OSSTF District 8

OSSTF/FEESO is launching NEW Additional Qualification (AQ) courses in Fall 2026 and we’re looking for OCT-certified members to join our pool of AQ Instructors. Course areas: • Special Education • Guidance and Career Education • First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies Courses will be delivered online through an asynchronous instructor-led model. If you have: ✔️ 5+ years teaching experience ✔️ Specialist qualifications (or equivalent) ✔️ Experience in the subject area ... we want to hear from you! 📅 Apply by June 12, 2026 at 3 PM ET. 🖥️ Submit applications to: aq-applications@osstf.ca

Have you met Joe Rooyakkers? Not only is he the OSSSTF/FEESO bargaining unit president at the University of Guelph, he’s also our incredible guest this week. Check out Episode 4 of Education Forum: The Podcast for his important take on the post-secondary education center. Check it out here bit.ly/42TPy33- And don’t forget to share your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions by emailing podcast@osstf.ca

Burnout. Stress. Violence. Too many teachers and education workers are being pushed beyond their limits and told it’s just part of the job. It’s not. On the National Day of Mourning, we stand together to remember those we’ve lost and to demand safer, healthier workplaces for everyone. Because across Canada, nearly half of workers say their job is the most stressful part of their day, and 7 in 10 are worried about their psychological health and safety at work. It doesn’t have to be this way #OSSTF #DayOfMourning #NationalDayOfMourning

On April 29, let’s show what collective action looks like. President Martha Hradowy explains why it’s critical that we stand united alongside more than 255,000 teachers and education workers across Ontario. Wear red and purple, and take action in your schools and communities to demonstrate why we must fight for a strong, fully publicly funded education system. #Red4Ed #EducationDayofAction #OntEd

Still underfunded. That’s the reality behind Budget 2026. Overcrowded classrooms. Not enough teachers and education workers. Layoffs across public education. We are underfunded and over it. 🎥 Watch #OSSTF President @marthahradowy’s message and take action at underfunded.ca #OntEd #OnPoli #ONBudget2026

Congratulations to this year’s #OSSTF Provincial Award winners (2/2) Your hard work, leadership, and dedication to our union have made a lasting impact across the Federation. Thank you to all award recipients for everything you do 🙏🏽 #AMPA2026

Five education unions. Two annual meetings. One message. This morning, teachers and education workers from across Ontario came together in solidarity to defend publicly funded education. Together, our collective voice is stronger. Solidarity! #CatholicTeachers #OECTAAGM26 #OSSTF #AMPA2026

And that’s a wrap on #AMPA2026! THANK YOU to the members, volunteers, invited guests, #OSSTF staff, and hotel staff who made these past three days inspiring, energizing, and memorable. Together, teachers and education workers are organized, united, and ready for the work ahead. Safe travels home everyone 👋🏽

Congratulations to this year’s #OSSTF Provincial Award winners (1/2) Your hard work, leadership, and dedication to our union have made a lasting impact across the Federation. SPECIAL shout out to Mary Montgomery, from District 35 – Brock University, for winning the Status of Women Award. Mary couldn't make it in person but we are so thankful for all her hard work. Thank you to all award recipients for everything you do 🙏🏽 #AMPA2026

#AMPA2026 Day 2 comes to a close, but the work continues. #OSSTF members debated key issues and set direction for the Federation during one of the most challenging eras for public education in Ontario. Tomorrow we wrap up with Day 3 and our close out!

Day 2 of #AMPA2026 has begun! OSSTF/FEESO General Secretary Vaino Poysa kicked off the day by sharing the reimagined and relaunched Annual Report. As Vaino said, "This Annual Report reflects work we are proud of. Over the last year, #OSSTF has remained active, disciplined, and focused: supporting members, strengthening our internal capacity, and readiness in preparing deliberately for the work ahead."

"Power is not given. Power is built." At #AMPA2026, #OSSTF President @marthahradowy reminded members that our power comes from solidarity and the 60,000 teachers and education workers who fight to protect public education every day. She also delivered a clear message to Premier Ford and Minister Calandra:   Do not waste our members' time.  Do not waste students' time.  Do not waste parents' time.   Write the regulation.  Get to the table.  Let bargaining begin.

BIG congratulations to Carlos Santander-Maturana (District 6A - Thunder Bay), recipient of the 2026 #OSSTF Solidarity Award at #AMPA2026. Carlos’ lifetime of union activism, coalition building, and advocacy for workers’ rights truly embodies the spirit of solidarity 👏🏽

And that's a wrap on Day 1 at #AMPA2026 What a thrilling day of stimulating debates, community engagement, motivational speaker, and of course our dedicated #OSSTF members who make this all possible and worthwhile. Looking forward to Day 2!

A standing ovation for excellence! The room exploded into applause at #AMPA2026 as the 2026 Student Achievement Award winners walked in and accepted their awards from #OSSTF President @marthahradowy. Congratulations on this well deserved recognition 👏🏽

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of OSSTF/FEESO’s Associate General Secretary, Joel Duff. This is an unimaginable loss to our Federation, as Joel represented the very best of us. Joel joined OSSTF/FEESO in August 2023 as a dedicated labour activist committed to protecting public education. Joel spent the entire 21st century in service of the broader labour movement in a wide range of elected and staff roles. These included serving as the Ontario Organizer for the Canadian Federation of Students, Communications Director for the Ontario Federation of Labour, Executive Political Assistant to the President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and the Associate Executive Director of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations. Joel came to OSSTF/FEESO with a clear vision: to defend and strengthen public education. He joined a union that had long been at the forefront of change but also stood on the cusp of transformation. With conviction and principle, he set out to strengthen the Federation’s organizing and mobilizing strategy for the challenges ahead. Joel reflected the best qualities of a deeply committed colleague, comrade, and friend. He took the time to understand people and what made them unique, and believed that every person, regardless of their title or role, played a part in building a movement and he made that belief felt. Joel leaves a lasting impact on many across the country, within the labour movement and beyond. He will be remembered with great affection by his neighbours, coworkers, friends, allies, and comrades. OSSTF/FEESO is committed to continuing his work in fighting for a just society for students and workers alike. We extend our sincere condolences to his partner, Lauren, their two children, and all his loved ones.

Today, #OSSTF President @marthahradowy raised serious concerns about how destreaming has been rolled out during a meeting of the @otffeo, attended by Education Minister Paul Calandra. The goal of destreaming was the right one. How it was put into place was not. Teachers, education workers, and students were left without the staffing, resources, and supports needed to succeed in real classrooms. Every day, our members see the impact on students. Larger classes, fewer supports, and growing gaps in learning mean students are not getting what they need to succeed. During the meeting, the Minister committed to reviewing destreaming, something we have LONG called for based on what our members see happening to students every single day! #OntEd

Every year, #OSSTF recognizes many Members, Districts, and Bargaining Units for the outstanding work that they do on behalf of the Federation and our Members. Their contributions have had a positive and lasting impact on OSSTF/FEESO, its Members, local communities, and publicly funded education in Ontario. Deadlines for many of these awards are fast approaching – most of them are due on January 31, 2026. Details in D/BU #75 2025-2026 or visit bit.ly/49WZRaJ

Bill 33 may already be creating a culture of fear in #OntEd schools! As quoted in the news, Muna Kadri, President of #OSSTF District 16, warns that the Ford government’s new powers over school boards are silencing debate and undermining local democracy. When boards are pressured to avoid disagreement, transparency suffers and students lose. Education workers should not be walking on eggshells. Strong public education depends on open discussion, local decision-making, and trust, not political interference from Queen’s Park. 🔗 bit.ly/4pvO5Jc

Want to support member learning and strengthen our collective work on equity? #OSSTF is now accepting member applications (English and French) to become a presenter for Educational Services workshops: ✅ Challenging Misogyny ✅ Racial Justice 🗓️ Due Jan 7, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. 🔗 More info: bit.ly/4p1H56g