OSSTF Communications

Episode 5 of Education Forum: The Podcast is all about shining a light on the unseen work that keeps our schools running. Our incredible guests include Stefani Burosch, a Professional Student Services Personnel (PSSP) Worker from Kawartha Lakes and Philip Battison, a Plan Support Staff Worker from Ottawa. Check it out: #podcast" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">underfunded.ca/#podcast And let us know what you think! Email podcast@osstf.ca

Registration opens next week! #OSSTF is launching an AQ Program this fall with courses created by secondary teachers for secondary teachers. The courses focus on the realities of teaching grades 9-12 and are rooted in accessibility and inclusivity practices. Courses are offered through an asynchronous instructor-led format and run from October 1-December 4. OSSTF/FEESO is offering Part 1, Part 2, and Specialist courses of: · First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Guidance and Career Education · Special Education 🎫 Registration opens July 21. 🎁 Register by Aug. 21 to enter to win a $100 gift card. 🖥️ Visit aq.osstf.on.ca to learn more & join the waitlist.

In Ontario classrooms, students have diverse learning needs, greater mental health challenges, and more complex support requirements than ever before. For these reasons and many others, students require smaller class sizes, increased supports, and more investments in qualified education workers and teachers. Ontario's students deserve better.

Congratulations Rita Mueller on your election as CTF/FCE President-Designate from OSSTF/FEESO!

52 days to go. Every day matters. OSSTF/FEESO remains ready to meet throughout the summer to address the issues facing Ontario's publicly funded education system. #FinalCountdownFriday #OntEd #OSSTF

Ontario's public education system has lost $6.4 billion since 2018 while students needs have become more complex. Thousands of jobs from Ontario's public education system have been lost, including skilled trades workers, education assistants, professional student services personnel, and teachers. These workers are the ones who keep schools running, support students with complex needs, maintain safe buildings, and help students succeed every day.

Students shouldn't have to wait months or years to receive the assessments and supports they need to succeed. That's why #OSSTF is fighting for increased and timely access to special education assessments and the follow-up supports students deserve. Better supports mean stronger classrooms, stronger schools, and stronger communities.

Five major Ontario school boards that have been under the direct supervision of the Ford government for a year or more have posted budget deficits despite the education minister blaming trustees for their financial turmoil. globalnews.ca/news/11955405/… #Onpoli

59 days to go. Summer is here. We're sure this government's vacation plans are underway, but OSSTF/FEESO remains ready to bargain anytime, anywhere. #FinalCountdownFriday #OSSTF #OntEd

Every student deserves access to the supports that help them succeed. That's why #OSSTF is fighting for more trained and qualified education workers. Investing in the people who support students means safer schools, stronger learning environments, and better outcomes for students and their communities.

Did you teach a de-streamed Grade 9 or 10 class in the past two years? #OSSTF wants to hear about your experience! Five years after the province implemented de-streaming, teachers continue to raise concerns about class sizes, classroom complexity, and the supports available to help all students succeed. Your feedback will help strengthen OSSTF/FEESO's advocacy for public education, identify implementation gaps, and support our work at the bargaining table. Complete the 10–12 minute survey by TOMORROW, June 30: bit.ly/4anZc2b

#OSSTF's Provincial Executive, staff, and members were thrilled to join thousands of people marching through the streets of Toronto today in celebration of Pride 🌈 Pride is a celebration of the vibrant #2SLGBTQIA+ communities that enrich our schools, workplaces, unions, and neighbourhoods. It also reminds us that #solidarity means continuing to build communities where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive. Thank you to everyone who marched with us, cheered from the sidelines, and helped make @PrideToronto such an incredible celebration. Happy Pride! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

On the final day of school, the presidents of Ontario education unions representing teachers and education workers came together to share this message. youtu.be/UhAstJfQktY We are #OntEdUnited! #onpoli #onted

The school year may be ending, but our work at the bargaining table is just beginning. #OSSTF was proud to stand alongside our education and labour partners today as @AEFO_ON_CA began bargaining. Together, we're united in our commitment to publicly funded education, the members we represent, and the students and communities we serve. Bargaining continues throughout the summer, and we'll keep working together to fight for the resources and supports students need and the working conditions teachers and education workers deserve. #OntEdUnited @ETFOeducators @OECTAProv @OPSEU @osbcucscso

66 days to go. Bargaining is underway. Ontario's teachers and education workers are ready to get to work on the challenges facing publicly funded education. #FinalCountdownFriday #OSSTF #OntEd

Students notice. They notice when classes are too crowded. They notice when there aren't enough teachers and education workers. And they notice when it's harder to get the help and attention they need. New national research found that: 📚 76% of students say large classes make learning harder 👥 56% say there aren't enough education workers & support staff 🏫 48% say there are too many students in their classroom In Ontario, these challenges aren't getting better under this government. They're getting worse. As bargaining continues, #OSSTF will keep fighting for the resources and supports students need and the working conditions teachers and education workers deserve. Full survey results: bit.ly/4vxsV19 #OntEd #OnPoli

Together for publicly funded education. #OSSTF's Provincial Executive was proud to connect with @osbcucscso education workers today and show our solidarity! We are both fighting for the well-funded schools, strong supports, and frontline staff that Ontario students deserve. As bargaining continues, we're united in our commitment to our members and the students, schools, and communities we serve.

Ontario's public education system remains one of the best in the world... but every year, teachers and education workers are being asked to do more with less. Larger classes. Fewer supports. More complex student needs. More violence in schools. Programs being cut. As #OSSTF District 11 (Thames Valley) President John Bernans explained to CBC, our members have found ways to make it work for years, but schools are being pushed toward a tipping point. Imagine what students and staff could achieve if the government gave schools the support they deserve? 📺: bit.ly/4uU1VHS #OntEd #OnPoli

"Blending attendance into grades more than likely just makes life even more difficult for students" — #OSSTF Vice President Colin Matthew. Attendance challenges don't exist in a vacuum. Students facing barriers need support, not penalties. Ontario's classrooms are diverse, and a one-size-fits-all directive from Minister Calandra won't address the complex realities students face every day. Read more: bit.ly/4g3zPWT #OSSTF #OntEd #OnPoli