Being an Occasional Teacher can be challenging. In this section you’ll find a variety of resources to assist you that are not specifically related to the curriculum. Here you’ll find information on everything from coping with stress to Employment Insurance.
A to Z of being an OT
Occasional Teacher AQ course
ETFO makes its AQ offerings a superior learning experience by:
- having courses developed by educators who understand the realities of today’s classrooms;
- developing course content that is practical, well-grounded in effective practice, and has an appropriate balance between theory and practice;
- recognizing the delicate work/life balance of teachers; and
- reviewing courses regularly and updating them to make certain that the key learning, course activities, and resources remain current.
Our AQ courses are respectful of teacher professional judgement and honour adult learning principles.
Internationally Educated Teachers – applying to register in Ontario
The Ontario College of Teachers is the provincial body that certifies candidates to teach in Ontario’s publicly funded schools. The college provides information that will help candidates to assess their own readiness to apply, as well as to prepare their application. You will find out about College registration requirements, College information sessions, English courses and how your credentials are evaluated.
Internationally Educated Teachers – applying to register in Ontario
Teacher Well-Being
This website by OTF has various platforms including the importance of teachers’ mental health and well-being.
ETFO ID Union Number
Your ETFO ID number is listed on the front of your membership card beneath your name. If you have misplaced your membership card, contact the provincial office at 1-888-838-3836 during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and ask for Member Records/Fees.
Know Your Local Collective Agreement
ETFO’s listing of Occasional Teacher locals provides contact information as well as website links where available. This is where the answers to many employment-related questions can typically be found; answer will vary depending on your local agreement. The best thing a member can do to ensure that her or his negotiated rights are being upheld is to read the agreement and consider the implications. Members are encouraged to contact their local for clarification and/or assistance if they think that their rights are being violated by any party, including other members, administrators, or members of other unions.
Mental Health
This article from the UK offers five simple steps to boost teachers’ mental health, recognizing the impact that workload has on teachers.
Racial Bias in Classroom
This is just a quick, informative, non-threatening article that may offers some OTs a window of perspective when teaching racialized students.
Mindful Teachers: Living, Learning & Teaching with Mindful Awareness
This site includes various blogs from teachers or other professionals that focus on the art of mindfulness. It offers a range of ideas for incorporating mindfulness into the classroom as well as using it as a means of self care.
Mindful Teachers: Living, Learning & Teaching with Mindful Awareness
EpiPen
This website offers all the information you need about anaphylaxis and the use of EpiPens. Very useful information for teachers in case of an emergency.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
This site offers great information about the necessity of a scent free environment and the effects that scent may have on individuals with scent sensitivities. It provides ways to address the issue in the workplace, how to draft policies and research to support an argument for scent free places.