Sea to Sky Teachers’ Association Suite 104-40775 Tantalus Road, Squamish, BC V8B 0N2 Phone 604-892-3056 Fax 604-892-2296

. . . . . Please visit our website at: www.bctf.ca/ssta . . . .

March 18, 2016

Steve LloydSSTA President

604-892-3056 lp48@bctf.ca

the voice of the SSTA: make yours heard

President ReportAs we head into Spring Break it’s great to imagine get-ting more sleep, taking a long deep breath before forging ahead to the end of school year 2015/16. It’s a rather peculiar moment to report out from the SSTA office: will you the reader see this immediately, when many are quite tired (at least); maybe a week from now, somewhat refreshed; or all charged up just before or just after returning to classes? You know – that time when – certainly the more ‘experienced’ among us - look five years younger than we did two weeks ago?

‘What has the SSTA/BCTF done for me lately?’ is a ques-tion heard here and there, more in recent years than years past. Every member’s interests are fundamental. At least half of every day is spent on individual mem-bers’ concerns in the SSTA office.

It’s also important to examine the question for a mo-ment from another perspective. I was reminded this week of a primary source and promotion machine that seeks to have us think much more individually than col-lectively, that over decades has turned many minds. A current example puts the matter into clear relief.

At the 100th BCTF AGM last weekend, a motion was passed with near-unanimity demanding the resignation of the Minister of Child and Family Development, after the death of yet another young person who had recently ‘aged out’ of Ministry care. As so many of us have been speaking loudly about for a very long time and the ma-jority of you know, most children in Ministry care, the most vulnerable children in our population, are pretty much entirely ‘dropped’ at age 19.

There were frustrated tears around the room as the motion passed to thunderous approval. Another young person had died who we as a society had failed. As out-going BCTF President Jim Iker told the meeting and news cameras afterward, publicizing our call, teachers see those children every day. We know them. We try to help them. And we suffer, seeing them suffering. We want

something done about it. Right now. Before the next tragedy, to try to prevent it. We have to try.

The Minister’s response on camera revealed everything about her government’s attitude toward the BCTF, to-ward unions, toward any collective action in society at all – a society that one of their icons Margaret Thatcher long ago denied exists. The Minister’s response was to characterize the demand of 800 representatives on be-half of tens of thousands of BCTF members as the de-mand of “a few individuals,” continuing on to speak in contrast about “the teachers I talk to” who presumably are just fine with it all.

‘The only thing that matters is what happens to me’ is partially convincing because in part, it’s completely true. Indeed it’s through attention to their individual problems that many present-day BCTF activists and lead-ers awoke to the welcome realization that they have an important, meaning powerful in the sense of protection, ‘friend.’

Everything that can be done will be done for you when you need it. It’s an absolute commitment. Not all resolu-tions are quick, not all complete, not all even succeed, but a real attempt will be made – and a great many tick all of those boxes. I know that many SSTA members could attest to experiencing that.

Some big ones, though, affect us all. Those occupy the other half of every day. The pressure of underfunding and overwork, the multiplied challenges of meeting all of the needs as resources are gutted, can – and histori-cally does – turn people in situations like ours inward and/or upon each other. Considering ‘What has the union done for all of us?’ can help a little. The answer ‘Quite a bit’ is not only true but it reminds us immediately of the other part, ‘And we did it together.’

Have a wonderful Spring Break.

Registration open! Please sign up ASAP so we can get a better idea of our numbers.

www.bctf.ca/ssta

Upcoming EventsThursday, April 7th 8:45am SSTA Offi ceExec & Staff Rep Training

Friday, April 15th 9:00 - 3:00 HSSPD Day 2016 - “Now What?!”

Friday, April 15th (after our PD Day!) 3:10pm HSSAnnual General MeetingHot Topics: > SSTA Executive Elections> 2016-2017 Budget

Wednesday, February 17th 3:45 - 5:00 SSTA, SHE, MPCSPD Committee Meeting

Looking to your Union for supportNothing makes me happier than when I hear the knock on my classroom door early in the day and a young teacher—maybe someone on a temporary contract, or TTOC—peers in and asks, “Do you have minute? I have a question for you.”

Because I’ve been a staff rep, and now SSTA Vice-President, more often than not, those questions are ones about contract and employment practices. And what makes me so happy is that this young teacher sees the union as the organization to look after his or her rights, and I breathe a gentle sigh and say, “Of, course. Come in.”

I’ve been involved in the union since my arrival in SD48. It was what we did. Most of the young teachers who were hired with me attended meetings and got involved, and many of them still are. SSTA activities—whether they were meetings or celebrations—were well attended. It was what we did.

Although over the past 15 years, participation in the union seems to be petering off, the knock on the door reminds me that even if it’s quiet and understated, teachers know their union is working for them. And I know that if I can help someone, that teacher will, at some point, want to turn around and do something similar for another young teacher following behind. With every bit of advice I offer, I see a union activist in the making.

Protecting teachers’ interests is, of course, the main purpose of the BCTF and SSTA. The union is there to ensure that a fair

contract is negotiated and upheld. That contract, our Collective Agreement, is terms of employment that we enter into with our employer. It is in both the teachers’ and employer’s interest to see those terms upheld.

But the BCTF is so much more than simply a union to protect teachers’ rights. It is an advocate for education, and, increasingly, it seems that the BCTF has become the only credible voice for public education in the province. Our strike in 2014 was, we all know, about services for the students. We stood strong and although we haven’t won yet, our voices were heard and we will win.

It’s incredible to think that the BCTF is 100 years old. In January of 1917, the Federation was created with mission “to foster and promote the cause of education,” “to raise the status of the teaching profession in BC,” and “to promote the welfare of the teachers of BC.” Now, 100 years later these principles still guide us.

So to those young teachers, knock on my door anytime. I’ve got a century of history supporting me, and I know that you will ensure there will be another century as we move public education forward in this province.

Paul DemersSSTA Vice-President

SSTA Delegates at BCTF 100th AGM!The SSTA was represented by Steve Lloyd, Carl Walker, Beth Miller, John Hall, Heather Sallows and Alexandra McLean. One of the celebrations at the meeting consisted of honouring almost a dozen past presidents of the BCTF, and the SSTA delegation included three of our own past presidents!

Professional Development

- April Lowe, pd48@bctf.ca -

Curriculum Implementation DaysBritish Columbia is at the top of the best performing education systems in the world. BC teachers are among the best in the world. This new curriculum, written by teachers, will help to keep us learning and moving forward. Having said that, it is a massive undertaking as this is the fi rst time that the curriculum has been rewritten in its entirety. In addition, it breaks from tradition in that it is no longer a check list of learning outcomes but instead focuses on the “BIG IDEAS.” As well, it is a shift away from content and towards concept through the inclusion of core competencies. All of this is new and requires teachers be given the time to process the changes and continue to provide the best learning environments for our students.

We have just completed our fi rst two days of the curriculum implementation process. From all reports, the days were useful and productive. Teachers embraced the opportunity to collaborate both with colleagues from their own building as well as with others from across the district. Day One provided an overview of how the new curriculum was designed and how best to navigate it. Teachers were given the support and guidance by teams of teachers who lead them through a very structured day. Day two allowed teachers the opportunity to build on their learning from day one, and with lessened guidance, utilize the new curriculum to build a unit of study using “Backward Design” as their tool. The learning environments at all three sites were buzzing.

Thank you to all those involved in both the design of and the implementation of these two days. Your leadership was invaluable to the process and your skills are applauded. Thank you to all those who participated in the two days as your enthusiasm and dedication to your craft is what puts education in BC at the very top.

SSTA AGM 2016

President – a 1.0 FTE position; tasks include bargaining and grievance administration, budget, communication with members, representing teacher views to the Board of Education, board staff, parents and other education partner groups.

Vice President – takes on the responsibilities of the president in his/her absence.

Local Representative – is a voice representing the SSTA at the provincial level; attends the BCTF AGM and 3 BCTF Rep Assemblies to vote on provincial issues.

Professional Development Chair – a 0.2 FTE position; works with the PD Committee to plan and execute the SSTA Pro-D Day every year; administers the SSTA PD fund; attends 2 BCTF Zone meetings in Vancouver annually.

Bargaining and Grievance Chair – provides support and advice as grievances arise, and during bargaing cycles; attends 2 BCTF Zone meetings in Vancouver annually.

Secretary-Treasurer – takes minutes during all SSTA meetings; provides advice regarding SSTA budget matters.

Social Justice Chair – works to promote local awareness of and improvements to social justice issues including poverty, human rights, and environmental sustainability; attends 2 BCTF Zone meetings in Vancouver annually.

Public Relations / Labour Liaison Chair – promotes SSTA and BCTF views in the public eye through media and election campaigns; works with other local labour groups to promote workers’ rights in the community.

Health and Safety Chair – attends monthly District Health and Safety committee meetings; advocates on behalf of teachers on workplace health and safety issues; attends 2 BCTF Zone meetings in Vancouver annually.

Aboriginal Education Chair – works to promote local awareness of and improvements to Ab Ed issues such as employment equity and Aboriginal student achievement; attends 2 BCTF Zone meetings in Vancouver annually.

Our AGM will be April 15, immediately following the PD Day at Howe Sound Secondary. As usual we’ll be called upon to elect our local offi cers. We are always looking for volunteers to help us do the important work of supporting teachers in Sea to Sky. Please let us know if you are interested in running for any of the following positions:

Please consider putting your name forward for one of these important and rewarding jobs. Contact the SSTA offi ce for more information on any of these positions.

Our current language gives teachers the right to meet with their principal to discuss their proposed assignment and requires that consideration be given to several factors in teacher assignment. This provision is a necessary limita-tion on administrative power over teachers.

ARTICLE E.20 TEACHER ASSIGNMENT – IN SCHOOL (ALTERED BY LEGISLATION)

1. Teacher assignment within a school shall take into consideration (but not be limited to) such factors as qualifi cations, training, experience, and personal preference of the teacher.

2. In developing the time-table for teachers’ assignments, consideration shall be given to (but not be limited to) such factors as:

a. the number of course preparations;

b. the number of subject areas;

c. the teaching locations;

3. The Principal, where applicable, shall give the school staff the opportunity for consultation concerning teacher assignments for the subsequent school year, and hold a meeting (or meetings) for that purpose.

4. Upon request of the teacher, the Principal shall meet with the teacher, and a colleague of the teacher’s choice, to discuss and reconsider the teacher’s proposed assignment.

5. Where practicable, teachers will be advised by June 15 each year of their intended assignments for the following school year.

6. A teacher given responsibility outside a regularly scheduled class for provision of educational services to one or more home education children shall be given appropriate time or assistance to provide such services.

Know Your Contract - Art. E. 20 Teacher Assignment