Achievements

Telemedicine for Teachers and their close family

Seeing that too many teachers were missing work for issues that could be handled remotely, I initiated the pilot project that led to universal access to telemedicine for teachers and their households.

Establishment of IEP Task Force

I successfully pushed for the board to establish a task force to review not only the IEP process, but also the IEP product itself. The goal is to make IEPs more efficient and less burdensome for teachers while also ensuring that the final document is clear, useful, and truly supports students. Just as importantly, I advocated for teacher involvement in this work, since these kinds of decisions were too often made without enough teacher input in the past.

Reduction of Cross cycle & Split classes

I advocated for available funds to be directed, whenever possible, toward reducing cross-cycle and split-level classes in the primary sector; as a result, very few have occurred over the past four years.

Professional Improvement Committee

At the PIC Committee, I have worked hard to keep the maximum replacement cost for a supply teacher at $242 for a full day and $121 for a half day, while also protecting the $900 maximum available to teachers. This has been especially challenging because government funding has not been indexed, even as costs continue to increase. It has been a difficult fight, but one well worth taking on for teachers.

Mentorship Program

I have worked to ensure the mentoring program continued, while also making sure that selected mentors, along with other members, were consulted on how to make it more responsive to the needs of both mentors and mentees. I have supported the program and helped shape its direction based on their feedback, always keeping their perspectives at the centre of the decisions made.

School Visits

I also made it a priority to be present for as many school visits as possible whenever I was invited. Staying connected to schools is essential, because good advocacy must always be grounded in the realities of teaching and informed by the voices of those living it every day. I never hesitated to visit schools, listen closely, and ensure that practice, experience, and teachers’ realities remained at the centre of the work.

Opening of Special Needs Classes

Worked to support the opening of primary-level classes for students with special needs outside of Crestview ES, helping make possible a long-overdue first in many years.

Shout Out's Campaigns

Once in office, I launched Shout-Outs, a morale-boosting campaign that has engaged up to a quarter of our teachers in one way or another, reminding us that while we all know we belong, it is just as important to be reminded that we matter.

"Did You Know" Newsletter Updates

Since I took office, Did You Know has become a regular bilingual communication tool, provided in both English and French, keeping teachers informed of important issues, key updates, and timely reminders.

Cooperative Teacher stipends

When new government funding for teacher training was announced, I consulted teachers and advocated for it to be used to increase teacher stipends by 30%. I helped ensure that this first temporary three-year allocation was directed straight into teachers’ pockets as recognition for their hard work. I also worked to streamline the cooperating teacher process so that, once teachers are on the list, they no longer have to reapply each year unless they wish to be removed. It is a practical change that costs nothing but makes life easier for teachers.

Supporting New Teachers

At the start of my tenure, I made it a top priority to reach out to as many new teachers as possible. Whenever time allowed, I personally called new teachers to check in, listen, and make sure they were doing okay. Teacher retention matters deeply because new teachers are the future of the profession, and over the years, I have made sure to speak with most of them at least once. I also participate in New Teacher induction sessions with the new teachers in order to provide them with up to date information and support.

And much much more...

Beyond the achievements highlighted here, I have also contributed in many other meaningful ways across my professional work and service. This page offers only a snapshot of the breadth of my experience, leadership, and ongoing commitments. Please contact me for further information about how I have actively defended, and continue to defend, teachers’ rights.