ETFO delivers high-quality, practical PD to educators

TORONTO, May 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is one of the country's leading providers of professional development (PD) that assists educators to enhance their professional skills.

"Building on the work of its predecessors, ETFO offers professional development to educators that is efficient, practical, extensive and equitable," said ETFO President Sam Hammond following release today of the Auditor General's report on government payments to education sector unions. "ETFO's PD materials are renowned, and known and used internationally."

"Our PD model, created by teachers and academic experts, provides high-quality, practical training to other teachers that always enhances current curriculum. The Ministry of Education and school boards recognize this," said Hammond. "ETFO has always maintained rigorous accountability and reporting mechanisms for the professional development funding received from the government."

Ministry funds have extended ETFO's PD focus on mathematics, technology and Kindergarten. Other Ministry-assisted programs have focused on education and poverty issues, classroom assessment, and integrating technology into the classroom. ETFO has developed many websites that members use to support their classroom practice including www.etfopley.ca for early years learning and www.etfoassessment.ca for assessment tools.

Ministry funding enabled province-wide tours of Roseneath Theatre's production of Spirit Horse, a play that challenges First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultural stereotypes and confronts racism. These tours reached over 50,000 students in 135 communities, and face-to-face and online professional learning was provided to elementary teachers in almost every school board.

"We are proud of the work we do to support our members. It makes them better teachers of the children in their classrooms," Hammond said.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 78,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province.

SOURCE Canadian Teachers' Federation

Valerie Dugale, ETFO Media Relations: 416-962-3836 x2331, [email protected]