Nominations are now open for District 14 Excellence in Education Awards for the 2008 / 2009 school year.  These awards are organized by the District 14 Political Action / Excellence in Education Committee.

The aim of the award is to acknowledge any member of the educational community of our schools who has made a significant contribution to the educational life of schools in OSSTF District 14.  Teachers, support staff and community members are all eligible.  Students may not be nominated.

Award winners will be presented a certificate at the OSSTF District 14 Annual General Meeting on May 12 at the Cobourg Lion's Centre.  For more information, see your Branch President or call District Office.  A copy of the Nomination Form is available in our Forms section the website.

Nominations are now open for positions on the District and Teacher Bargaining Unit (TBU) Executives for the 2009 / 2010 school year.  Nomination forms can be found at your site through your Branch President, at District Office or in the Documents page, Forms section on this website.  More information can also be found in your latest edition of the "One For All" newsletter.

Positions available for nomination for the District are:  District Secretary, District Treasurer, Provincial Councillor (2 year term).

Positions available for nomination for the TBU are:  President, First Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Second Vice President, Third Vice President* (*if there is no immediate Past President).

Completed nomination forms must be received by the Chair of the appropriate Nominating Committee at District Office by no later than Tuesday, April 28.  Interested members can look at the election references in the District and TBU Constitutions in the Documents tab - Forms section, or can call District Office for more details.

If you are a strong supporter of mentoring, have mentored others or been mentored, consider applying to be part of the development team for OSSTF/FEESO’s newest workshop “Mentoring Members”. The Educational Services Department is looking for interested members to author and pilot a new mentoring workshop.

Interested applicants should have extensive knowledge of and experience with mentoring, excellent oral and written communication skills, and an ability to work as part of a team. Members must have the ability to obtain time release (paid for by OSSTF/FEESO) and be willing to travel to bargaining units and districts in various parts of the province.

OSSTF has a number of curriculum units available for classroom use.  Two major curriculum projects have been funded by OSSTF for the last few years and have been produced by our members; Socially-Based Curriculum Units and the Common Threads Project

Socially-Based Curriculum Units have been produced by OSSTF members ready for use in the classroom in subject areas, including Canadian and World Studies, English, the Arts, Science and French, among others.  There are about 40 units in all so far.  The  Socially-Based Curriculum Units are available on the OSSTF website for use.

Common Threads is an international project funded by OSSTF that has produced curriculum units related to global issues, including Sweatshops, AIDS and Water.  Each school site should have a copy of the Common Threads curriculum units produced so far.  Additional copies can be purchased through OSSTF.  You can also visit the Common Threads website for details.  

Common Threads is also looking for volunteers to pilot their latest curriculum units on Food and Food Security.  If members are interested, they can contact Domenic Bellissimo at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone at 1-800-267-7867.

The OTIP Teaching Awards recognizes three teachers in the categories of Elementary Teacher, Secondary Teacher and Beginning Teacher.  Parents, students, colleagues and others are invited to submit nominations.

You still have time to nominate someone for this honour.  The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2009.  This award is endorsed by the Ontario Teachers' Federation.

For more information and nomination forms, go to www.teachingawards.ca .  

A copy of the Financial Considerations for Members Under the New Collective Agreement Memo is now located in the Documents section. 

This is a revised document that combined the original memo and the revised memo that were sent out to branches in February.  A newly revised memo has now been placed in our Documents section at the request of members.

Any member who has questions about the new Collective Agreement should feel free to contact District Office.

OSSTF offers to members Project LINK, a career counseling service for members who may wish to explore career alternatives.

This may be an ideal service for members who are experiencing difficulties practicing their profession to such a degree that they are seriously considering other work options.  The program may also assist members who are feeling stuck in their jobs and want to explore growth opportunities within their profession.

The counseling service typically consists of vocational evaluation and a two hour counseling session with a career counselor.  During the session, the result of assessment materials are reviewed and possible career options are explored.

For 2009, there are ten $1,500 OSSTF/FESSO Federation Family Bursaries available.

The bursary program is designed to assist financially the children or wards of OSSTF/FESSO members to enter college or university programs, including apprenticeship programs with a college component.

The application may be completed online HERE .  The deadline date is April 30, 2009.

For more information members should look at the OSSTF/FESSO website or contact Bill Reith or Kathie Graham at Provincial Office - 1-800-267-7867.