Positively Professional – Survive & Thrive

There are so many demands and expectations exerted on the teaching profession. It seems that everyone has high expectations of our role as professionals, whether it be the principal, our colleagues, students, parents and, of course, the government.

We also have our own expectations, and one of these is to be treated as professionals.

The resources collected here can help you meet all these expectations. They can help you establish the boundaries that are our moral and legal obligation. They can help you work more effectively with your superiors and colleagues. And they can also guide you in establishing rewarding relationships with parents.

You will also have a relationship with your federation throughout your career and it is worthwhile learning how they can and will support your career growth and protect your rights.

Professional Boundaries

Parent Teacher Conference Tips and Tricks

Geared to elementary teachers, this page on the Lucky Little Learners site tells you how to plan ahead and be prepared for parent teacher conferences.

Professional Boundaries

Establishing Positive Relationships

Great list of practical tips and suggestions from OTF’s Parent Engagement website.

Staff Relations

Observing Other Teachers

See the top five reasons for taking the time to watch other teachers and learn different approaches to teaching.

Staff Relations

The Power of Teacher Collaboration

Three tips for finding time to connect with colleagues, share thoughts and provide support.

Staff Relations

Relationships with colleagues

Point-form advice for a new teacher to help make a good impression, understand the school culture and work out who’s who.

Staff Relations

The Importance of Effective Teacher to Teacher Communication

Seven things to avoid when trying to build positive relationships with faculty and staff members at school.

Staff Relations

Maintaining Professional Relationships among All Educators

Professional and respectful relationships among educators and other professionals is necessary for students’ effective learning. Check out this page for rules and ideas.

Staff Relations

Assertive Versus Aggressive Behaviour

Lots of ideas on dealing with colleagues who might seem intimidating or aggressive.

Staff Relations

Anger in the Workplace

A great outline on anger in the workplace along with suggestions for handling this problem.

Staff Relations

Building and Maintaining Positive Professional Full-Day Kindergarten Team Relationships

Strategies and suggestions to help build a positive team relationship in Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK).

Staff Relations

Shared Workspaces

At times, relationships may become strained due to the sharing of classrooms, libraries, as well as other workspaces. Here’s some good advice from ETFO on sharing space equitably and respectfully.

Staff Relations

Working with Early Childhood Educators: A New Partnership for Teachers

See this article from the ETFO Voice on the role of ECE’s in our Kindergarten classes.

Rights and Responsibilities

Does the Ontario Human Rights Code apply to me?

The short answer is yes, both as a school board employee and an educator. Check out ETFO’s advice in this brief document.

Rights and Responsibilities

To Volunteer or Not?

Great advice from ETFO to members who choose to volunteer during the instructional day.

Rights and Responsibilities

Allegations Involving CAS and/or Police – What to do if it happens to you…

An ETFO document which outlines the Federation’s support for members who face allegations and other related investigations that might have been made.

Rights and Responsibilities

A Member’s Duty to Report under the Child and Family Services Act

All teachers should be familiar with their duty to report suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the Children's Aid Society (CAS). Failure to meet this duty may result in charges under the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) and an OCT finding of professional misconduct.

Rights and Responsibilities

OSSTF’s Duty to Report

Learn what teachers must report to the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) with this OSSTF overview sheet.

Rights and Responsibilities

What to Do if You Suspect Child Abuse or Neglect

Find out from ETFO about reporting to the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) and what happens when you call.

Rights and Responsibilities

Professional Conduct Guidelines

A good place to start in terms of what OSSTF/FEESO expects of its members.

Rights and Responsibilities

Professional Misconduct, Ontario Regulation 437/97

This regulation outlines acts which may be considered professional misconduct by a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.

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